Importance of a budget: Why budgets matter and how we can help
If you’re looking to renovate your kitchen or bathroom with marble, granite, or quartz countertops, you most likely have an idea of how much you’re planning to invest in your countertops! Budgets are crucial aspects of any type of renovation. Budgets help the homeowner find the perfect countertop while maintaining their expectations!
Why it is important to disclose your budget to your Marble Granite World sales representative
Often when we ask a homeowner, “Is there a budget you’d like to stay around or under?”, we’re asking this for two reasons. First, because your sales representative generally knows how different costs stack up throughout a countertop renovation, so we can help customers allocate their money to different areas. Second, your sales representative is familiar with the extensive inventory network between our suppliers, which can be overwhelming without some guidance based on budget. With both natural and engineered stone countertops, the prices can vary widely based on patterns, suppliers, and the amount of material needed. By disclosing to us the amount you’d like to spend on your countertops, we can help narrow down the available options to help you find a material that matches both your budget and style. By disclosing your budget, it allows us to help you to the best of our ability, whether that’s thinking creatively to use remnants, contacting our suppliers to see if they have something available, or working with something to find you the perfect countertop.
When homeowners are reluctant to share their budget, it can lead to unexpected quotes that could be discouraging to homeowners. We have over 200 different quartz samples in our showroom and close to 50 unique natural stone colors in our slab yard. If we don’t know a rough budget, we could be looking at the most expensive options and quoting you for stone colors that are well beyond what you’re looking to spend on countertops. This often leads to sticker shock when the homeowners receive the quote, resulting in a discouraged homeowner. If you receive a high quote that’s well over budget, the best thing to do is to go back to your sales representative and let them know the budget you want to respect and the look you’re seeking. Sometimes finding the perfect countertop in your price range takes multiple visits to the showroom!
Realistic Expectations
The first thing for a realistic budget is understanding the product you’re purchasing. Make sure to do research on marble, granite, and quartz countertops before you start your project. Granite is currently the most affordable option, followed by quartz and then marble. Other stones, such as soapstone or quartzite, typically range in price, but tend to be higher priced than granite, since they are a bit more exotic. Soapstone is typically the price of a mid-range granite. If you know you have a very limited budget, but you are looking for a very specific color scheme, you might set yourself up to be disappointed at the options in your price range. Instead, one of the best things is to have an open mind to all the options available in your price range, and work with your sales representative to create a look that you love at a price you can afford. Marble Granite World constantly works with contractors, designers, and homeowners to create a variety of styles!
Understanding Budgets
Let’s understand some budgets. At Marble Granite World, the prices for marble, granite, and quartz countertops are based on square footage. This means that as the homeowner, you will only pay for the square footage necessary for your renovation.
The first thing you’ll want to consider is just how much materials you’ll need. Let’s say you’re working with a 60 square foot kitchen (a 60 square foot kitchen would be considered a medium-to-large kitchen by our standards). Our lowest starting price for granite countertops is $40.00 a square foot. With a 60 square foot kitchen, for a Level 1 Granite, you’ll need to anticipate $2,400.00 as a base cost of your countertop project. At Marble Granite World, this $40.00 per square foot cost is includes the material as well as our entire fabrication process. This includes a laser templating appointment where one of our technicians will come to your job site and take a laser measurement of your space. This also includes the fabrication and installation of your new countertops. Now that the material is taken care of, don’t forget that you need to consider the sink, faucet, and backsplash. These are areas where you can splurge or save, depending on your budget and style!
We want all homeowners to feel excited, confident, and comfortable with their home renovation project! The best way to start the process is by creating a realistic budget for your renovation, doing your research on the type of stone you want and the price for that look, and working directly with your sales staff so that they can provide the best possible experience for you. Marble Granite World sales representatives have valuable experience working with homeowner budgets, and we’re here to help you get the best value for your investment.
