Kitchen and Bath Remodeling: Which Should I Start First?

Deciding where to begin with a remodel can shape the functionality and comfort of your home for years to come. The kitchen and bathroom are both spaces where upgrades can make a big difference, each offering unique benefits that align with different needs. Here, we’ll look at factors like lifestyle, budget, return on investment (ROI), and project complexity to help guide you toward a choice that fits your goals and resources.

• Lifestyle Needs: The role each space plays in daily life can help prioritize your remodel. If the kitchen is central to gatherings, cooking, or family time, focusing on this area may bring the greatest benefit. Bathrooms, meanwhile, are essential to privacy and personal comfort, which can be especially important for larger households.
• Budget Considerations: Kitchens often require a larger budget due to the cost of appliances and custom cabinetry, while bathrooms can deliver high-impact updates with a smaller investment.
• Return on Investment (ROI): Both kitchen and bathroom remodels add value to your home, but the ROI can differ. Kitchens tend to attract buyers’ interest for resale, while bathrooms, particularly those with modern features and efficient layouts, also contribute significantly to a home’s appeal.
• Project Complexity and Skills Required: Both kitchen and bathroom remodels often involve plumbing, electrical work, and sometimes structural changes. For larger updates, working with a skilled professional ensures quality and peace of mind, while smaller projects may allow for a DIY approach. Evaluating the complexity and impact on your routine can also guide the decision on where to start.
  
  

Which Renovation Offers Better Potential Return on Investment (ROI)?

Kitchen and bathroom renovations both improve a home’s appeal and functionality, each offering unique benefits in terms of return on investment (ROI).

Kitchen Remodel ROI

Kitchens remain a top priority for many homebuyers, making a kitchen remodel a sound investment with a strong track record for ROI. Studies show that a well-executed kitchen renovation can recoup around 50–80% of its cost in added home value.

Updates such as modern cabinetry, stylish countertops, and energy-efficient appliances create an inviting, functional space that appeals to buyers. 

Energy-saving options, like smart refrigerators and LED lighting, also offer valuable utility savings for homeowners, making these updates beneficial for both daily enjoyment and resale value. 

The kitchen often serves as a central gathering area, so investing in this space provides lasting benefits that homeowners and future buyers will appreciate.

Bathroom Remodel ROI

While bathroom remodels may offer a slightly lower ROI than kitchens, they remain a valuable investment, typically recouping around 50–70% of the renovation cost. Modernizing a bathroom with fresh fixtures, updated lighting, and water-saving features can improve both comfort and appeal, adding meaningful value to the home.

Buyers often respond well to features that reduce water use, like low-flow showerheads and dual-flush toilets, as these upgrades align with sustainable living trends. 

An updated bathroom with clean lines and thoughtful details signals a well-maintained home, which can enhance buyer interest and satisfaction.

Kitchen vs. Bathroom Remodels

Remodeling a kitchen or bathroom is a significant project, with each requiring thoughtful planning around both the timeline and daily routine adjustments. Here’s a closer look at the time commitment and potential daily life impacts for each.

Kitchen Remodel Timeline 

Kitchen remodels often require more time to complete, particularly when the project involves major updates or structural changes. A smaller refresh might be completed within a few weeks, but larger projects, such as a full appliance upgrade or layout adjustment, can take a few months to finish. Since the kitchen is the hub of activity in most homes, the temporary loss of access can feel disruptive.

To help make the process more manageable, consider setting up a temporary kitchen space or preparing meal alternatives. Working with experienced professionals who keep the project on schedule can also reduce the length of disruptions, making sure your kitchen is ready as soon as possible.

Bathroom Remodel Timeline

Bathroom remodels typically take less time to complete than kitchens, often finishing within a few weeks. These projects involve smaller spaces and generally fewer fixtures to replace, which means less time for labor. Complex features, such as custom tile work or extensive plumbing adjustments, can add time but still usually fall within a shorter timeline than a full kitchen remodel.

For homes with multiple bathrooms, renovating one at a time can have a minimal impact on daily routines. In homes with only one bathroom, planning ahead and arranging for alternative facilities during the project can make the experience smoother, ensuring your household’s comfort throughout the process.

Learn More: The Minimum Bathroom Size – How to Make the Most of Your Small Space

What are the Pros and Cons of Renovating Your Kitchen or Bathroom First?

To help you decide which remodel will be the most beneficial, here’s a breakdown of each option’s pros and cons.

Detailed Feature-Focused Comparison

Additional Considerations to Guide Your Decision

When choosing between a kitchen or bathroom remodel, think about how each project will impact your household’s daily life, function, and overall appeal. Each space offers unique benefits and value based on lifestyle, maintenance needs, and design trends.

Lifestyle and Family Needs

Usage Frequency and Space Needs

The frequency with which each space is used can guide your decision. If your kitchen is a lively gathering spot where family and friends regularly come together, an updated kitchen may bring the most value. As the central hub of many homes, an improved kitchen can provide lasting comfort and functionality for daily life.

Household Size and Unique Needs

Household size and specific needs also play an important role. For larger families or households with unique accessibility needs, a bathroom remodel might provide essential upgrades like wider doorways, grab bars, or a zero-entry shower. 

Choosing the right remodel based on your family’s routines and requirements ensures that each space serves its purpose well and provides convenience for everyone.

Long-term Savings Potential

Utility Savings

Both kitchens and bathrooms offer opportunities for long-term savings through energy- and water-efficient upgrades. In the kitchen, appliances with high energy ratings and LED lighting can significantly cut utility costs. 

In the bathroom, low-flow faucets and water-conserving showerheads reduce monthly water bills. These sustainable options not only provide immediate savings but add ongoing value to your home.

Maintenance

Each remodel has its own maintenance considerations, impacting both time and upkeep costs. Kitchens with high-use appliances, cabinets, and countertops require regular cleaning and maintenance, especially in active homes. 

Bathrooms, however, often need consistent upkeep of fixtures, grout, and tiling. Thinking through these maintenance needs can help you prioritize the remodel that will support easier home upkeep and add value over time.

Trends and Future-Proofing Design

Current Design Trends

Design trends can make a remodel both appealing and functional. For kitchens, open-concept layouts, smart appliances, and natural materials are popular choices that enhance convenience and style. 

In bathrooms, spa-like features such as rainfall showers, minimalist designs, and neutral color palettes bring a timeless sense of calm and comfort.

Timeless Choices

Choosing enduring designs ensures your remodel stays relevant and attractive for years. In kitchens, classic stone countertops, stainless-steel appliances, and neutral cabinets adapt easily to changing trends. 

Bathrooms with clean lines, subtle tile colors, and simple fixtures offer a timeless look that enhances both functionality and aesthetic appeal over time.

Learn More: How to Start a Kitchen Remodel

Conclusion