Hate marble floors so I'll go with bookshelves. But I don't like books that much either so can I vote NOTA?

I am sure someone can provide statistical information as far as actual value added, but here is my preference.

I am not much on bookshelves, or any kind of built-ins that is. I do think they are beautiful and all, and I can appreciate the quality and expense, but I like more versatility. I move stuff around too often.

So let's see... Marble floors. I have never had marble floors before but I would probably like them. Except they sound cold. Heated floors also in the master bath perhaps? That would be my choice.

Marble floors versus what in baths?

Obviously it's bookshelves versus no bookshelves, but the bathroom choice is not so obvious.

I have verde butterfly green granite on master bath vanities and white cabinets,.. Can do marble or tile for floors, tub surrounding, and shower...was leaning towards creamish marble..any opinions, suggestions, comments welcome

I don't have the pricing for bookshelves frm my builder yet.. that will play into my decisions..I get the space for bookshelves..and they are this 2 huge spaces on either side of firplace..I am thinking of mounting my tv on top of fireplace..so need storage for electronics..another option is to just get the space..not do bookshelves.. buy something for storage and use the rest of area as art niche or something..don't like that idea too much..

Ugh..I am enjoying this process..help pls!!

I should have added, that for me it would be what I would get the most use from and joy from, while I was in the home. I know many ppl talk about building for resale down the road, and you do have to factor it in, but it sounds to me like, if it comes down to one or the other, you already answered which one you would prefer.

And given your reasoning, I would agree. We are big TV/movie watchers so deciding where to put the TV and blu-rays was important to us and how we live. So if you have a plan for your TV and need storage but not crazy about the storage/niche idea, then built in bookcases are the way for you to go, or something along those lines. Could be bookshelves or cabinets with frosted doors would be attractive, but sounds like you need something for storage. Only I spend much time in the bathroom, hot baths and low lights, so I wouldnt be able to see the marble & granite anyways. :-P

Either of those two things are quick & easy fixes for the next owner. I would put my money in what makes the most sense for how your family will use the home while you are there. By doing that, I don't think you can go wrong with either decision.

JMO of course :-)

Mmmmm, creamy marble shower, floor, and surround. I think that would be a bigger selling point. Built in bookcases are an easy addition for a buyer that wants them.

Upgrades may make a house sell faster but not really generate a higher sales price. Nevertheless, alot of buyers wouldn't give a hoot about the bookshelves, so I doubt there's much resale value there, so I default to the marble.

Marble is much easier to stain, scratch, and etch and requires more maintainence to keep looking good versus a nice porcelain look alike. Built ins especially for entertainment componenets are limited in function unless the shelving is 100% adjustible.

Get what will work to enhance your life in your home, but neither will add any value to your home. "Upgrades" cost you much more money than you will never see on resale.

I love my marble bath. But it is a PITA to clean and the floors are so cold...try to imagine walking barefoot on ice (that can be remedied with in floor heating, which we stupidly skipped). Oh, and urine stains and etches the marble (an issue if anyone who uses the bathroom is a "splasher" or dripper).

What is the basis of the decision? Is the upgrade from tile to marble going to cost the same as bookshelves? Unless is very cheap tile vs. expensive marble, I don't see the marble upgrade costing as much as the bookshelf upgrade.

Also, I don't see that green granite going with marble. I admit, I'm not a fan of mixing stones.

My vote (if you are asking!) is go with the bookshelves.

Around here (midwest) built-ins are valued, and especially around the fireplace they finish off that wall IMO. I think you could find a very nice porcelain tile that has a stone/marble look but is easier to take care of and less expensive. I'd go with a nuetral porcelain and do the bookshelves.

Look at the May house progress thread to see Kate's porcelain tile marble lookalike. They are gorgeous.

I was all for skipping the built-ins flanking the fireplace to have more flexibility, but have been convinced they would be expected for my type of house in our area. YMMV.

Jo Ann

Here is a link that might be useful: Scroll down about 2/3rds of the way

I live in Texas so I'd say the marble floors sound nice and cool. Bookshelves get dusty.

Don't think I would want just bookshelves - I would like nice built-ins. Preferably with lights, doors on the bottom and decorative trim work.

Something that adds character to a home/room is more important to me than floors...

i think it depends on who's buying the house. i would never want a marble floor anywhere and my cousin just bought a home with tons of built in bookcases that she hates.

Thanks to everyone for your opinions..it started out as one or the other..

I will get use out of both..marble bath has been something I always wanted..I am in TX too..I ended up splurging for marble for my bath..it is drop dead gorgeous and the accents too..I did look into tile options..and I agree that no one else will ever know.. But I will :(

Builtin Bookshelves...walls look incomplete without them like you pointed out.the ones they offer do have bottom cabinets..I am still going back and forth with that decision..I have to let them know ..
I would have to bite the bullet and take them..just so I have a finished look..

Put what YOU like in your home. While resale may need to be considered to some degree if you are not planning on staying in this house "forever", it should NOT factor into what you want in your home now. You can never second guess what someone else will like.

Do both options if that is what you like. You will love your home more if you design it to follow your heart. Unless something is done to a home that is completely off the wall, I couldn't imagine not being able to sell it someday if you wanted to. I think built in bookshelves are nice if tastefully done. Thinking about some myself. I saw a hallway that had built in bookcases, and it was stunning....almost like a mini library, and an excellent use of "empty" space.

Myself, I don't give a hoot about so called resale on the house we are planning on building. It's going to be MY house.

I absolutely HATE marble floors, but especially in any room where they can get wet. With even the smallest amount of water on them, they are as slippery as ice and a safety hazard. I once slipped and fell on a marble floor in a bathroom at Bellagio in Las Vegas and broke my wrist. I would never put them in any bathroom where any child or older person might do the same thing.

I agree with marble being very slippery when wet.

I put a beautiful porcelain tile throughout my last house, and it had just enough variation in texture to keep it from being terribly slippery when wet, yet was a cinch to clean. I've been injured from falling on a surface that was dangerous when wet, (smashed my head before I even knew I was falling). I really watch for that now.

A mistake in tile selection is major. It's not easy to remove.