The kitchen and bathroom are the two most popular rooms to renovate in a home. While many homeowners will renovate both, one often has to be prioritized. After all, both rooms can be expensive to improve and not everyone has the money to remodel both rooms at the same time. So just which one should you opt for first? This post can help you decide.
Which will cost more?
Generally speaking, a kitchen remodel is more expensive than a bathroom remodel. Most homeowners spend between $5,000 and $60,000 on a kitchen remodel – with the average being around $22,000. Bathroom remodels typically cost between $2,500 and $30,000, with the average homeowner spending around $10,000. Those on a tight budget therefore typically opt for a bathroom remodel first.
Of course, it all depends on what features you want to add to your bathroom and kitchen. While most people spend more on a kitchen, you may decide that you want to pour more money into the bathroom. By collecting quotes and doing research into costs, you can work out which of your remodel plans is within budget.
When assessing costs, consider the fact that you may be able to reduce certain costs to make your plans more affordable. Even seemingly small elements like skip hire can be reduced by shopping around for affordable services such as Sheridan Skip Hire. Reconsiderations such as repainting cabinets instead of replacing them, using cheap substitutes to luxury materials or even DIYing certain tasks may be able to save major costs and make a certain remodel more affordable.
Which adds more value?
If you’re likely to sell your home in the near future, it could be worth considering the added value of a remodel. Both a kitchen remodel and a bathroom remodel will usually add value to your property, but which will make you the biggest return?
According to this post at Bath + Kitchen, it’s very close – but typically kitchens add the most value. Many homeowners are able to make an 80% return on kitchen remodel costs, while mid-range bathroom remodels result in a 74% return. So while kitchens do cost more than bathroom remodels, they will result in the biggest return, making them a better investment if you plan to sell your home soon.
Which room needs a makeover most urgently?
You should consider which room needs to be remodelled the most urgently. Both rooms may look old and tired, but you may find that one is easier to put up with.
Think about which room you spend the most time in. If you don’t like to do a lot of cooking, but love to take long baths, a new bathroom may be a more immediate concern. Alternatively, if you’re always baking or experimenting with meals and tend to be in and out the bathroom quickly, a kitchen remodel may be more rewarding.
You should also consider the level of damage in each room. If your bathroom looks a bit dull, but your kitchen is falling apart, it may be better to focus on your kitchen first. Alternatively, if your kitchen only has some minor damage, but your bathroom appliances are mottled and leaking, a bathroom remodel may be the better option.