We all know that kitchens and bathrooms sell houses, so if you are trying to decide between these two renovations, don’t forget that you also have the option of doing both! It’s not as impractical as it sounds because kitchens and bathrooms have very similar design needs.
For example, they are both wet areas, so they require plumbing, tiles, benchtops (or vanities) and sinks. They both need multiple power points, good lighting and tapware. Many renovators decide to use the same tiles in both areas, either for consistency or to save money. You can even use the same tradespeople to work on both areas at the same time, saving you even more money. So from one point of view, there are not many differences between kitchens and bathrooms other than their intended use.
Does it all come down to functionality and preferences?
In great part, the decision to renovate your kitchen or bathroom usually comes down to functionality and preferences. Only you know which area is in desperate need of a renovation, so if it’s the bathroom, then that’s your decision made. However, most people use the kitchen far more than they use their bathroom, so kitchens are considered to be a far more versatile space than bathrooms.
We usually spend a large part of the day in the kitchen, particularly when it’s part of an open plan design. Kids can do their homework on the benchtop, some people use it as a work space for their laptop, and others for casual meals. Not forgetting that everyone seems to congregate in the kitchen at some time or another during the day.
On the other hand, bathrooms can become your refuge from a stressful day. You might not spend as much time there as in the kitchen, but it’s often time well spent! So why not spend your energy and budget on a fabulous bathroom renovation?
It might come down to selling vs staying.
If you are a homeowner who wants to sell, you probably already know that kitchens and bathrooms sell houses. So, if you only have enough money to renovate one area, which one? A lot of evidence points to a kitchen renovation, as this not only gives you the best return on your investment, but also increases the value of your home most significantly. For homeowners on a tight budget, however, you might opt for a quality bathroom renovation, instead of a more costly kitchen renovation.
Kitchens usually make the most sense, because buyers don’t usually want to take on large renovations, so if your kitchen is newly renovated it goes to the top of a buyer’s list. The kitchen is also one of the first spaces viewed by buyers and if you can tug on their heart strings immediately, you have a sale!
On the other hand, if you intend to stay in your home, then you still need to decide between a kitchen or a bathroom renovation. In this case, let your heart rule the decision, because while you might want a beautiful kitchen renovation, who wouldn’t want a glorious spa sanctuary of their very own? After all, a little luxury in your bathroom goes a long way to soothing your body and soul and definitely won’t cost as much as a full kitchen renovation.
