During home renovations, bathrooms and kitchens nearly always top the priority list. Both offer functional upgrades and the potential to boost home resale value. Deciding which room deserves your attention first depends on costs, time, and what improvement will have the greatest impact on your daily routine.
Costs and Return on Investment
Kitchen renovations are generally more expensive. In the United Kingdom, kitchens average a median renovation cost of £13,000, while bathrooms come in at £5,250. The same gap exists in the United States, where kitchens typically cost $24,000 versus $15,000 for primary bathrooms. Kitchens also deliver a higher return on investment. A minor kitchen remodel recoups up to 85.7 percent of its cost, compared to midrange bathroom remodels that recover about 66.7 percent. If resale value is a primary consideration, your money might go further in the kitchen.
That being said, a full-scale kitchen remodel can spiral quickly, with cabinetry, appliances, and structural changes driving the cost. For homeowners with tighter budgets, bathroom upgrades might make more sense, offering cosmetic and functional improvements at a lower price point.
Balancing Aesthetics and Practicality
When deciding between a kitchen and bathroom renovation, examine how each space impacts daily use. A kitchen redesign may improve meal prep with better storage and layout while updating a bathroom can enhance comfort and efficiency. Both projects blend functionality with personal style, making it important to assess which serves your household's immediate needs.
Tools like a home value estimator can provide insight into how renovations could influence your property's appeal. This, combined with considerations like usability and design preferences, can guide you in choosing which room takes priority based on practical and design benefits.
Time and Scope of Work
Kitchens demand more time and resources. Between complicated layouts, electrical upgrades, plumbing rerouting, and cabinetry installation, the average kitchen renovation takes over 14 months from planning to completion. Bathrooms are quicker, typically requiring less structural overhaul. However, that is assuming you avoid major changes, like adding new plumbing or entirely reconfiguring the space.
Another factor to consider is who you will hire for the job. Most homeowners turn to professionals, but finding reliable providers remains a headache for 40 percent of renovators surveyed. With both projects involving specialized labor, such as electricians and plumbers, kitchens will typically command higher labor costs due to the scope of work.
Practical Considerations
Ultimately, the decision boils down to use and necessity. Kitchens account for a larger part of your daily life, making any inefficiencies or dated features more frustrating. Unsightly countertops, cramped storage, or poor lighting can all disrupt your routine and may signal it is time for an overhaul. Bathrooms, while smaller and less used in comparison, carry their own urgency if plumbing issues, poor ventilation, or outdated fixtures interrupt daily activities.
For homeowners planning to sell within the next few years, kitchens often influence buyers more heavily than bathrooms. A well-designed kitchen does not simply make dinners easier; it anchors the overall impression of the home. That said, bathroom makeovers can offer transformative change—especially when adding functional features like a walk-in shower or modern tiles.
Even with all the data, the answer hinges on personal priorities. Is immediate practicality or long-term financial value more important? Whichever way you go, plan carefully and leave space in the budget for inevitable surprise costs. Renovating is never cheap or easy, but both a refreshed kitchen and bathroom can make a noticeable difference in your home.
