Should You Renovate Your Kitchen or Bathroom First?

Dreaming of a fresh start in your home? A renovation can be just what you’re looking for, whether you're aiming to add value before selling or simply create a more comfortable space for you and your loved ones.

Kitchens and bathrooms are popular renovation choices for a reason – they're some of the most important rooms in your house, and can see a great return on investment when you sell. But if both your kitchen and bathroom need an upgrade, which one should you tackle first?

DMA Property Solutions have been renovating kitchens and bathrooms in Dorset, Wiltshire, and Hampshire for over 15 years, so we know a thing or two about the upsides of each. Here’s everything you should consider when making your decision, along with some tips on what to do next!

What to Think About When Choosing Your First Remodel Project

1. Cost

A renovation can make a serious dent in your finances, so picking the project that fits your budget is key. Generally, kitchens will cost more to revamp than bathrooms. Here's why:

  • Kitchen renovations often involve more complex plumbing and electrical work than bathrooms, and may require additional features like ventilation systems and appliance hookups. All of this takes more time and expertise to handle, which drives up costs.
  • Kitchens tend to be larger rooms than bathrooms, which means there's more space to renovate and more materials needed.
  • Cabinets can range in price depending on the material, size, and customisation, but usually end up being one of the biggest costs of a renovation. Bathrooms typically have less cabinetry, so this cost is reduced.

On average, a bathroom renovation will cost anywhere between £500 to £10,000, while a kitchen renovation will set you back £2,500 to £35,000. The exact price will depend on the size and layout of your existing space, the amount of work involved, and any high-end features you choose (like granite countertops or high-end walk-in showers).

If you’re on a tight budget, renovating your bathroom might be a more achievable first step. However, if your kitchen is causing major headaches or you have more wiggle room in your budget, then tackling the kitchen first might be the better call.

2. Timescale

Kitchens typically take longer to renovate than bathrooms. While a simple bathroom refresh might only take a week or two, a full kitchen renovation can take several months, depending on the scale of the project. The reasons why are similar to why they cost more:

  • Kitchens involve more complex plumbing and electrical work than bathrooms. They also tend to have more built-in features like cabinets and appliances, which take time to install.
  • Kitchens are generally larger rooms than bathrooms. This means there's more space to demolish, install new fixtures, and potentially reconfigure the layout, which all take longer to complete.

If you're not in a rush to sell, you can tackle whichever room feels most important to you first. If you’re short on time, prioritise the bathroom - a half-finished kitchen with an outdated bathroom is a bigger problem than a slightly dated kitchen with a fully redone bathroom.

3. Return on Investment

In general, kitchens tend to have a bigger return on investment (ROI) than bathrooms. Here's a breakdown:

  • A mid-range kitchen renovation can return around 80% of the cost during resale, while upscale projects return closer to 69%. This translates to a significant value increase, especially for kitchens in higher-priced homes.
  • While still a good ROI project, mid-range bathroom renovations return around 74% and upscale ones around 63%.

If maximising ROI is your top priority, a kitchen renovation is likely the better first choice.

So, Which Should You Choose?

Ultimately, there's no one-size-fits-all answer to whether you should renovate your kitchen or bathroom first. It depends on your priorities and renovation goals. Here's a few questions you can ask yourself to help you decide:

  • How much use does each room get? If you spend a lot of time cooking and entertaining in your kitchen, you might prioritise renovating that space first.
  • What is the condition of each room? If your bathroom is in poor condition and has safety hazards, it might be a higher priority than a kitchen that's just outdated.
  • Are you planning to sell your house soon? If so, a kitchen remodel might be a better investment in case you run out of time.

Weigh the pros and cons of each option and choose the one that best suits your needs and budget.

Transform Your Home With DMA’s Expert Kitchen and Bathroom Renovations

Still not sure which project to tackle first? DMA's renovation specialists are here to help! We'll visit your property, assess your needs, and recommend the perfect project to fit your vision and budget. We'll also be happy to provide a competitive quote for our expert services.

From full-scale renovations to modern refreshes, we have the expertise to transform your space. Just read through our testimonials to see how we’ve helped others in the past!

We breathe new life into kitchens and bathrooms in Bournemouth, Poole, Dorset, Hampshire, Wiltshire, and surrounding areas. If you’re ready to take the first step, book your free consultation online or call us on 01202 090010 today!

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