Watch: Granite vs. Quartz Countertops in the Kitchen

Some homeowners simply want to create a more enjoyable living space. Others are looking to make improvements before putting their home on the market.

Glen Borkowski, president of DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen in Orland Park, works with his clients to help them find that desired “sweet spot” so when they make improvements they will get an adequate return on their investment.

“We get calls from people who say, ‘We’ve been in the house for 20 years,’ ” Borkowski said. “They’ll say, ‘We have no plans on moving, but the countertops are worn out. Through the years of raising the kids—the family—we’ve beaten them up. And it’s time to replace them. We want something real nice and durable now and just something different. Just different. OK?’

“Other people call and say, ‘I would like to put my house on the market in the next couple, two-three years. And, so, I just want to start to get a leg up on replacing things now that will make my house appear nicer, will help it sell, will help it get a better dollar when we do sell it. What would you recommend?’

“I like to try find that sweet spot between spending some money to increase its value, but not over-improving it to the point where I’m not going to see a good return on my investment, either. So, those are two completely different scenarios. We’re going to recommend different products for those people.”

Borkowski is called often at this time of year by homeowners looking to replace old kitchen countertops, old faucets and old sinks. Typically, they’ll add a new tile backsplash to complete their kitchen makeover project, he said.

“The economy is still fragile, I’ll say—improving, people are picking up confidence,” he said. “But a lot of people are still a little too concerned to pull the trigger on a major overhaul where they’re going to spend tens of thousands of dollars.”