The Big Question Every Homeowner Faces
You know your home needs updating. The kitchen cabinets are from a decade you'd rather forget, and the bathroom tile has seen better days. But your budget says you can only tackle one project right now. So which room should you remodel first — the kitchen or the bathroom?
It's one of the most common questions we hear from homeowners in Lauderdale-By-The-Sea and the surrounding communities. And while there's no single right answer, there are several practical factors that can make the decision much easier. Let's walk through them.
Consider Your Daily Frustrations
Start with the room that causes you the most daily stress. Remodeling should solve real problems, not just look good on a mood board.
- Kitchen pain points: Are you constantly running out of counter space? Do your cabinets lack functional storage? Is the layout forcing you to take extra steps every time you cook? A poorly designed kitchen drains your energy every single day.
- Bathroom pain points: Is there mold or mildew that keeps coming back no matter how much you clean? Are you sharing one bathroom with too many people? Does the shower feel cramped or outdated? These issues affect your comfort and can even impact your health.
Whichever room frustrates you more on a daily basis is often the smartest place to start. You'll feel the improvement immediately, and that momentum can carry you into the next project down the road.
Think About Return on Investment
If you're planning to sell your home in the next few years — or even if you just want to build equity — the return on investment matters. In South Florida's competitive real estate market, updated kitchens and bathrooms are the two features buyers look for first.
Kitchen Remodel ROI
Kitchens consistently rank as the highest-value renovation you can make. According to national remodeling data, a mid-range kitchen remodel can recoup 70% to 80% of its cost at resale. In desirable coastal areas like Lauderdale-By-The-Sea, that number can be even higher because buyers expect move-in-ready homes with modern finishes.
Bathroom Remodel ROI
Bathroom remodels also deliver strong returns, typically in the range of 60% to 70%. A dated bathroom can be a dealbreaker for buyers, so even a modest update — new tile, a modern vanity, updated fixtures — can make a significant difference in how your home is perceived.
If maximizing resale value is your primary goal, the kitchen usually wins. But if your bathroom has visible damage, water issues, or a layout that feels stuck in another era, fixing it first may actually protect your home's value more effectively.
Factor in Budget and Timeline
Budget is often the deciding factor, so let's be realistic about what each project typically involves.
- Bathroom remodels are generally less expensive and faster to complete. A full bathroom renovation might take two to four weeks depending on the scope, and the smaller square footage means lower material costs.
- Kitchen remodels tend to be larger investments. They involve more trades — plumbing, electrical, cabinetry, countertops, flooring, and sometimes structural changes. A full kitchen renovation can take four to eight weeks or more.
If your budget is tight right now, starting with a bathroom remodel lets you experience the transformation without overextending yourself financially. You can then save for the kitchen remodel and approach it with a clearer vision of what you want.
Assess the Condition of Each Room
Sometimes the decision isn't about preference — it's about urgency. Here in South Florida, humidity and moisture take a toll on homes, especially in bathrooms and kitchens. If either room has any of the following issues, it should move to the top of your list:
- Water damage behind walls or under flooring
- Persistent mold or mildew growth
- Outdated plumbing that leaks or corrodes
- Electrical systems that don't meet current code
- Cracked or deteriorating tile and grout
Ignoring these problems doesn't save money — it costs more in the long run. A room with active water damage or failing infrastructure needs attention before it causes bigger issues throughout your home.
How Your Lifestyle Should Influence the Decision
Your home should work for the way you actually live, not just the way it looks in photos.
Choose the Kitchen First If...
- You love cooking and entertaining at home
- Your kitchen is the main gathering space for family and guests
- You need more storage, better appliances, or a more functional layout
- You're working from home and the kitchen doubles as your hub
Choose the Bathroom First If...
- You only have one full bathroom and it's outdated or inefficient
- You want to add a second bathroom to reduce morning bottlenecks
- You're dreaming of a spa-like retreat after long days at the beach
- Accessibility is becoming a concern and you need a safer layout
For many homeowners in Lauderdale-By-The-Sea, the bathroom-as-retreat factor is a big draw. Living near the ocean means sandy feet, salt in your hair, and the desire for a beautiful space to rinse off and unwind. A thoughtfully designed bathroom can feel like a daily luxury.
You Don't Have to Choose Alone
The best way to decide is to talk through your goals with a contractor who understands both types of projects — and who knows the unique demands of renovating in a coastal Florida community.
At Summit General Contractors, we work with homeowners across Lauderdale-By-The-Sea, Fort Lauderdale, Pompano Beach, and the surrounding areas to plan remodels that make sense for their homes, their budgets, and their lives. Whether you start with the kitchen or the bathroom, we handle every detail from design to final walkthrough so the process feels seamless.
Sometimes we even help clients phase their renovations — starting with one room now and planning the second project for a few months later. That way, you get everything you want without the stress of doing it all at once.
Ready to Get Started?
If you've been going back and forth about which room to remodel first, we'd love to help you think it through. Reach out to Summit General Contractors for a free consultation. We'll walk through your home, listen to your priorities, and give you an honest recommendation based on what we see. No pressure, no sales pitch — just straightforward advice from a team that's been doing this for years.