Kitchen Remodel vs. Bathroom Remodel: Which Delivers the Best ROI in Southern California Homes?

When it comes to remodeling, most homeowners in Southern California face the same question: “Should I remodel my kitchen first, or my bathroom?”

It’s a smart question, because both projects add comfort, beauty, and resale value. But they also come with different price tags, levels of disruption, and returns on investment. Choosing wisely matters — especially when you’re spending hard-earned money.

At Project Build Construction and Interiors, we’ve helped homeowners across Orange County, Los Angeles, and San Diego make this decision for more than three decades. In this article, we’ll break down the real costs, ROI, and lifestyle benefits of kitchen remodels versus bathroom remodels — and help you decide which is right for your home in 2025.

Why Kitchens Have the Reputation for the “Biggest Payoff”

It’s no secret: kitchens sell houses. In fact, real estate agents consistently rank the kitchen as the single most important space for influencing buyers. A stunning, modern kitchen can make a home irresistible, while an outdated one can hold back your resale value.

Kitchen Remodel ROI Stats (Southern California 2025):

• Minor Kitchen Remodel: 81–85% ROI on resale (midrange updates like cabinets, countertops, flooring, and appliances).

• Major Kitchen Remodel: 60–68% ROI on resale (full gut renovation with luxury finishes).

• Average Project Cost: $60,000–$100,000+.

While a kitchen remodel requires a larger upfront investment, the return is clear: if you plan to sell in the next 3–5 years, a modern kitchen almost always delivers the highest resale bump.

The Case for Bathrooms: Smaller, Faster, and Still Profitable

Bathrooms may not be as glamorous as kitchens, but they carry their own weight when it comes to ROI. For many homeowners, bathrooms feel like a safer starting point: less cost, less disruption, and a quicker timeline.

Bathroom Remodel ROI Stats (Southern California 2025):

• Midrange Bathroom Remodel: 70–75% ROI (new tub/shower, vanity, flooring, lighting).

• Upscale Bathroom Remodel: 58–65% ROI (luxury walk-in shower, high-end fixtures, stone tile).

• Average Project Cost: $20,000–$45,000.

Bathrooms may not boost resale as dramatically as kitchens, but they are essential spaces. Buyers (and your family) notice outdated tile, poor lighting, and inefficient layouts. A refreshed bathroom improves everyday comfort while still adding measurable value.

Cost Comparison: Kitchens vs. Bathrooms

Remodel Type	Typical Cost (SoCal)	Average ROI	Timeline	Disruption
Kitchen (Minor)	$60K–$80K	81–85%	6–10 weeks	High – central hub of home
Kitchen (Major)	$90K–$150K+	60–68%	10–16 weeks	Very high
Bathroom (Midrange)	$20K–$35K	70–75%	3–5 weeks	Low–Medium
Bathroom (Upscale)	$35K–$45K+	58–65%	5–8 weeks	Medium

Takeaway: Kitchens cost more and take longer, but they often deliver higher resale payoffs. Bathrooms cost less and are easier to complete quickly — ideal for homeowners dipping their toe into remodeling.

Lifestyle Impact: Which Remodel Improves Your Daily Life More?

Kitchens

• Central hub for family gatherings, cooking, and entertaining.

• Modern layouts (open concept, islands) improve flow and enjoyment.

• New appliances and storage improve efficiency.

Bathrooms

• Private retreat for relaxation and self-care.

• Updated showers, tubs, and vanities improve daily comfort.

• Enhanced lighting and ventilation improve safety and usability.

If your family entertains often, you’ll feel the biggest lifestyle change in the kitchen. If you crave a spa-like retreat or improved function in an outdated bath, the bathroom may be more rewarding in the short term.

The Psychology of Remodeling: Why Many Homeowners Start with Bathrooms

Here’s what we hear from Southern California homeowners every week:

• Kitchens feel overwhelming. The budget, timeline, and disruption can be intimidating.

• Bathrooms feel manageable. Smaller scope, lower cost, and faster turnaround.

• Bathrooms build trust. Many families remodel a bathroom first to “test the waters” with a contractor before tackling the kitchen.

This is smart. A bathroom remodel lets you experience the remodeling process without jumping into the deep end. Then, once you’re confident in your contractor, moving forward with the kitchen feels less daunting.

Hidden Costs of Waiting on Kitchens

There’s also a case to be made for not putting off the kitchen.

• Material prices rise every year. Waiting two years could add 15–20% to your project cost.

• Resale opportunities lost. If you sell in the near future, an outdated kitchen can leave tens of thousands on the table.

• Efficiency delayed. New layouts and appliances save time, energy, and money every day you use them.

If your kitchen is already showing its age, waiting too long can be more expensive than tackling it now.

Case Scenario: The Smart Southern California Homeowner

A family in Orange County wanted to remodel their home but weren’t sure whether to start with the kitchen or bathroom.

• Their kitchen was outdated but functional.

• Their master bathroom was cramped and had water damage.

We advised them to start with the bathroom. In just 5 weeks, we transformed it into a spa-like retreat with a walk-in shower, new vanity, and modern tile. The family loved the results and gained trust in the process.

Six months later, they called us back for the kitchen. Because they had already worked with us once, the design and construction process was smooth. Their home’s value jumped significantly, and they now enjoy both a modern kitchen and a bathroom they love.

Which Remodel Should You Choose?

Ask yourself:

• Am I planning to sell soon? → Kitchen first for maximum resale impact.

• Is my bathroom outdated or damaged? → Bathroom first for comfort and ROI.

• Am I nervous about remodeling? → Bathroom first to ease into the process.

• Do I want the biggest lifestyle upgrade? → Kitchen first for daily enjoyment.

FAQs

Q: Which remodel has better ROI in Southern California?A: Kitchens generally offer the highest resale ROI (81–85% for minor remodels), but bathrooms deliver solid returns (70–75%) and are faster, more affordable projects.

Q: Should I remodel both at once?A: If budget allows, yes. Remodeling both kitchens and bathrooms increases resale and reduces disruption compared to doing them separately. But many families prefer to start with one space.

Q: How do I keep costs under control?A: Choose a licensed contractor who provides transparent estimates, design support, and itemized budgets. At Project Build, we break down every cost so there are no surprises.

Q: How long will I be without my kitchen or bathroom?A: Kitchens typically take 6–16 weeks depending on scope. Bathrooms can often be completed in 3–8 weeks.

The Project Build Difference

At Project Build Construction and Interiors, we specialize in both kitchen and bathroom remodels across Orange County, Los Angeles, and San Diego. Our team understands the unique concerns of Southern California homeowners: high costs, busy lifestyles, and the need for projects that deliver true value.

• Licensed, insured, and experienced.

• Transparent estimates and realistic timelines.

• Design support that blends function, beauty, and resale ROI.

• Decades of satisfied homeowners and repeat clients.

Call to Action

Still wondering whether to remodel your kitchen or bathroom first? Let us help you compare the options for your home.

Contact Project Build Construction and Interiors today at 949-990-3922 or visit www.pbcgroupinc.com.

We’ll provide a free, detailed estimate so you can make the decision that delivers the best ROI and lifestyle improvement for your family.

About Maria Nicholson

Maria Nicholson is a Licensed General Contractor and co-founder of Project Build Construction and Interiors. With over three decades of hands-on experience, Maria specializes in kitchen and bathroom remodels, ADA accessibility, and aging-in-place design. She is passionate about helping Southern California homeowners transform their spaces with confidence. Maria is also the host of a widely available podcast where she shares insights on design, remodeling, and senior living — giving her a unique perspective that resonates with both homeowners and families.