My boyfriend and I are in the process of building a single family home in a planned community. We are running into quite the debate over the countertops.

The standard is Corian. Zodiaq quartz and granite are also available as an upgrade (same price for each level). I know all the pros and cons of each. In my mind quartz is the stand out for durability. We currently have selected a level 2 granite. We have done some custom modifications to the kitchen so the additional price added up pretty quickly.

Here are the issues though:
- None of the level 1 or 2 granite "wow" either of us. They are all uniform and pretty "generic" as far as granite goes. To get a granite that I love, I would have to go level 4 or 5. (Not willing to pay that price)
- Granite is very trendy right now. I have concerns about whether this will date the house. We have no intentions of leaving this house until we outgrow it in about 30 years. My gut is that before then, we will do a kitchen remodel and replace the granite anyway with the next trend.
- I currently have Corian in my house. I am fine with it. I really just don't like how dull looking it is (dull = no lustre)

So, would you pay upwards of $3K for a generic granite just because it is the thing right now?

Use what you like; no one can predict the taste of the next owner and I doubt it would affect the sale price.

I prefer the plainer granites and cabinets because they do not dominate the overall design of the kitchen which is what I concentrate on.

Nope.
I really could not care less what the current "thing" is;
we do what we like in our house.

We personally like - and chose for our kitchen - quartz over granite.

Get what you like and your budget can afford.