Design Notes
Two rooms in any home have the most potential to affect the property’s appeal and value when it is put on sale: the kitchens and bathrooms. Kitchens are valued because they function as a hub where people socialize and meals are prepared. Bathrooms are important because they are where people go to relax and unwind with a hot shower. The condition of a home’s kitchen and bathroom influences its market value.
Most homeowners recognize this. That is why kitchens and bathrooms top the list of remodeling projects homeowners undertake. When remodeling their homes, most owners would do both the bathroom and kitchen simultaneously if they could. However, this is often not possible due to cost and time constraints. So, for homeowners forced to choose between a bathroom and a kitchen remodel, which one should they choose?
To find the best answer, homeowners should first answer some questions. What is the purpose of the remodel? Is it to enhance the home’s appearance and value in preparation for selling it? Or is it to improve its functionality and enhance the owner’s enjoyment of the property?
Homeowners who are not about to sell their property will have more freedom to choose what they want than those who want to sell.
Dawson Management shares some advice on what owners should consider when deciding whether to remodel the kitchen or bathrooms first.
Cost and Budget
The number one factor is the cost of the project and the owner’s willingness to spend on it. As a rule, kitchen remodels tend to cost more than bathroom remodels, with a minor remodel costing around $19,000 and a major one costing around $57,000.
That is in contrast to $17,000 for a minor bathroom remodel and $40,000 for a major one. But these costs are by no means final; it is very possible to complete a decent kitchen and bathroom remodel for a fraction of the above amounts. Kitchen remodels tend to have a bigger effect on the home’s resale value because kitchens are more visible than bathrooms.
How Easy and Disruptive The Project Will Be
While a bathroom or kitchen remodel is ongoing, bathing and eating cannot normally occur in the respective spaces. It is essential to consider which room the family could not live without for the project’s duration. Bathrooms are more challenging to live without, even with a portable toilet, unless the home has more than one bathroom. Here is more detailed information regarding a bathroom remodel.
On the other hand, installing a makeshift kitchen, having food delivered, or eating out during a kitchen remodel is fairly doable. The project’s ease will depend on the scope of the remodel.
Speed Of Completion
How many days or weeks will the project take? The longer it takes, the more disruptive it will be and the greater the likelihood that it will cost the owner in other ways. A medium-scale bathroom remodel will take three to four weeks to complete, depending on the number of components replaced.
If changing the bathroom’s flooring, tiles, and plumbing is included in the remodel, it could take more than two months. Generally, a bathroom will take less time to remodel than a kitchen, but this depends on the project’s complexity.
Where People Spend The Most Time
Homeowners differ significantly in how they utilize their home’s bathroom and kitchen. If a family loves making gourmet meals in their kitchen, then the space will be highly priced. But splurging on a kitchen remodel doesn’t make sense if they prefer to have food delivered to them every evening.
Similarly, do the home’s occupants like to soak in bubble baths, or will a quick shower suffice for them? The lifestyle habits of the people who live in the house play a significant role in determining which projects are most beneficial. But this factor depends on whether the home is about to be sold.
There’s a moment every interior designers know well. The mood board is perfect. The client is excited. The vision is clear. And then the kitchen hits.
Suddenly, you’re deep in cabinet specs, clearance dimensions, lead time windows, and finish coordination. A world that could swallow weeks of your time and still leave room for expensive surprises on install day. It doesn’t have to work that way.
Greenbrook Design Here’s the truth: those numbers can be accurate in many situations, and they can also feel wildly out of reach—because “kitchen remodel cost” depends on what’s included, what level of cabinetry you choose, and where you live.
Hiring a cabinet maker is a big step in any kitchen or bath remodel. The right partner will make the process feel clear and supported. The wrong one can lead to delays, surprise costs, and a finished look that doesn’t match what you pictured.
If you’re a homeowner in Charlotte, NC, and you’re comparing cabinet companies, use these questions to guide your consultations and feel confident about who you hire.
Unlike stock or semi-custom options, custom cabinets are built specifically for your space, your needs, and your lifestyle. Every inch is intentional. Every detail serves a purpose.
Let’s take a closer look at how custom cabinetry can completely transform small spaces.
Greenbrook Design