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There are more materials, colors, and patterns available in kitchen countertops than ever before”and since many are close in price, the decision may be even harder.

The product testers at Consumer Reports scratched, stained and scorched seven of the leading contenders. What they found may help potential remodelers narrow their choice of materials:

No two slabs of granite are alike, but they all survive abuse with ease and maintain beauty and luster. But edges and corners can chip, and counters will need periodic sealing. Estimated cost: $100 – $200 per square foot.
Also known as engineered stone, quartz is a blend of stone chips, resins, and pigments, which can take plenty of use and abuse, although edges and corners can chip. While quartz comes in an array of vibrant colors and styles, they can appear unnaturally uniform, although manufacturers are trying for a more random look. Estimated cost: $100 – $185 per square foot.

Ceramic tile. Tile comes in a wide selection of colors and patterns, mixes nicely with other materials and works well on a backsplash or island top. Not only is it inexpensive, but it also offers excellent heat resistance. While the grout is likely to stain even when it’s sealed, darker grout can help. Edges and corners can chip, so buying a few extra tiles will allow you to repair localized damage easily. Estimated cost: $20 – $75 per square foot.

Butcher block. Handy for a lot of chopping and dicing, these mostly maple countertops are lovely, but they do sustain damage from heat, cuts, scrapes and impact. They should also be varnished and treated regularly with mineral oil or beeswax. Estimated cost: $35 – $200 per square foot.
Beautiful and classic, marble takes on a patina over the years that some may see as marred. While it chips and scratches relatively easily, small nicks and scratches can be polished out. Estimated cost: $125 – $250 per square foot.

Stainless steel. Very resistant to heat and stains, this material gives kitchens a sleek, commercial look. While stainless steel does show dents and scratches, the material can be welded, ground or buffed. Estimated cost: $75 – $140 per square foot.
Generally custom-formed, concrete can be tinted and textured. Not only does it chip and scratch easily, but it can also develop hairline cracks. Topical sealers can protect against stains but not heat; penetrating sealers can handle heat, but not stains. Estimated cost: $70 – $140 per square foot.

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Here are a few tips to help make a large home feel more intimate.

Textures and Colors

Dark walls can make a space appear smaller. Rich earth tones, like brown, dark green and red create a cozy ambience.

Thoughtful Furnishings

A spacious room may benefit from multiple seating areas that serve various purposes, such as a quiet reading nook and a separate space with couches where groups can hang out.

Embrace the Scale

Embrace the grand proportions of the home. That could mean using expansive wall space and soaring ceilings as a way to decorate with sizable works of art or tall indoor trees.

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If you or someone in your family has allergies or asthma, HealthFinder.gov offers tips to help make your home a better place to breathe easier.

Identify Triggers
One major step is figuring out what causes yours or a family members allergy or asthma attacks. Different people will react to different allergens and irritants (things that can irritate the lungs). Consult a doctor about tests to learn what exactly is causing a reaction. Once you identify these triggers, you can take steps to get rid of or avoid those things in your home.

Make Bedrooms Safer
We all spend a lot of time in our bedrooms, so work to keep allergens and irritants out of yours.

Cover your mattresses and pillows in dust proof or allergen proof covers to combat allergens, namely dust mites.
Wash all bedding in very hot water (at least 130 degrees Fahrenheit) once a week. Go to a laundromat if the water in your home doesn’t get that hot.
If you have pets that youre allergic to, like cats or dogs, keep them out of the bedroom.
If possible, remove all carpets; its easier to keep bare floors clean.

Control Moisture
Keep your home dry to prevent mold. Mold, a common asthma trigger, can start to grow in wet or damp places within just one or two days.

If you have a water leak, clean up the water immediately. Fix the leak as soon as possible.
When you take a shower, run the bathroom fan or open the window for at least 20 minutes afterward.
Check the humidity level in your home with a moisture or humidity meter (available at hardware stores). You may need to use a de-humidifier or air conditioner to keep the humidity level below 60 percent”between 30 and 50 percent is best.
Safely clean mold or throw out moldy items. You may need to consult a specialist for bad cases.

Keep Pests Out
Rodents and cockroaches might cause allergy or asthma attacks, among other health issues, so practice pest prevention.

Fix leaks in sinks and toilets.
Put trays under your plants, radiators and refrigerator. Check the trays for water and clean them often.
Store food, including pet food, in closed containers.
Clean up crumbs and spills right away.
Fill in cracks or holes that could be good indoor hiding places for pests.
Put screens in your windows and doors.
If you see roaches or rodents, call a pest control company.

Go Smoke-Free
Tobacco smoke, including secondhand smoke, can make asthma worse. And babies who live in homes where people smoke are at higher risk of developing asthma. If you smoke, make a plan to quit today. If you have guests who smoke, ask them to do so outside.

Breathing too much smoke from a wood-burning stove or fireplace can also cause an asthma attack. If you can avoid it, dont burn wood in your home.

For more help, consult a doctor about managing allergies or asthma.

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If your home needs repairs and you dont have enough money in your bank account, it can be tempting to use your home equity. Doing so might be your best option in some cases, but it can be risky.

When and How to Tap Into Home Equity for Repairs
The decision on how to finance home repairs will depend on whether they are urgent. A leaky roof needs to be fixed now, before it gets worse and you wind up with major damage, both inside and outside the house. Any issue that could put your family at risk or make your home uninhabitable, such as a broken furnace in the middle of winter, needs to be addressed immediately. In that case, you might have no choice but to access your home equity.

With a home equity loan, you can receive money in a lump sum and repay it at a fixed interest rate. Home equity loans typically have higher interest rates than first or second mortgages. Youll have to make monthly payments until the amount borrowed has been repaid.

With a home equity line of credit (HELOC), you can draw money as you need it, similar to the way a credit card works. Your monthly payments will be based on the amount of money youve used. HELOCs have adjustable rates, which means your payments may rise and fall.

When to Wait and Save
Optional projects, such as remodeling a bathroom or upgrading kitchen appliances, can wait until youve saved up enough cash. Saving the money ahead of time can help you avoid having to repay a home equity loan or HELOC with interest. In the meantime, you can look for other ways to make your home more comfortable, such as making smaller changes or tackling just one piece of a larger project.

Is Using Home Equity a Good Option for Home Repairs?
Some home repairs cant wait. In such a situation, you might have to access your home equity through a loan or line of credit. Before you choose either, make sure you understand how it works and the risks involved. If you take out a home equity loan or HELOC and dont make the payments on time, you can lose your home.

You shouldnt get in the habit of borrowing against your home equity, but rather should focus on saving and prioritizing and use home equity only when absolutely necessary. If you can wait to make repairs, saving the money first is a safer move.

This article is intended for informational purposes only and should not be construed as professional or legal advice.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

If youre getting ready to start an exciting new chapter, here are several home features that are ideal for new families.

Large Backyard

Its great to have a spacious outdoor area where kids can run around and expend their energy, and its a place where early memories are formed.

Kid-Friendly Design

You need to make sure your home is safe for kids. You dont want a residence with lots of sharp corners or staircases that can be dangerous.

Neighborhood and Schools

The feel of a neighborhood and the schools nearby are a few of the most important things to consider when moving.

Room to Grow

An extra bedroom or two might save you from having to move again in a few years…and youll certainly want ample storage space.

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