| (NewsUSA) - Despite the sputtering economy, | | | | few other improvements can," said Distelhorst. "No |
| consumer spending on home renovation remains | | | | other countertop surface can measure up to granite in |
| healthy. Across the nation, homeowners are investing | | | | terms of practicality, timeless beauty, durability and |
| in home remodeling projects - especially kitchen | | | | safety. This natural stone has held its value in ways |
| makeovers - either to make their homes more | | | | more trendy materials have not." |
| appealing to buyers or more comfortable and | | | | Consumers continue to invest confidently in kitchen |
| enjoyable while they ride out the housing slump. | | | | makeovers because the projects typically increase the |
| And one of the most popular home improvements is, | | | | resale value of their homes. In the last five years, |
| once again, granite countertops. | | | | kitchen remodeling projects have generally returned 80 |
| A recent study of 10,000 consumers, conducted by | | | | to 85 percent of consumers' investments, according to |
| the Research Institute for Cooking and Kitchen | | | | the "Cost versus Value Report" from Remodeling |
| Intelligence, found that kitchen renovations remain at | | | | magazine. |
| the top of the list for consumers seeking to add value | | | | Because kitchen renovations increase resale values, |
| to their homes. When the study asked homeowners, | | | | experts agree that if consumers can only afford to |
| "If you were changing your kitchen now and had no | | | | renovate one room in their homes, it should be the |
| budget constraints, what improvement would you | | | | kitchen. In fact, an all-new kitchen "that looks great and |
| make?" granite countertops were among the kitchen | | | | is fun to work in" was the top priority of 2,200 home |
| features they coveted most. | | | | enthusiasts surveyed recently by Better Homes and |
| Many consumers are tightening their belts but remain | | | | Gardens magazine. |
| eager for granite countertops, according to Garis | | | | "What we've discovered is that the home continues to |
| Distelhorst, executive vice president of the Marble | | | | be our emotional center and the sweet spot of |
| Institute of America, the nation's leading natural stone | | | | everyday life," said Gayle Butler, Better Home's editor |
| association. | | | | in chief. "Economic uncertainty aside, we won't stop |
| "Historically, consumers recognize that granite | | | | spending, improving and dreaming. |
| countertops enhance the value of a home in ways | | | | |