please describe an 'epoxy' countertop; not familiar with that term.

Epoxy countertops kind of use some soloution to go over old countertops. It looks much like stone and is heat resistant.

Location is KEY. In a low priced area of N. America the $400K is a lot of money. In Vancouver BC (The world's second most expensive city) $400K buys a 550sf 'micro condo' with a single room and a murphy bed. Even 700km away $400K buys you a nice 3 bed condo. That's it. Laminate flooring would be EXPECTED in both situations. Not until you hit $1.7M to you run into 'real' finishes in every space.

So where in the world (literally) are you?

Thank you. That explanation makes complete sense. I'm living in Beaverton, Oregon, poor area.