Should I renovate bathrooms or kitchens first?
Should you renovate bathrooms or kitchens first? The blunt answer that saves time and money: choose the room that gives the biggest ROI and fixes the biggest problem now.
Quick answer
If you plan to sell within 12–18 months, renovate the room with the worst condition and highest visible impact. For most homes that’s the kitchen. If the bathroom is unusable or dated to the point it scares buyers, do that first.
Why return on investment (ROI) matters
You’re not renovating for vanity. You’re renovating to increase home value, speed up sale, or improve daily life. Focus on high-impact, low-cost changes that buyers notice:
- Kitchen renovation vs bathroom renovation: kitchens often deliver bigger perceived value because buyers gather there and judge layout, appliances, and storage.
- Bathroom remodel ROI: smaller remodels (new fixtures, tile, lighting) often pay back quickly and cost less than a full kitchen gut.
Keywords to watch: kitchen renovation ROI, bathroom remodel cost, which to renovate first, increase home value, home renovation priority.
Cost vs impact — quick comparison
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Kitchen
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Typical cost (partial): $10,000–$35,000
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Buyer impact: very high
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Time: 2–6 weeks (partial) to 8+ weeks (full)
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Best when layout, appliances or cabinets are outdated
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Bathroom
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Typical cost (partial): $3,000–$15,000
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Buyer impact: medium to high
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Time: 1–3 weeks (partial) to 4+ weeks (full)
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Best when fixtures, grout, or lighting look worn or there’s water damage
Decision framework — 3 questions to answer now
- What’s the budget? If < $10k, refresh the bathroom for faster ROI. If $15k+, prioritize kitchen improvements that change layout, appliances, or counter/surface quality.
- How soon will you sell? If selling in 3–12 months, pick the room that will impress buyers most (usually kitchen).
- Is either room functionally broken? Fix function first (leaks, mould, failing appliances). Buyers notice functionality over style.
Actionable checklist
- Inspect both rooms for structural issues, water damage, and code problems.
- Get 2–3 quotes for targeted renovations (not full gut). Compare time-to-complete and cost.
- Prioritize lighting, paint, hardware, and fixtures — low cost, big visual lift.
- Use neutral finishes. Avoid overly personal design choices for resale.
Final recommendation
Start with the room that removes the biggest obstacle to sale or daily comfort. If you need quick, budget-friendly impact, refresh the bathroom. If you want higher perceived value and you have room in the budget, renovate the kitchen first.
For a tailored plan that maximizes resale value and controls renovation costs, contact Tony Sousa — a local real estate and home improvement expert who helps homeowners prioritize renovations for maximum return.
Tony Sousa | tony@sousasells.ca | 416-477-2620 | https://www.sousasells.ca
Need a renovation-to-resale strategy? Ask for a free room-by-room ROI checklist.
