Consider Quartz - recycled glass. Lovely, bright, durable, easy upkeep, less formal than granite.

I recommend that you look at quartz if you want a hard surface. Quartz requires no maintenance and now comes in a multitude of colors and patterns. I personally like the warmth of hardwood with a marine finish at dry areas. There is nothing wrong with good old laminate as long is it is not trying to simulate another material.

Quartz for sure. No worries about seams. Also some reports say certain granite types put off radon gases in the house and who knows which ones do. Don't need that, especially with small children. You don't have to seal quartz like you do granite. Also, chiflipper is right about "low grade" builder's choice granites and fabricator installation. Just some things to think about...

Have you viewed the countertop options that your builder allowance includes? Does the builder specify that if you go with a countertop other than granite that you will get a credit and how much that credit will be?

If this is going to be your forever home, I would choose a countertop that will last rather than going with something cheaper only to have to replace it in the future. It may end up costing you a lot more in the long run. Unless you go with an inexperienced granite fabricator and installer, you should not have any issues with damage or seam placement. I would go with a granite supplier who also fabricates the granite on-site (in their own shop) and installs it.

I have had both Corian and Avonite (and tile) countertops - I love my Avonite which comes in many bright colors as well as natural looking stone-like options. I would say go darker and more patterned in kitchen as White (I had this 1st) shows everything and makes you crazy with constant cleaning. I have Avonite in the Kitchen for color choice over Corian. White in the bathroom (Corian) is not a problem about looking a mess all the time. Both have held up well you just need a cutting board to put hot things on and cut things too that is always handy. And best of all you can get a drip line manufactured in these that prevents spills on the floor. If you like Granite us it as your backsplash and avoid the hassle of it.

Finished update on 70 yr old kitchen on a budget. Went with laminate and I'm not sorry. Is holding up very well. Also, if I get tired of it in 5-10 years, I won't feel bad about changing it.

PLEASE, go with CORIAN!!

Germ and bacteria proof, stain proof, you can even sand the stuff with 400 grit and a palm sander if necessary, and even polish it to a glass-like surface. Corian sink as well, and you have no seams, no cracks, no mess. No regrets!