Kitchen vs Bathroom Renovation — Which Has Better ROI?
Both kitchens and bathrooms are high-value renovation targets. But if budget limits you to one, which delivers better return? Based on Western Sydney market data and Buildana's (Lic. 487805C) experience.
ROI Comparison
Kitchen renovation ROI: • Average cost (medium quality): $30,000–$38,000 • Average value added: $20,000–$30,000 • ROI: 53–100% of cost recovered • Buyer impact: kitchen is the #1 room that influences purchase decisions
Bathroom renovation ROI: • Average cost (medium quality): $25,000–$33,000 • Average value added: $15,000–$25,000 • ROI: 46–100% of cost recovered • Buyer impact: dated bathrooms are the #1 reason buyers negotiate price down
Both have similar ROI. The kitchen has slightly higher absolute value add and stronger buyer impact. But a dated bathroom actively deters buyers — it is more of a negative than the kitchen is a positive.
Recommendation
If choosing one: renovate whichever is more dated. A 1990s bathroom with chipped tiles and old tapware is a bigger detractor than a 1990s kitchen with dated cabinetry.
If doing both: kitchen first, then bathroom with remaining budget. The kitchen renovation transforms the most visible, most used room. The bathroom renovation removes the strongest negative.
For both rooms: focus on quality over luxury. Medium-quality finishes ($30,000 kitchen + $28,000 bathroom = $58,000) deliver better ROI than premium finishes in one room ($55,000 kitchen alone).
Contact Buildana for a free renovation assessment.
