We still have fairly good libraries, but they haven’t bought much in the way of guidebooks since 2009 or 10. Fortunately,we still have a Barnes & Noble (Borders closed) and I go over there and drink coffee while I read their guidebooks.

Interlibrary loan still works – I just got a copy of “Grand Tours and Cook’s Tours” by Lynne Withey that is starting out well.

Also, would suggest you get a couple of Realtors to walk through your house now (before you’re ready to sell) for advice. And finally go to some open houses in your area, or a “street of dreams” if available. Confirm that granite really is best for your local market rather than Cambria/etc. If so, ask whether your buyers will want traditional glossy granite or a honed finish. You need to be strategic with your dollars. Create a business plan; don’t piecemeal it.

To today’s buyer, your cabinets will look dated. Golden oak is not going to get hidden with the granite. The good news is that painting cabinets a dark espresso, or even more recently a gray or gray-blue is really hot in many markets. White is almost always popular too, but this is why you need to study your local market. With cabinet painting, good prep is critical. Whether you do it yourself or are vetting a contractor, check out Gardenweb’s specific advice on how to strip those cabinets properly and the correct amount of sanding between coats for best adhesion and final look. Also check out Beekeeper’s Wife’s kitchen; she just moved, so look at the one prior where she painted her oak cabs espresso. It made the magazines. Stripping the wallpaper is an easy, albeit tedious, thing to do yourself. If I can do it, you can too.

Finally, with the granite itself, don’t just go to HD, where you can’t see the whole slab that they will be using. If you get one with nasty blotches, you have no recourse. Pick a stoneyard or other where you can see the slab. Also pick a fabricator that has a full shop and machining tools for it. Some of the poor ones will cut the granite in your house and fill it with dust, or on your front lawn. The finished product never looks as good; with the true horror stories, you hear about cracked stone.

Sorry if this was an information overload! You are better off than most of us who remodel because you can view it as strictly an investment, and you won’t get caught up in the hype. Good luck!