Both your kitchen and a bathroom need an upgrade, but you can only remodel one. How do you choose? Here we break down 3 key factors you should consider before deciding between a kitchen or bathroom remodel.
Kitchen and bathrooms are the most common remodels we do here at Lamont Bros. And for good reason, both have high returns on investment on average. Here in the Portland area, these remodels can result in roughly a 70-80% return right away. But how do you choose which to do first if both your kitchen and a bathroom in your home need an upgrade? Here are some important factors to help you decide.
Key Points
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Cost and budget availability are often the deciding factor. Bathroom remodels typically cost less than kitchen remodels of comparable quality, making them the more accessible starting point when funds are limited. Kitchen remodels require a larger upfront investment but tend to deliver a slightly stronger immediate return on investment, particularly for lighter scope projects.
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Both spaces offer strong resale returns, but kitchens have a slight edge. Light kitchen remodels can return close to 80% of their cost immediately, while bathrooms average around 70%. For major remodels involving wall removal or plumbing relocation, both spaces return roughly 60%, meaning the complexity of the project matters as much as which room you choose.
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Convenience and daily disruption should not be overlooked. A single bathroom household may be better off remodeling the kitchen first since losing bathroom access is far more disruptive than setting up a temporary kitchen. Conversely, if multiple bathrooms are available, remodeling one of them causes minimal disruption and may be the easier place to start.
What to Consider When Deciding between a Kitchen or Bathroom Remodel First
Both spaces play a central role in daily life, and both can significantly impact your home's comfort, functionality, and resale value. The answer is not always straightforward, as it depends on your budget, your lifestyle, and your long-term goals. To help you make the most informed decision, here are three key factors to weigh before you pick up the phone and call a contractor.
Factor 1: Cost
Typically, the cost to remodel a bathroom will be significantly less than the cost of a kitchen remodel if the square footage of each space is roughly the same and if the quality of the fixtures and finishes are also on par. That holds true whether you’re planning a lower budget remodel, or one that’s on the higher end of the cost scale.
Another cost-related factor these days is interest rates. Currently, they’re very low, meaning lenders are generally making more funds available for remodels. So you might decide that now is the right time to do the kitchen, and then come back and do the bathroom at a later date.
If you’ve got a lower amount of money to work, tackling the bathroom first may make more sense.
Factor 2: Resale Value
Another key consideration when deciding between a kitchen or bathroom remodel is: which will result in the best return on investment? More often than not, a kitchen remodel will yield a greater immediate return. Most kitchen remodels often result in a 60%-80% return on investment right after the project is completed.
The more complex the remodel, the less recouped costs you’ll see. That’s usually because more complicated remodels may involve removing walls, or relocating plumbing, or other things that can drive up costs. While they can make significant improvements to the livability in your new space, that may not translate to a financial return on paper right away.
For major remodels, both kitchen and bathrooms return about 60% of your return immediately. With lighter remodels, kitchens can feature a return closer to 80%; bathrooms somewhere around 70% on average.
So, both spaces are comparable in terms of recouped cost, but if you’re most concerned about immediate resale value and what will make a greater impact to potential buyers, the kitchen remodel is often times the better option.
Factor 3: Convenience
Another factor to consider when deciding between a kitchen or bathroom remodel is convenience. Any remodel is likely going to be disruptive to your life. Our crews will be essentially taking over part of your home for a few weeks or months, so you’ll need to consider which space you feel more comfortable doing without for a while.
If you only have one bathroom for example, you may opt for doing the kitchen first. We’ve done several bath remodels for clients who only have a single bathroom, and in most cases we can reset the toilet each day so that’s operable, and there are ways to set up portable showers, but throughout most of the day, that space will be out of commission. So, this should factor in to your decision. On the other hand, if you have several bathrooms, remodeling one of them will likely not be too much of an inconvenience.
When it comes to the kitchen, that will generally be an inconvenient remodel no matter what. So, you’ll want to think about when is the best time of year to do it. If you have a basement or other indoor area where you can set up an adequate temporary kitchen, the time of year can be flexible. If you have a covered patio or barbecue area, you may opt for a summer remodel so you can do most of your cooking outdoors.
To Wrap it all up
These are 3 of the key factors to consider when deciding whether to do a kitchen or bathroom remodel first. One additional consideration is timeline. More complex kitchen remodels can take longer than a simple bathroom renovation. So, if you’re looking for a project with a shorter timeline, you may opt for something more straightforward without major plumbing relocations or significant floor plan adjustments.
FAQ's: Remodel Kitchen or Bathroom First
Some of our most frequently asked questions from homeowners deciding between doing a kitchen or bathroom remodel project first:
Is it better to renovate a kitchen or bathroom first?
It really depends on your situation. If budget is your primary concern, starting with the bathroom is often the smarter move since it typically costs less than a kitchen remodel of comparable quality. If resale value is your priority, the kitchen tends to deliver a stronger immediate return. We always recommend sitting down and weighing your budget, how much disruption you can handle, and what your long-term goals are before making the call.
What is the most expensive part of a kitchen remodel?
Cabinetry is usually the biggest cost driver in a kitchen remodel, often making up a significant portion of the total budget. Labor is another major expense, especially if your project involves relocating plumbing, moving walls, or reconfiguring the layout. High-end appliances and countertops can also push costs up quickly depending on the materials and brands you choose.
What will all kitchens look like in 2026?
Kitchen design in 2026 is leaning toward clean lines, warm natural materials, and a more personalized feel. Unpainted wood cabinetry, earthy tones, and mixed textures are having a major moment. Functionality is just as important as aesthetics, with smarter storage solutions and energy-efficient appliances becoming standard. Open shelving is still popular, but many homeowners are balancing it with more closed storage for a look that is both beautiful and practical.
Ready to Start Your Kitchen or Bathroom Remodel?
We know that choosing between a kitchen and bathroom remodel is not always an easy decision, and that's exactly why we're here. At Lamont Bros., we've helped countless Portland homeowners navigate this decision and create spaces they truly love. Let's talk through your goals, your budget, and your timeline, and figure out the best path forward together. Schedule a free consultation with our team today.
