Thinking of giving your home a fresh look but stuck choosing between a kitchen renovation and a bathroom makeover? It’s a common problem for home owners across the UK; both your kitchen and bathroom are due for an upgrade, but the budget says ‘pick one!’. So, how do you decide?
In this guide, we’ll explore three essential factors to consider when weighing up both options. We’ll help you understand the costs, the value, and the impact on your daily life, hopefully making your decision that little bit easier! Whether you’re dreaming of a slick, functional kitchen or a calming, modern bathroom, we’ve got you covered with insights and tips on which renovation is the best fit for your home and wallet.
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Total cost of renovation – what’s cheaper?
Understanding the total cost of a bathroom or kitchen renovation is crucial in making an informed decision. Whether it’s the usual expenses such as material and labour costs, there are often unexpected costs that can creep up on you when you least expect it!
Typically, kitchen makeovers are more expensive than bathrooms, due to the complexity of the renovation process and that kitchens often have a larger square footage than bathrooms.
Material costs
Material costs are often the easiest to budget for, as you’ll know exactly what you want and how much of it you need. For kitchens, think countertops, cabinets, sinks and appliances. Materials like granite countertops or custom cabinets can drive up the cost significantly, but if you go for alternatives such as a solid surface worktop, this can bring the price down whilst not compromising on quality.
On the other hand, bathrooms may not require as many large items, but the cost of tiles, fixtures, and a bathtub or shower can add up quickly. It’s all about the choices you make – luxury finishes will increase the renovation price, while more budget-friendly options can help keep costs down.
Installation costs
Kitchen installations often involve intricate tasks like fitting cabinets, hooking up appliances, and sometimes rerouting gas or water lines. These require skilled and qualified tradespeople to complete, which can add to the expense.
In contrast, bathroom installations might seem simpler but can also be tricky, especially with plumbing for showers, tubs, and sinks. You can do more of the renovation yourself when it comes to bathrooms, but if you’re looking for a high-quality finish, getting people in to do the work will result in a much better end result!
Other costs
If you’ve renovated a part of your home before, it’s likely you would have come across unexpected costs that meant you went over budget. For kitchens, this could include electrical upgrades for new appliances or eco-friendly options, while in bathrooms, it might be additional waterproofing or structural adjustments. Also, factor in the cost of planning permission, especially if you’re making significant structural changes. These additional expenses can sneak up on you, so it’s wise to set aside a contingency budget of around 10-20% of the total project cost.
The purpose of renovating – why do you want a makeover?
Understanding the ‘why’ behind your decision to renovate is as crucial as figuring out the ‘how’. People up and down the country renovate for various reasons, and these motivations can greatly influence both the scope and cost of the project.
In the world of kitchen and bathroom renovations, the purpose of the remodel often falls into three main categories: enhancing functionality, updating aesthetics, or increasing property value.
Enhancing functionality
Perhaps your family has outgrown the current space, or the layout doesn’t suit your lifestyle. In kitchens, this could mean expanding the area for more cooking space (or kitchen parties!), or adding an island for extra seating.
In bathrooms, it might involve installing a double vanity or a larger shower to accommodate a growing family. These functional upgrades not only make your daily life more comfortable, but also can require significant structural changes, impacting the overall cost.
Updating aesthetics
Trends come and go, and what was stylish a decade ago might now feel dated. You may want to renovate your kitchen to give it a sleek, modern look with new cabinetry, trendy worktops and state-of-the-art appliances, or perhaps transform your bathroom into a personal spa with contemporary fixtures and calming colours.
This type of renovation focuses more on surface updates rather than structural changes, which can vary in cost depending on the materials and finishes you choose.
Increasing property value
Many homeowners renovate to boost their property’s market value. An updated, attractive kitchen or bathroom can be a major selling point if you’re finding it difficult to sell. High-end renovations in either space can attract potential buyers, but it’s vital to ensure that the cost of your remodel aligns with your home’s overall value and the housing market in your area.
A kitchen renovation can increase your property’s value by up to 10%, whereas a bathroom can add up to 4%, so you’ll need to consider your potential ROI.
Convenience and after-care costs – how expensive to maintain
In the midst of planning your dream kitchen or bathroom, considering convenience and maintenance once it’s been installed cannot be forgotten. After all, a beautiful space that’s a chore to clean or maintain can quickly lose its appeal!
Whether it’s purchasing special chemicals to upkeep your stone worktops, or not having a splashback on your hob, inconvenience and costs can creep up on you post-installation.
Ease of cleaning
In the kitchen, easy-to-clean surfaces can make a world of difference. Non-porous countertops like Hanex solid surfaces resist stains and don’t require regular sealing like natural stone. If you need a guide to caring for solid surfaces, we’ve created a comprehensive guide here.
Similarly, in bathrooms, opting for larger tiles minimises grout lines, which are notorious for attracting mould and grime. Also, consider the finish of your fixtures – fingerprint-resistant coatings on faucets and appliances can keep your spaces looking pristine with minimal effort.
Durability and wear
Think about how surfaces will stand up to daily use.. In kitchens, hardwood floors might offer a warm look, but they’re more prone to water damage compared to tile. Similarly, while marble countertops in bathrooms exude luxury, they can scratch and etch easily compared to their solid surface counterpart.
Opting for materials that balance aesthetics with durability – like engineered stone or solid surfaces – ensures your renovated space not only looks great, but also won’t need replacing in just a short few years.
So, what should I remodel first? Bathroom or kitchen?
If you’re on a tighter budget we’d recommend renovating your bathroom first as this tends to be the more wallet-friendly option, but if you’re looking to really give your home that ‘wow’ factor, a remodelled kitchen could be the better option.
To start your project with installing Hanex solid surfaces, contact our team today to seek professional advice!
