When considering a home remodel, two rooms often come into focus: the kitchen and the bathroom. Both are vital spaces in any home, each playing a unique role in daily life and adding value to the property. So, when it’s time to invest in a remodel, many homeowners are faced with the question: Should I remodel the kitchen or the bathroom first?
The answer isn’t always straightforward. Both renovations can have a significant impact, but it ultimately depends on your goals, the current condition of your home, and your personal preferences. Let’s take a closer look at the factors that can help you decide which renovation to prioritize.
Factors To Consider Before Deciding on a Home Remodel
Every individual thinks differently. To help them, there are a few factors that enable them to compare both rooms and understand their remodel priority decisions. The following factors can help you determine when to renovate.
- Outline Your Goals First
The first thing you should do before starting a home remodel is figure out what you want to achieve. Are you planning to sell your home soon, or do you just want to improve your living space? Your goals will help decide which room to remodel first.
- For Home Sale
If you’re getting ready to sell your house, the kitchen is often the best place to start. Real estate agents say the kitchen has the biggest impact on a home sale. In fact, 52% of them believe that the kitchen remodel ROI 2025 plays the most important role. A modern kitchen can help your home sell faster and for a higher price. Kitchen remodels usually offer a better return on investment (81% recoup) compared to bathroom remodels (70% recoup).
However, kitchen renovations are expensive and take time. Kitchens are larger and have more complex systems (such as plumbing and electrical work), which makes them more expensive. A minor kitchen remodel can cost around $21,198, and major ones can go up to $63,829.
- For Livability and Enjoyment
If you’re not selling anytime soon and want to improve your home for yourself, a bathroom renovation value might be a good option. It's less expensive and can increase your daily comfort. An updated bathroom can give you a relaxing space, whether it’s a walk-in shower or a new vanity.
- What’s Your Budget?
Budget and cost comparison kitchen vs bath is a big factor. Kitchen remodels are generally more costly than bathroom remodels due to their size and complexity. If you have a limited budget, remodeling a bathroom may be a more cost-effective choice. It can still add value to your home, but without the high cost of a kitchen renovation.
Plus, bathroom remodels often take less time, usually just a few weeks, compared to several months for a kitchen remodel. So, when you consider the Home Remodel Timeline 2025, bathroom remodeling seems like a better plan.
- How Much Time Do You Spend in Each Space?
Think about where you spend most of your time. If you love cooking or hosting gatherings, a kitchen remodel might be a good investment. However, if you use the bathroom more frequently and it’s cramped or outdated, remodeling it could significantly improve your daily life. If you enjoy relaxing in a bath or shower, upgrading the bathroom might be the right choice.
- Is There a Need for Accessibility?
For some people, a bathroom remodel is necessary due to health reasons. If you’re older or disabled, you may need things like grab bars, a wider doorway, or a walk-in shower. While these changes may not be as fancy as a full remodel, they’re important for improving safety and accessibility. These updates are usually less expensive than a kitchen remodel but still make a big difference.
- The Resale Value
When it comes to resale value, kitchens are often the better investment. Kitchens attract more buyers, and an updated kitchen can significantly enhance a home's appeal. However, an updated bathroom can also increase your home’s value, especially if it fixes common issues like outdated fixtures or small spaces. Bathroom remodels may have a lower return, but they’re still valuable, especially in smaller homes where bathrooms can have a bigger impact.
Which Should You Do First?
According to a study, around 41 percent of people prioritize the bathroom over the kitchen when remodeling their homes. However, there’s no right or wrong answer when choosing whether to remodel the kitchen or bathroom first. By considering your goals, budget, and the amount of time you spend in each space, you can make a more informed choice.
If you're planning to sell, a kitchen remodel might offer a better return. It’s also the best place to remodel first to focus if you want to improve your home’s overall appeal to potential buyers.
However, if you want to enjoy your home more, a bathroom remodel could be a more practical choice. It’s often cheaper, faster, and gives you immediate benefits.
Final Thoughts
You can be overwhelmed when choosing what to remodel, the kitchen or the bathroom. Both places in the house have their significant place, making them a priority for a home remodel project. However, considering all the factors and working with a professional will help you select the best option, which not only saves a lot of money and time but also transforms your home into an attractive space in a few days.
With 3D Home Improvements, you can transform your home today without breaking the bank! From the kitchen to the bathroom to any corner of your house, our team will present budget-friendly remodeling services that turn your dull spaces into a dream corner, just the way you want it.
Request a Free Estimate from 3D Home Improvements to make your dream home a reality in Massachusetts or Connecticut!
