4 Ways to Increase Your Home’s Value Using Marble
All homeowners are prospective property investors at heart, particularly those who make home improvements based on their potential for increasing home equity. Home improvements made with natural stone will always add value to residential properties, and marble has always been considered one of the best stones for homeowners who seek to boost the value of their investments. The timeless elegance and durability of marble can be seen in ancient Greek and Roman ruins as well as in castles and luxury hotels around the world. Here are four ways installing marble can increase residential property values.
1. Flooring
As one of the most desirable features in a home, marble flooring is something home appraisers immediately notice. Real estate agents always make sure to mention marble floors when they compose property descriptions on the Multiple Listing Service because they know homebuyers with deeper pockets are likely to search for such features. In homes with open floor plans where the living room meets a designer kitchen, marble floors are very attractive. In the case of a foyer, marble flooring can be accented with veneers arranged over the entry arch.
2. Countertops
Similar to marble flooring, marble countertops are also sought by prospective homebuyers who are willing to spend more money to acquire properties. Marble countertops in bathrooms are a very nice touch, but they are even more dramatic in the kitchen, particularly if they top a center island or a wet bar. To add even more value to a home, a marble countertop installation can be enhanced with fancy edges and waterfall designs that flow vertically. Marble countertops look very nice with a brushed finish that is easy to clean.
3. Showers & Surrounds
Shower stalls and bathtub surrounds made of marble are the epitome of elegance. Some homeowners shy away from this upgrade because they think marble is prone to getting water stains. While marble tends to be very porous and absorbent, the key to keeping it free of stains in the tub and shower is to frequently seal it. These days, homeowners don’t have to worry about calling in professionals to reseal the marble in their showers or tubs.They can do it themselves with a marble and granite sealer formulated for frequent household use.
4. Dramatic Touches
A fireplace surround, posts, columns, or even a staircase are examples of dramatic touches and bold accents that can be made with marble. Instead of tiles or slabs, these accents can be made with remnants cut into veneers. Perhaps the ultimate marble touch in your home would be to take it outside to decorate part of a summer kitchen or make a garden path. In these cases, a brushed and textured finish should be applied instead of a polished look.
To learn more about caring for marble and other types of natural stone such as granite, bluestone, slate, and flagstone, reach out to the Stone Care Experts at Granite Gold®. Give us a call today at 1–800–475-STONE (7866).
