What is the Big Deal about Granite Countertops

**Palooka** · 12-14-2010, 01:29 AM

I don't get it. Almost every time I watch House Hunters, this is brought up...

Like OMG, the rooms and closets are perfect..but the kitchen doesn't have granite countertops..how will I ever function in the kitchen?

Someone fill me in.

**Lindsey** · 12-14-2010, 03:20 AM

I don't have them, but one of my MILs does. I LOVE how I can take stuff right out of the oven and put it on them, I also like how you can use them as a cutting board.

I think for people that don't cook as much as we do; it's a fashion/style thing.

**rebecca** · 12-14-2010, 04:03 AM

I may be wrong but I heard that you have to be careful what you clean the granite counter tops with. May have heard wrong or been misinformed. I like the look of granite counter tops but don't want to pay the price of what they cost.

**MaryCarney** · 12-14-2010, 04:29 AM

No kidding! I mean, they're pretty and all, but I've got better things to spend my $$ on.
PLUS - how about all these families with one toddler who suddenly find that 3200 square feet is 'cramped'!! It just kills me.

**ladykemma2** · 12-14-2010, 04:57 AM

"oh, it doesn't have stainless appliances..." whine.

gee, are these people coached ahead of time?

**Dancing Lotus** · 12-14-2010, 07:34 AM

Oh I can't stand stainless steal appliances. Makes the kitchen look so cold, and not to mention the finger prints and streaks. NO thank you. As for granite I like them but it's not a make or brake deal.

**pat in east texas** · 12-14-2010, 07:42 AM

If I ever redo my kitchen, I'll have corian countertops. The counter by the stove will have a shallow channel routed into it, about 1/3 inch wide, to put eggs on so they don't roll off.

**monkeywrangler71** · 12-14-2010, 07:57 AM

Okay, the thing that gets me on House Hunters is the double vanity - "Ooh look it has the double sinks we were looking for", "Well, it's nice, but it doesn't have the double sink", "Look honey, double sinks!" EVERY FREAKING COUPLE talks about double sinks in the bathroom.

Am I the only person in the world who goes to the bathroom ALONE!?!?

ETA: My mother has a granite countertop in the bathroom and you have to polish it constantly, every spot shows

**jas** · 12-14-2010, 08:18 AM

Originally Posted by monkeywrangler71

Okay, the thing that gets me on House Hunters is the double vanity - "Ooh look it has the double sinks we were looking for", "Well, it's nice, but it doesn't have the double sink", "Look honey, double sinks!" EVERY FREAKING COUPLE talks about double sinks in the bathroom.

Am I the only person in the world who goes to the bathroom ALONE!?!?

ETA: My mother has a granite countertop in the bathroom and you have to polish it constantly, every spot shows

I know what you mean! I guess my house would be on the list of too small master bathroom. It is big enough for it to function, it does not have double sinks, just one with a counter height vanity, a toilet and a shower that is large. No fancy bathtub. There is one in the hall bathroom. I don't use that either, except to shave my legs. We do have a linen closet in the bathroom. It is updated with new vanity and sink, but according to that show people would just shake their head and say no way Jose.

We just did redid the kitchen and did put in black granite countertops they looks great, but to have them look shiny and not streaky after I wipe off the countertops I have to dry them with a towel or they look horrible. All water droppy and streaky. It does not take that long to do and it is worth the difference it makes. With granite that has more variation in it you probably don't have to do that, but with solid black everything shows. Even more than white. At least I know when something is on them.

Also the sq footage of my house would not compare to those that got cramps in 3600 sq feet my house is only 1650 with 4 bed/2bath
It is plenty big for the four of us.

I could not imagine paying the utilities for those huge places!! That is where I would say "No Way Jose!"

**Darlene** · 12-14-2010, 08:36 AM

"Travertine" "tray ceilings" "Closets too small, I can't even fit my shoes in here... what closet are you going to use honey?" I think you have too many shoes & clothes lady. Hubby and I share a one door closet that's super small.
"Bathrooms too small and there are only 3 of them." Well how about one bathroom with no vanity and a regular tub and toilet? Truth be told I do long for those nice showers with the rain shower heads & the jets though, lmao.
"I'm not sure our bed will fit in here & there isn't a sitting area." I sleep and get dressed in my room, not sit around on sofas watch tv and entertain guests. I do that in the living room.
Sure it's their money they are probably over extending themselves with but man, many just sound so kingly. I'm glad I'm happy with the basics.

**stinkbug** · 12-14-2010, 08:39 AM

I have granite...it's nice and easy to clean. The house came with it, it was in no way on our *list* Dh and I both get ready at the same time in the morning, and we have double sinks...also nice, but we had them in our 70's ranch house too. As for utilities...this house costs LESS to heat and cool than our old house that was 1/2 the size. It is better built, better insulated, better windows, better HVAC system, etc.
The big thing on my must have list was a utility room!!! That was a big selling point for me with this house....

**annymoll** · 12-14-2010, 08:56 AM

Our house does not have granite countertops.I was never so silly as to put a hot pan on the countertop, and I don't have the need to.I think they look nice in new modern homes and would be a sell for many.Not my type of home.We do have app.5,000 sq. feet and two people living here.We have our own bathrooms, each with one sink.I am glad, I don't want to share a bathroom with anyone.To each his own.

**McD** · 12-14-2010, 09:08 AM

I love double sinks. I do my business in private, however, hubby and I are often in the bathroom getting ready, doing makeup, brushing teeth, etc. at the same time.

**frugalwarrior2** · 12-14-2010, 09:13 AM

No, in 25 years of marriage we have never been in the bathroom at the same time.
And I don't want granite w/ pets and kids. We're going to use our kitchen.

**jas** · 12-14-2010, 09:23 AM

At this point in my life if I was looking for a new house these would be on my wish list.

Bright sunny eat in kitchen
Large pantry (I use a spare room now)
Large utility room (mine is in the garage now)

I would want things updated. We have owned two houses so far and have done a ton of work on both, I would want to take a break from that if we could.