https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Sun, 26 Apr 2026 01:22:21 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/would-these-cupboards-look-weird-with-a-quartz-countertop#post-2841353 Thu, 23 Aug 2018 14:01:27 +0000 periwinklebee 2841353@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@agold: Thank you!</p> <p>@lioneyes: Thank you, super helpful to have the perspective of a real estate professional!</p> <p>@Becky: Good point about the appliances. I just had to google what counts as a dated appliance - I didn't even know what a typical lifespan is :silly: Apparently in our area it's fairly common for contracts to include a provision for an allowance for the buyers to replace appliances, so it's not something the sellers apparently generally need to worry about unless it's really an eyesore, but good point that without new appliances it could detract from the value of other updates. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/would-these-cupboards-look-weird-with-a-quartz-countertop#post-2841347 Thu, 23 Aug 2018 13:37:28 +0000 Becky 2841347@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I think this really depends on where you live. Where I am, I would paint the cabinets (easy and inexpensive), and probably do a Corian countertop. Small kitchen improvements go super far, but before doing anything you should look at comps in the area and also consider the rest of the kitchen (is fixing the counters and countertops worth it if the appliances and fixtures are outdated?). </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/would-these-cupboards-look-weird-with-a-quartz-countertop#post-2841342 Thu, 23 Aug 2018 13:17:16 +0000 lioneyes 2841342@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>As a realtor, I would say just paint the wood part of the cabinets white so it's all cohesive (make sure it's a white that matches correctly, a paint counter/store should be able to help with that- you might have to bring them a cabinet front). I think you just want a clean look where the outdatedness doesn't JUMP out at the buyer- I don't think replacing the counters will get you the ROI you want (and it's a huge hassle). And I agree with those talking about a backsplash- adding one is pretty easy/inexpensive relatively and will help make your kitchen look, if not updated but unobtrusive. And finally, make sure there's nothing out on your counters (including countertop appliances like coffeemaker/toaster) for pictures/showings! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/would-these-cupboards-look-weird-with-a-quartz-countertop#post-2841340 Thu, 23 Aug 2018 13:13:50 +0000 agold 2841340@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>The only way I would consider replacing the counters is if this is condo type home and there are lots for sale that aren't selling quick, i.e., if its an entry level home and you want yours to appeal to buyers over other condos that aren't selling quick. Maybe the people buying your condo won't have money to fix anything up and then they will just be happy to have a nice new quartz counter top. (That would have been me when I first bought my condo!) Good luck with whatever you do! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/would-these-cupboards-look-weird-with-a-quartz-countertop#post-2841276 Thu, 23 Aug 2018 09:44:40 +0000 periwinklebee 2841276@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@avivoca: Thank you! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/would-these-cupboards-look-weird-with-a-quartz-countertop#post-2841257 Thu, 23 Aug 2018 08:28:26 +0000 avivoca 2841257@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I absolutely would not put quartz on those cabinets. If anything, I'd probably replace the door fronts. You *can* paint them, but I don't know how well they would hold up. </p> <p>But if it were me, I would price it accordingly knowing the kitchen is dated and just make sure it is clean. There are other things you can do to update, like having a nice faucet or doing a backsplash that compliments (like maybe white subway tile) instead of splurging for fancy stone countertops. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/would-these-cupboards-look-weird-with-a-quartz-countertop#post-2841255 Thu, 23 Aug 2018 08:21:59 +0000 periwinklebee 2841255@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Modern Daisy: @Ajsmommy: Thank you all - this is really helpful!</p> <p>@Littlebit7: That's a great idea about a mock up! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/would-these-cupboards-look-weird-with-a-quartz-countertop#post-2841253 Thu, 23 Aug 2018 08:14:19 +0000 Littlebit7 2841253@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Quartz on those would be lipstick on a pig (haha). But to be serious, I think a buyer would be turned off. Maybe include a mock up of what the gutted kitchen *could* look like if your broker or a friend is a savvy enough to do that. Buyers often can’t visualize a space and instead see work, time and money. Maybe direct your broker to say something along the lines of “we are aware the kitchen needs a gut and the the apartment is priced to reflect that”. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/would-these-cupboards-look-weird-with-a-quartz-countertop#post-2841240 Thu, 23 Aug 2018 07:00:53 +0000 Ajsmommy 2841240@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm a big advocate for leaving as is and just leaving room in the price to neg down to "include" a kitchen upgrade. </p> <p>My reason is that if you were to change it (both or just the countertops) who's to say the new buyers would even like it?? and they may want to change it again</p> <p>We are going to put our house on the market as is and keep in mind that the new buyers might want to upgrade some stuff so we fully expect them to try to negotiate using them. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/would-these-cupboards-look-weird-with-a-quartz-countertop#post-2841225 Thu, 23 Aug 2018 05:19:58 +0000 Modern Daisy 2841225@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>There are so many variations of granite that you *might* be able to find something that looks okay with those cabinets but.. those cabinets. They would still be an eyesore especially next to new granite I think it’s putting good money after bad. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/would-these-cupboards-look-weird-with-a-quartz-countertop#post-2841202 Wed, 22 Aug 2018 20:25:09 +0000 periwinklebee 2841202@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Raspberry: @Sams Mom: @Mrs. Toad: @petitenoisette: Thank you all - super helpful! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/would-these-cupboards-look-weird-with-a-quartz-countertop#post-2841134 Wed, 22 Aug 2018 14:25:27 +0000 Sams Mom 2841134@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>When we were house hunting we looked at a house with a VERY dated kitchen. The sellers had it on the table to give a credit to the buyers so they could get what they want instead of updating it as cheap as possible and making it no more desirable (or to niche) for a buyer. </p> <p>Maybe consider that, because I would definitely want different cabinets than that, and even if I liked the quartz it wouldn't be easy to pull it off and reuse, or if it's a major reno maybe I wouldn't even have the same footprint of cupboards. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/would-these-cupboards-look-weird-with-a-quartz-countertop#post-2841133 Wed, 22 Aug 2018 14:20:39 +0000 Mrs. Toad 2841133@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Honestly, I've read that most of the time you get back somewhere between 50-80% of what you spend. I would just make sure that it is clean, serviceable and showing its best and not do any major upgrades.</p> <p>If you are doing an upgrade to enjoy, go ahead. If you are merely doing this to get a higher sale, the higher sale price of the home may not be enough to compensate for the cost of the renovation. </p> <p>Overall, it's what I have heard in general. Your market may vary. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/would-these-cupboards-look-weird-with-a-quartz-countertop#post-2841132 Wed, 22 Aug 2018 14:18:03 +0000 petitenoisette 2841132@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Agree that it would look weird. That would actually annoy me as a buyer, I’d feel like I was paying money for a nonsensical update. I would leave as is. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/would-these-cupboards-look-weird-with-a-quartz-countertop#post-2841113 Wed, 22 Aug 2018 13:13:06 +0000 Raspberry 2841113@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Agree that I would look at the cupboards and assume everything needed replacing, so seems like a waste to do new counters. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/would-these-cupboards-look-weird-with-a-quartz-countertop#post-2841111 Wed, 22 Aug 2018 13:09:57 +0000 periwinklebee 2841111@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@kiddosc: p.s. no backsplash, will think more about that! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/would-these-cupboards-look-weird-with-a-quartz-countertop#post-2841109 Wed, 22 Aug 2018 13:08:45 +0000 periwinklebee 2841109@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@kiddosc: Thank you! Yes I think so, they are MDF in the center - hadn't realized they couldn't be resurfaced. Completely tearing out all the cupboards seems like a huge job, especially since they go all the way up to the 14 foot ceilings. </p> <p>@BadgerMom: Thank you! Maybe it's a sign I should find a different real estate agent :silly: </p> <p>@looch: Thank you!</p> <p>@pachamama: I have heard the best place to invest for home value is kitchen and master bath... not sure how those returns vary across markets... </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/would-these-cupboards-look-weird-with-a-quartz-countertop#post-2841104 Wed, 22 Aug 2018 13:00:49 +0000 BadgerMom 2841104@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I wouldn't spend a lot on counters for dated cupboards. And with those type of cupboards there is no easy fix (ie. paint) to bring them up to date for you or the buyer. As a buyer I wouldn't give the money you spend on counters any value because I'd look at the kitchen and say I'd have to replace the cupboards anyway, which would end up tearing out the brand new counters. I think I'd focus on styling your kitchen; make it as clean and tidy as possible, remove any and all counter appliances, clutter, etc. </p> <p>With that said, your realtor presumably knows your market/buyers better than I do... </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/would-these-cupboards-look-weird-with-a-quartz-countertop#post-2841103 Wed, 22 Aug 2018 12:59:08 +0000 kiddosc 2841103@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm inclined to say just leave the countertop and maybe add some hardware to the cabinets to update them a bit. They look like melamine cabinets, which means you can't easily just refinish them. Is there a backsplash? Or what does that area look like? I feel like updating a backsplash area may have more of a visual impact. </p> <p>As a buyer I wouldn't feel like a nice countertop on top of old cabinets was an improvement. I'd have to tear out the new countertop to update the cabinets and feel like it would be a wasted update. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/would-these-cupboards-look-weird-with-a-quartz-countertop#post-2841099 Wed, 22 Aug 2018 12:55:37 +0000 looch 2841099@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>If I were a buyer and I saw quartz on top of those countertops, I would think that was a complete waste! I wouldn't bother doing anything. I really don't think that kind of expenditure is going to get you anything extra in terms of sale price. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/would-these-cupboards-look-weird-with-a-quartz-countertop#post-2841097 Wed, 22 Aug 2018 12:51:38 +0000 pachamama 2841097@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>What she said ^^^ It would be a waste to put nice countertops on the tops of those outdated covers. You could maybe paint them white and add updated fixtures if you didn't want to dump a lot of money in? But my realtor friend is always saying you really get back a lot on whatever improvements you do in the kitchen. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/would-these-cupboards-look-weird-with-a-quartz-countertop#post-2841095 Wed, 22 Aug 2018 12:50:45 +0000 periwinklebee 2841095@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrsbells: Thank you! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/would-these-cupboards-look-weird-with-a-quartz-countertop#post-2841094 Wed, 22 Aug 2018 12:50:22 +0000 periwinklebee 2841094@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@NorthStar: Yeah, this makes a lot of sense. This was exactly my concern. I don't know if there's a quick fix here - either we need to properly redo it - which presumably would appeal to buyers who want move in ready - or leave as is so buyers can do what they want... </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/would-these-cupboards-look-weird-with-a-quartz-countertop#post-2841093 Wed, 22 Aug 2018 12:47:50 +0000 Mrsbells 2841093@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@periwinklebee: I would replace both the cabinet doors and the countertop. It will really change the look of the space </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/would-these-cupboards-look-weird-with-a-quartz-countertop#post-2841091 Wed, 22 Aug 2018 12:47:34 +0000 NorthStar 2841091@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@periwinklebee: I completely get it. Redoing a kitchen is a lot of work and expensive! I just think that might be something the new owners would redo anyway, so if they redo the cupboards, wouldn't they want to pick new counters at the same time? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/would-these-cupboards-look-weird-with-a-quartz-countertop#post-2841090 Wed, 22 Aug 2018 12:46:20 +0000 periwinklebee 2841090@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@NorthStar: Yeah, it would not have been my choice of cupboards - I disliked it when we moved in but didn't want to spend the time/money to change it, then I got used to it. :silly: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/would-these-cupboards-look-weird-with-a-quartz-countertop#post-2841083 Wed, 22 Aug 2018 12:38:42 +0000 NorthStar 2841083@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'd say either leave it the way it is or you'd have to redo all the cupboard fronts, along with stone counters. That style of cupboard front is so 80s (sorry! lol), so I agree that the two styles might not look the greatest together (the current look + new counters). I can see where she is coming from, but I do think it would look odd. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/would-these-cupboards-look-weird-with-a-quartz-countertop#post-2841079 Wed, 22 Aug 2018 12:36:12 +0000 periwinklebee 2841079@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We're planning to sell our current place sometime in the near future. A real estate agent recommended replacing the laminate countertops in the kitchen with quartz to increase value, but not worrying about changing the cupboards. However, given that the white laminate in the cupboards matches the countertops, I'm worried this won't actually look better. My personal tastes aren't really relevant though, as we're doing it for resale value. Thoughts on whether it would look better with stone countertops? It's a galley style kitchen... </p> [attach=7370/18/pdvi8c.450x600.IMG_1385.jpg]