When it comes to renovating your home, few decisions feel as big as choosing whether to update the kitchen or bathroom first. These two areas play essential roles in everyday life and both offer great potential when it comes to boosting property value and improving comfort, but with limited time and budget, most homeowners need to decide where to begin. Whether you’re dreaming of a fresh, modern bathroom or an open and functional kitchen, it helps to weigh up the benefits of each approach. Let’s take a closer look at the top 6 benefits of starting with one renovation over the other and what to think about before taking the plunge.
1. Start with Function: Which Room Feels More Urgent?
Before jumping into tiles or benchtops, think about which space is causing the most day to day frustration. Is your kitchen hard to work in, with limited storage and outdated appliances? Or is your bathroom showing signs of water damage, with leaky taps or a cramped layout that just doesn’t work anymore? Starting with the room that feels least functional can make a big difference to your daily routine. And by renovating the bathroom first might mean solving plumbing issues or fixing structural problems early. On the other hand, a kitchen upgrade can completely change how you cook, entertain and spend time with your family.
If you’re unsure, jot down which space you avoid using or complain about most often, and chances are that’s the one that needs attention first.
2. Value for Money and Maximising Your Renovation Budget
Let’s face it a home renovations can be a major investment, so you’ll want to get the most out of every dollar spent. Generally speaking, kitchen renovations tend to cost more, simply because there are more elements to upgrade, including cabinetry, appliances, splashbacks and lighting to name a few. While bathrooms can be more budget friendly if you’re just updating fixtures and finishes, but costs can climb quickly if you’re moving plumbing or waterproofing.
That said, a stunning new kitchen often delivers higher returns when it comes to resale value where buyers prioritise lifestyle and open plan living. If you’re watching your budget closely, it might make sense to tackle the bathroom first, especially if it’s a smaller job and frees up funds to do the kitchen later.
3. Lifestyle Enhancement and What Matters Most to You?
Think about how you live and what’s most important to you in a home. If you love cooking, hosting friends or gathering the family for meals, your kitchen is probably the beating heart of your space and it deserves to shine. Renovating it first can transform the entire feel of your home and give you more enjoyment day to day. Alternatively if your idea of luxury is a peaceful soak in the tub or a refreshing morning routine in a stylish bathroom, then that’s where you’ll feel the biggest lifestyle boost. Your renovation should reflect your habits and what brings you comfort, not just what looks good on a real estate listing.
4. Minimising Disruption and Living Through the Renovation
No one loves having tradies in the house day after day and renovation disruptions can get old quickly. Bathrooms are typically self contained and can often be finished faster, especially if you’re not making big layout changes. Although the kitchen tends to be more complex and involves multiple trades which can mean longer timelines. If you’re planning to live at home while the work is done, starting with the bathroom might be easier to manage. Consider how much mess and noise you’re willing to deal with and plan around your lifestyle accordingly.
5. Boosting Visual Appeal and Comfort
Bathrooms might be smaller spaces, but a fresh new one can instantly make your home feel more polished and inviting. Updating tiles, adding a walk in shower or installing sleek fittings can give your space a spa like quality. But when it comes to that big “wow” factor, kitchens often steal the show as they draw the eyes and creates a central hub where people naturally gather. If you’re aiming to refresh your home’s overall look or boost its appeal to visitors (or buyers down the track), starting with the kitchen can make a strong visual impact. That said, either renovation can completely uplift your home’s vibe, it just depends on your design goals and vision.
6. Planning Ahead – Timing Future Renovations
If you’re planning to renovate both the kitchen and bathroom eventually, the order in which you do them can influence costs and scheduling. For example, some plumbing work might overlap which could save you money if you do them close together.
Doing one project at a time also gives you breathing room financially and logistically, so starting with the bathroom might mean you tick off an essential upgrade first, then take your time designing your dream kitchen. Or you might want to go big from the start and give your kitchen the full treatment, knowing that a simpler bathroom renovation can wait until later in the year. Either way, thinking ahead helps avoid rushed decisions and ensures the end result works for your whole home.
Whether you’re leaning towards a bold kitchen transformation or a relaxing bathroom upgrade, the most important step is to start with a plan that suits your space, needs and budget. If you’re based in the South Brisbane area and are ready to get things moving, we can help guide your renovation with expert advice and quality workmanship. Just give us a call and we’ll be happy to discuss your plans.
