Last Updated on June 29, 2026

Kitchen or Bathroom Remodel: Making the Call and Getting the Most for Your Money

Any homeowner looking to renovate will tell you the kitchen and bathroom are the obvious places to start. They are prime for a makeover and can put some serious returns on your investment.

Kitchen Remodel or Bathroom Remodel: Which Should You Start With? 

It’s simple: the budget for a kitchen renovation is higher than your typical bathroom. With that being said, you’re looking at around a 70% ROI on a kitchen remodel, and a 60% ROI on a bathroom remodel. At the end of the day, it's important to consider all of these factors before making your decision.

But when you have to pick which one to do first, it is not always an easy call. It depends on everything from where the market is heading to how you like to live, and it can also influence whether home building or remodeling makes the most sense for your goals. We have put together this guide to break down the pros and cons of each so you can approach your renovation with the right perspective and get the most out of it. 

What Is the Better Investment?

You can’t deny that a good remodel in either room will change the look and feel of your home as well as its worth on the market. The numbers back it up: real estate studies show a kitchen overhaul will usually give you an ROI of 60% to 80% when you come to sell. Given that the kitchen is the heart of the home for entertaining and family life, it is a top priority for any buyer.

Bathrooms are no slouches in the value department either. If you want to modernize an old space and make it more functional, you can expect to see between 50% and 70% of your costs returned. A few new fixtures, some fresh tile, and cabinetry go a long way. In the end, whether you put the kitchen or the bathroom first comes down to what your property needs and what you want to achieve.

How Do You Know Which Room Needs It Most? 

Before you commit, run through these considerations:

• How is it holding up? Be honest about the condition of both rooms. Is your kitchen so dated and short on counter space that it gets in the way of preparing a meal? Or is your bathroom undersized for the family or riddled with plumbing problems? Where the pain is greatest should be where you start.
• What is the neighborhood doing? Look at the local market. If everyone in Long Beach Island has a modern kitchen and yours is stuck in the past, a remodel could be the difference in desirability. On the other hand, if the trend in your area is for larger, more luxurious bathrooms, you might be better off there.
• The bottom line: Kitchens tend to be the pricier proposition, especially with custom cabinetry or top-tier appliances. Bathrooms are generally easier on the budget. Plan your finances with care to make sure you are spending where it counts.

Some Advice on How to Proceed

For the Kitchen

• Make it work for you: Pay attention to the work triangle – the dynamic between your stove, sink, and fridge. A layout that has good flow is as important as one that looks good.
• Don’t skimp on quality: While you have to watch the budget, buying durable appliances and fixtures now means you won’t be replacing them in a year or two.
• Think modern: Today’s home buyers are drawn to open shelving, smart tech, and anything that is energy efficient. Put some of those touches in.

For the Bathroom

• Get creative with space: A double vanity or extra storage can be very appealing. Functional choices like these add to the perceived value.
• Add a bit of spa: You don’t have to go overboard, but ambient lighting or a nice glass-enclosed shower can make the room more relaxing and attractive.
• Do it by the book: Make sure your renovations are up to code and done with good craftsmanship. You don’t want any regulatory headaches down the road to decrease your property’s appeal.

What Should You Consider Before You Decide? 

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to which room you should tackle; it is a matter of weighing your finances, the market, and your own requirements. Do your due diligence, and you will know what to do. With a little strategic planning and an eye for quality, you will be making an investment that does more than just look good – it will be a home where form and function are in harmony.