We love the article Melinda Fulmer of MSN Real Estate published.  We would have to agree that there are certainly a lot of overrated home improvement projects out there.  I meant who really needs an indoor bowling alley, basketball court or home theater?  Preferences that are really specific to your personal styles and tastes are not going to add to the overall value of your home.  However, upgrades to your kitchen and bathroom are always a hit.  There were very positive words for Quartz countertops!  Click here to read the full article on the 8 most overrated home improvement projects.

Pick up a copy of the August 2010 edition of Consumer Reports or click here to view a copy of the report.

Quartz topped the list with an overall performance rating of 87.  Cambria would be our recommendation in a Quartz surface.  Prices can range from $50 to $100 per square foot.  According to Consumer Reports, Quartz is BEST for busy kitchens and baths.  It’s stain- and heat-resistant and low-maintenance.  It doesn’t need sealing and is available in vibrant colors and in styles that mimic natural stone.  But edges and corners can chip.  Rounded edges help.  Stone finishes can appear more uniform than natural.

Laminate and Solid Surface countertops also performed well in the Consumer Reports August article.  Marble, Butcher block, and Limestone were at the bottom of the list.

Here is a listing of all the countertop surfaces ranked in the August 2010 article:

• Quartz
• Granite
• Tile (ceramic or porcelain)
• Laminate
• Solid surfacing
• Stainless steel
• Concrete
• Limestone
• Butcher block
• Marble