Kitchen vs. Bathroom Remodeling: Which Adds More Value?

 

A new kitchen. A fresh bathroom. Two high-stakes spaces in the home where style meets utility, and where money tends to disappear. So which one gives you the most bang for your buck? The kitchen? The bathroom? Or does it depend? Like most things in life and real estate, it’s not that simple. But we’re going to cut through the clutter, ditch the generic advice, and walk you through what actually matters, whether you’re fixing up a forever home or trying to flip for a profit.

 

What’s at Stake When You Remodel

A kitchen remodel isn’t just new cabinets and stainless steel everything. It’s a signal to buyers, or yourself, that the heart of the home is updated and ready to host everything from morning coffee rituals to impromptu wine nights. The same goes for the bathroom. It’s the place where we start and end our day, so it better feel like a sanctuary, not a 1990s motel.

 

The Costly Middle Ground

Let’s talk numbers for a second. According to the 2023 Remodeling Cost vs. Value Report, a mid-range minor kitchen remodel recoups about 71.2% of its cost, while a mid-range bathroom remodel recoups around 66.7%. That’s national data, of course, and your mileage will vary depending on your zip code and whether your contractor ghosts you mid-job. Here’s a breakdown of what often tips the scale:

Kitchens often win when:

• You’re trying to sell the home soon (buyers gravitate toward updated kitchens).
• You can open the space up (a kitchen bump-out or removing a wall can make it feel 2x bigger).
• It’s the gathering hub of your home (especially in open floor plans).

 

Bathrooms win when:

• You’re adding an additional bathroom, not just redoing one.
• The existing bathroom is seriously outdated or dysfunctional (think carpeted bathrooms or no fan).
• You live in a one-bathroom home. Adding a second one = game changer.

 

Renovate for ROI or Yourself

Here’s the truth no one tells you: The best remodel is the one that fits your goal and context.

If you're selling in the next 1–2 years:

• Keep finishes neutral and designs timeless.
• Skip marble unless you’re in a luxury market.
• Avoid loud tile, neon cabinets, or anything you’ll have to explain to a buyer with a confused face.

 

If this is your forever home:

• Go nuts. Want deep emerald green cabinets? Do it. Dreaming of heated floors and a shower with six jets? It’s your life.
• Just understand that personal taste can tank resale later. So, if you ever plan to sell, document the changes and keep receipts to justify the value.

 

Tips for Not Overspending (and Still Loving the Result)

You don’t need to take out a second mortgage to make a difference. Here's how to stay sane:

• Stick to the footprint. Moving plumbing or walls = $$$.
• Refinish, don’t replace. Cabinets, tubs, and tile can often be revived instead of ripped out.
• Focus on lighting and hardware. Underrated and transformative.
• Use quality mid-range materials. Quartz over granite. LVP over hardwood.
• Shop scratch-and-dent sales. You’re not too good for a Home Depot clearance appliance.

 

So... Which Should You Pick?

If you’re stuck choosing between a kitchen or bathroom remodel, ask yourself:

• What’s the current condition of each space?
• How long are you planning to stay?
• Are buyers in your market drawn to one over the other?
• Do you enjoy hosting or relaxing more?

In most cases, the kitchen offers a slightly better return, especially if you can increase functionality, improve flow, or brighten up the space. But if your bathrooms are sad, dark, or cramped? Tackling them might move the needle faster. The biggest mistake is assuming one-size-fits-all advice applies to your home. It doesn’t.