Published on Apr 22, 2026
Welcome to another Q&A session where I answer questions from y'all on the internet.
Today's question is:
That really depends on the condition of each space. Both kitchens and bathrooms are typically your top options when it comes to remodeling and adding value to your home. But before thinking strictly about return on investment, you want to look at what actually needs attention first.
If your bathroom is falling apart, has leaks, or is causing problems, that should take priority. Even if it might not bring back the highest return compared to a kitchen, it’s something that needs to be addressed right away to prevent further damage. Fixing issues early saves you money in the long run.
Now, if both your kitchen and bathroom are in good condition and you're just looking to invest in your home — especially if you're thinking about selling in a few years — then a kitchen remodel is usually the better move. Kitchens tend to give you the best return on investment and have a bigger impact on buyers. So in that case, it becomes more of a strategic decision based on long-term value rather than immediate need.
Kolten outlines a practical approach to deciding between a kitchen and bathroom remodel. He emphasizes that the decision should first be based on necessity rather than purely financial return. If a bathroom has active issues such as leaks or structural problems, it should be addressed immediately to prevent further damage and costs. However, when both spaces are in relatively good condition and the goal is to increase home value — especially with resale in mind — a kitchen remodel typically offers the highest return on investment. The takeaway is that homeowners should balance urgency and financial strategy, prioritizing repairs when needed and choosing kitchens when aiming for long-term value gains.