Are you deciding between kitchen and bath remodeling projects for your home but are unsure where to begin? Have you owned your residence for more than ten years, and it’s starting to look a little “lived in”? Does your primary bathroom and kitchen both need some major upgrades? Perhaps you recently purchased a fixer-upper and want some remodeling assistance.
No matter how you came to the decision to renovate your home, many homeowners need help deciding which room to remodel first. That’s because they may not have the budget to do everything simultaneously. Choosing between kitchen and bath remodeling can be a difficult dilemma. If both rooms equally need work, how do you determine where to start?
Should I Remodel My Kitchen or My Bathroom First?
An ideal scenario would be to have both the kitchen and bath remodeling projects happen at the same time. That way, the noise, dust, and inconvenience would only occur once. However, many homeowners have budget constraints and time restrictions, making it nearly impossible to remodel both areas concurrently.
Therefore, if you have to pick one room to remodel first, which one do you choose? Will you select the primary bathroom or the kitchen? How do you decide?
The first step is to evaluate your home. Are you thinking of selling your home in the near future? If so, you should focus on the remodeling project that offers the best return on investment. Therefore, determine which room needs updating the most. Is your kitchen floorplan awkward with not enough storage space? Or will new cabinet handles and an updated light fixture make it look better? Does your current primary bathroom need a complete renovation or just new flooring and some paint?
Even if this is your “forever home,” be sure to update wisely and with your budget in mind for all your kitchen and bath remodeling ideas. Despite what you, as the homeowner, may think should be first on the renovation list, there are several considerations to remember before making a final decision.
If you still have trouble deciding, a trusted and experienced kitchen and bath remodeling contractor can help. Read on to learn more.
Kitchen and Bath Remodeling – Which One Takes More Time?
Are you on a time crunch? Talk with the remodeling contractor to determine how long each project will take. In general, a complete kitchen remodel will take longer than a bathroom renovation due to the size of the room. So, if you need a quick turnaround, revamping the main bathroom is a better choice. If you have the time and don’t mind waiting for the project to be completed, choose to remodel the kitchen.
One more time consideration: How long can you live with contractors and tradespeople in your house? No matter the size, any kitchen and bath remodeling project will disrupt your daily routine. Decide how much inconvenience and disruption you can tolerate. Additionally, think about which room you can “give up” for a potentially lengthy amount of time.
You can always set up a makeshift kitchen in the basement, garage, dining room, or bedroom. However, can your family easily share one bathroom while the other is being completed? Should you or could you stay somewhere else while the work is being done?
Talk it over with your family and weigh the various options. Compare your desire for an improved floor plan with the amount of aggravation everyone can endure. That answer will help you make a choice, too.
Your Budget for Your Remodeling Project
The most important aspect of any project is the budget. How much are you willing to spend? Do you have enough for both projects – or just one? Remodeling the kitchen may cost more than a bathroom simply because of the size of the room and the additional expenses, including new appliances, larger countertops, more flooring, etc.
Plus, you may not be able to get your dream kitchen if your budget is too tight. Please don’t skimp on the project and be disappointed when it’s completed. Instead, start by renovating the main bath and wait until your finances are better to upgrade the kitchen. By doing simple upgrades like painting the walls, replacing the hardware, and upgrading the appliances, you may be able to live with your kitchen a while longer.
On the other hand, while kitchen remodeling projects may cost more than main bathrooms, they end up paying for themselves in the long run. An updated kitchen offers a better return on investment when the house eventually goes on the market. By planning your projects well and wisely spending, you will have an optimal resale value and get the most for your money.
According to the 2021 Cost vs. Value Report, a homeowner will recoup nearly 73% of a kitchen remodeling project cost. In contrast, a primary bathroom remodeling project will only recoup approximately 60%. Therefore, if you want to increase your home’s value, a kitchen renovation will give you a bigger boost than a main bathroom remodeling project.
But Which Room Do You Love?
Think about your home and your future. Do you see your family living there for many more years and have no plans to sell any time soon?
Then take a moment and ask your family members where they spend most of their time. What would they say? For most people, the answer is the kitchen and adjoining family room. If that’s true for your clan, then the answer is simple – start with remodeling your kitchen. Your entire household will enjoy the new space and spend more time together trying out new recipes or using the counter for homework and chatting.
But what if your family’s idea of gourmet cooking is putting a frozen pizza in the oven? Or do you prefer to eat out more than spend time in the kitchen? What if a luxurious bubble bath is the highlight of your day? Or sitting in front of the bathroom mirror with your daughter trying the latest hair and make-up trends is what you’re dreaming of? In that case, you may want to consider renovating the primary bathroom first. It’s all up to you and your family’s wishes.
The Impact of Kitchen and Bath Remodeling
If you are considering selling your residence within the next few years, think about the impact any kitchen and bath remodeling projects will have on the people who walk in for the first time. Potential buyers will be more interested in an upgraded kitchen because most home buyers do not want a huge project staring at them as they tour a residence. If they hope to buy a property, a remodeled kitchen will do a better job of impressing clients and helping you seal the deal.
On the other hand, a spa-like primary bath will make the buyers dream of long, warm soaks in a bathtub or enjoying an invigorating shower at the end of the day.
Even if you have no plans to sell, having a kitchen with a “wow factor” will amaze your friends and neighbors. Guests will spend more time in the kitchen than in the main bathroom (which, in a pinch, can always have the door shut), and is the first thing they’ll see as they enter your home.
Consider House Guests With Your Kitchen and Bath Remodeling Plans
Do you enjoy entertaining guests? Do you often have people stay overnight? Think about what kind of impression your current home offers. Is it warm and welcoming? Does it reflect your personality? Or do visitors feel uncomfortable because they can’t see you in the kitchen from the family room, and it’s difficult to have a conversation? The layout of your home is a major factor when deciding where to start a renovation.
Think about your guests, too. Are they comfortable? Where do they spend the most time? Can you easily move from place to place and continue talking and seeing each other? What can you do to make your home more cozy and friendly? Is the answer in a bath renovation or an updated kitchen?
Which Remodeled Room Increases Your Home’s Value?
Because no one can predict the future, no one knows what may happen between remodeling one room and the next. Will there be another economic downturn? Will prices skyrocket? Who knows?
Therefore, you will want to remodel the room which will create real equity and recoup your costs first. Although renovating the kitchen usually costs more versus a bathroom upfront, kitchens have a much better return on investment (ROI) in the long run.
Remodeling the Kitchen vs. the Primary Bathroom
Even in today’s hot housing market, a great remodeled kitchen can push the price up 20% to 30% more for a home. Kitchens sell houses. Homes with less-than-impressive kitchens receive lower offers from buyers.
That’s because, during the pandemic (a.k.a. COVID-19), families stayed home and cooked more together. They realized how important a well-laid-out kitchen was. Buyers are looking for move-in ready homes and don’t necessarily want a major renovation project to handle first.
Conversely, renovating the main bathroom can bring the same ROI as a new kitchen if the kitchen is in good shape. Creating a fantastic spa-like environment with an oversized shower, a free-standing tub, and a double sink vanity will “wow” a potential buyer.
Deciding between a kitchen and a bath remodeling project can be a challenge. Both of them are major financial investments. But it is worth choosing – whether for long- or short-term goals. Primary bathrooms and kitchens with updated designs and renovations can offer a better and more comfortable living situation, a great ROI, a higher home value, and more.
But what kind of upgrades for bathrooms and kitchens are best?
Bathroom Remodeling Ideas
If you’ve decided to put your budget toward a new kitchen, many updates can still be made in the primary bathroom to give it a fresh look. Small changes and little details can make a big difference.
For example, changing out the vanity and adding new fixtures is an easy and less expensive upgrade. Also, consider getting your current tub reglazed rather than buying a brand-new bathtub.
Here are more ideas that go a long way to improving the look of the main bathroom:
• Put shiny new knobs on the cabinets
• Give the bathroom walls a coat of paint
• Buy a pretty shower curtain
• Purchase fluffy, new towels
• Change out the current mirror for a round one
• Exchange the light fixtures for something more modern
• De-lime or replace hard water deposit-caked faucets/controls
Kitchen Remodeling Ideas
Most experts agree that a kitchen update should happen first if you must choose between kitchen and bath remodeling projects. As everyone knows, the kitchen is the heart of the home and is most often used by everyone in the family.
But it’s important to make sound decisions and stick to a budget when compiling your remodeling plan. Going overboard with high-end finishes and top-of-the-line appliances may overprice your home for the neighborhood. If you spend too much on the project and won’t recoup most of it when you sell, it may not be worth it. On the other hand, if you don’t “keep up with the Joneses” in your neighborhood, your house will seem less than what it should be compared to other homes for sale.
The best investments for your kitchen remodeling project are:
• Stainless steel appliances
• Hardwood or tile floors
• Granite or quartz countertops
• An open floor plan accessing the dining room or living room
However, suppose you’ve decided to use your budget for a new primary bathroom instead. In that case, several things can be done to update the kitchen space and make it look new.
Here are a few ideas to improve the look of the kitchen without spending a lot:
• Install a new neutral quartz or granite countertop
• Have the upper cabinets professionally painted white or off-white, and consider having the lower cabinets painted blue or green
• Freshen up the wall color, too
• Add new doors to the cabinets (also known as refacing)
• Swap out the hardware for something more modern
• Make sure the appliances match
• Change out the light fixtures
• Update sink faucet/water controls
• Add new curtains, valances, or blinds to the kitchen windows (where applicable)
Even updating a few things in the kitchen can make it look fresh, clean, and modern. Because who doesn’t want a great kitchen to cook and entertain in?
Design Tech Remodeling
Not sure where to begin when remodeling your home? Do you need a top-rated remodeling company to give you some direction? Are you looking for a respected business that offers beauty, sophistication, and luxury to its clients?
The experts at Design Tech Remodeling can help. The first – and most important – step is to contact our award-winning professionals. They can help you decide which room to remodel first to create your dream home.
For more than 25 years, we’ve assisted clients across southeastern Wisconsin by designing and building high-end, luxurious upgrades in kitchens, bathrooms, and lower levels. Just as important, Design Tech Remodeling also offers outstanding customer service, meticulous attention to detail, innovation in design, and high-quality craftsmanship.
Whether you want to upgrade your main bathroom, the kitchen, or even your basement, explore our Photo Gallery for amazing ideas and inspiration. Discover why Design Tech Remodeling is considered the best in the business for traditional, contemporary, or transitional designs and is one of the highest-rated remodeling contractors in the greater Milwaukee community.
A NARI-certified designer (National Association of the Remodeling Industry) will ensure your new bathroom or kitchen reflects your vision. It will have a better floor plan, maximized storage, and a luxurious look, blending seamlessly with the rest of your home. Our designer will help you select the right finishes, colors, and products to achieve your dream.
Continuing education keeps Design Tech Remodeling’s professional designers up-to-date with the newest bathroom and kitchen fads, ever-changing building codes, the most energy-efficient appliances, and an understanding of the latest technology. Our designers are skilled at creating functional, up-to-date, yet luxurious rooms to meet the homeowner’s and their family’s wants and needs. Staying current with trends but also able to work with any style, whether it’s contemporary, traditional, rustic, modern, or a combination of several, is something Design Tech Remodeling is much honored to offer.
Design Tech Remodeling has professionals on staff with certifications as Kitchen and Bath Designer (CKBR) and Certified Remodeler (CR). Additionally, the company is a local and a national member of the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI).
As a member of NARI, everyone on staff must meet annual educational requirements, be committed to excellence, always follow the NARI Code of Ethics, and abide by remodeling industry standards. As importantly, all NARI members must maintain their insurance requirements and licenses as directed by local and state law.
Hire Design Tech Remodeling as Your Remodeler Today!
Our award-winning professionals are ready to assist you. Remodel your home with luxurious and sophisticated elements and first-class, beautiful finishes. Our standard of excellence is unmatched.
Call Design Tech Remodeling and get your dream project started today.
