Maximize Your ROI With These Kitchen and Bathroom Renovation Tips
Kitchens and bathrooms are two spaces in the home that often deliver a high return on investment (ROI), because they’re highly visible and heavily utilized. "The look and functionality of a kitchen or bath can really impact a homeowner’s daily happiness and productivity in their space," notes Quinn Babcock, Construction & Design Operations Lead at Block Renovation "With upgrades like modern appliances, efficient layouts, or contemporary designs you can significantly improve both your living experience and property value. Additionally, kitchen updates and bathroom renovations often include critical updates to plumbing and electrical systems, which improve the efficiency, quality, and safety of your home."
Must-Know Factors for Kitchen and Bathroom Remodels
Living Arrangements: Consider whether you will be living in the home during the remodel or if you need alternative arrangements. "If you only have one bathroom, you should definitely plan to move out during your bathroom remodel, or if your kitchen isn’t available during the remodeling process, consider how and where you would cook your meals," says Babcock. "We recommend homeowners move out so that their renovation goes smoother and faster."
Budgeting: Determine your budget for the remodel and allocate funds for different aspects such as materials, labor, and unexpected expenses.
Time Allotment: Plan for the duration of the remodel, including any potential delays or unforeseen circumstances.
Design and Functionality: Prioritize the design elements, floor plan, extra seating, and other features that will enhance both the aesthetic appeal and functionality of the kitchen and bathroom.
Contractor Selection: Take time to research and select a reputable and experienced contractor for the remodel to ensure quality work during the entire process. (And always work closely with them to get an accurate estimate. Remember: The best contractors are great communicators.)
Related: Houzz Data Reports on Home Renovation Spending — And it’s More Telling Than You’d Think
Other Areas You Should Focus on in Your Bathroom
"Good lighting is key in a bathroom, so it’s important to prioritize lighting choices when taking on a bathroom remodeling project," shares Babcock. "Additionally, think about the layout and functionality of the space—add or improve storage options with open shelves or vanities with lots of space. Remember to factor in accessories and decor in your bath remodel budget, including updating mirrors, rugs, towels, hardware, or other decorative elements."
Other Areas You Should Focus on in Your Kitchen
There are many decisions to be made in planning a complete kitchen remodel, but as Babcock shares, one of the most important decisions you’ll make during a dream kitchen remodel is appliances. "There are a lot of flashy appliances out there, including smart home appliances, but we recommend doing your research to find items that are high-quality, functional, and energy-efficient. It’s more important to find an efficient appliance that suits your needs than one that just looks good. Additionally, consider if you actually need to replace all of your appliances. Keeping your old appliances is one way to save a significant amount of money during a major remodel."
Block Renovation
Block Renovation
How far in advance should you begin planning your remodel?
"Renovation timelines can vary significantly depending on the type of building you live in, permits needed, the scope of the work, and other factors" cautions Babcock. "You could run into issues like contractor availability and supply chain delays, so you can’t have complete control over when you remodel happens. We recommend planning as far in advance as possible, starting up to 6-8 months before you hope to renovate. We also recommend being flexible with your timeline."
Related: 20+ Ideas: Budget-Friendly Inspiration for a Bite-Size Remodel
Should you remodel the kitchen and bathroom at same time?
This depends how much disruption you're ready to take on, but a complete remodel isn't a terrible idea! Doing the remodel projects in tandem can often help you meet a budget by sharing supplies, project management resources and construction teams. One small example of this is the cost-savings of having one dumpster on-site, versus having to rent another for another project another time. Or, if the bathroom is adjacent to the kitchen and you plan to have hardwood floors or custom tile throughout both spaces, it's almost imperative that you reno the spaces at the same time. Furthermore, if you intend to have any coordinating elements (like hardware, coordinating granite countertops, or custom cabinets), you can buy them for both spaces and ensure that nothing will be discontinued before you get to future projects.
