The
Greater Toronto Area (GTA) housing market is booming. This lively environment is exciting for
buyers and sellers alike. Interested in increasing
the re-sale value of your home? Many
realtors agree – it is quality upgrades that can take an otherwise unremarkable
home to the next level. A savvy
homebuyer has a keen eye for detail, and is looking for upgrades that add value
and are long-lasting.
It's in the Details
A
high-value home contains custom details, premium features and quality
workmanship that make it special. One quality upgrade that is highly
sought after by homeowners is natural stone.
Floors, countertops and tub surrounds are a few of the places homebuyers
prefer stone to Formica or other synthetic materials.
Granite is #1 with
Homebuyers
Renowned
for its natural beauty, granite is especially known for its role in increasing
a home's market value. Tremendously
durable and able to withstand extreme temperatures, granite is highly
functional. It's also attractive and
long-lasting, making it a very smart choice financially. When looking at adding upgrades to your home
one thing is sure - a beautiful granite element is a sound investment.
Try Tile for Big Value
Adding
special touches in a kitchen, bathroom or other area can really up your home's
"Wow" factor. Don't want to invest in a solid granite
piece? Many homeowners are turning to a cheaper
alternative that adds just as much allure – tile. A granite tiled floor, tub surround,
fireplace, kitchen backsplash or outdoor element adds a definite air of
elegance. Granite tiles are a win-win
for those who desire both design, and functionality. They are also available at a lower cost.
Things to Think About When
Considering Tile
One
of the most appealing aspects of tile is that it's highly customizable.
Tile can serve as functional, decorative or both! If desired, a
tiled element in a home can make a real statement. When thinking about
purchasing and installing tile, there are many things to consider.
Look
Granite tile colors can be
subtle (earth tones), or very bold and eye-catching (salmon, or electric blue).
Tile placement can also add drama to a
room or hallway. Try alternating
different colored tiles to make a visually interesting floor or backsplash.
Environment and Usage Level
Floor tile needs to be
able to withstand more consistent weight and the possibility of falling objects.
A granite tiled floor or countertop will need to be sealed more often than a
merely decorative piece. Moisture levels in the area might be a
consideration as well, so take this into account when choosing your tile.
Grout color & Type
Grout color gives you
another opportunity to add flair. A bright white grout against dark tiles
is stark and beautiful, while gray and black colored grouts are gaining
popularity as well. This is yet another way that granite tile can be
customized to create a look that's truly unique. The moisture level in the installation area will
determine the type of grout used. Sanded grout and epoxy grouts are both
viable options that you can explore with your tile installer.
Tile Size
Larger tiles are typically
better for larger areas, like floors. However,
for borders, backsplashes and other accents, tile sizes can be mixed and matched,
placing the tiles in intricate patterns.