We bought a CYV - it came with high def laminate. I didn't mind it at all. We moved in and I enjoyed the ease of it. We kept it almost two years and it still looked brand new. (and I use my kitchen!)
Once we decided to decorate in earnest, we began to look at changing the counter tops. We found a great company to do the work and they guided us in choosing an appropriate granite for the application we wanted. I visited their workshop. I spoke to their stone cutter.
There was no mess at installation- the guys were impeccable- and we got custom details in granite that is of the grade we wanted. I actually liked watching them install it..... I know exactly what we paid for.
I didn't even have to touch up any wall paint.
Include it with the house plans if they have a selection that pleases you and you are happy with the pricing- but don't fear doing it later, it was actually a fun adventure for us!
I would not hesitate to do after market installs of any kind here. We have a lot of very good companies around.
P.S. My experience with solid surface was a number of years ago- I didn't enjoy having it. Considering the expense of it, I felt that granite was a better value at that time. Always chose granite after that.