Ask yourself the question
The cabinetry in this kitchen hides everything away, and the stool could not be more perfect with the pink hue.
Kitchens are about sustenance and socialising while bathrooms are personal spaces that should be peaceful and safe, but in all of this deliberating over what to do first, the big question to ask yourself is, who are you renovating for? If the answer is for yourself or the family, it’s a decision for the heart and you will have to take into account your use of the kitchen and the bathroom. If you’re an Uber Eats ambassador and the kitchen doesn’t see much use, you’re more likely to get satisfaction out of a new bathroom space. But if you’re an entertaining king or queen, the kitchen is the hub of your home and should be seen to. It’s the space that, if designed right, will impress visitors and change the functionality of your home for the better.
If you are renovating for a sale, however, it should purely be a numbers game, and getting the biggest bang for your buck is imperative for a successful renovation. Generally speaking, the best investment to make is in your kitchen, as more than half of all real-estate agents claim that this space is the best one to focus on for resale. But having a buyer fall in love with your swish new kitchen isn’t always that easy. The trick is to appeal to as many potential buyers as possible, as you don’t want to be too polarising with your choices. This formula will differ depending on when and where you are selling, but generally consists of a practical layout and unoffensive finishes. mind. If you are looking to save money, there are plenty of ways to transform a space without breaking the bank.
A new splashback is an easy hack for updating your kitchen. Splashbacks date faster than the other elements, but a freshly tiled look can usually be tackled by most DIYers. Handles on cabinetry are a weekend fix (just remember to choose a new handle that will utilise or cover up any existing holes), and even benchtops can be swapped out with a bit of elbow grease (a new one can be professionally installed over existing cabinetry, but you should look at updating your splashback at the same time as it could be damaged during the benchtop removal).
Replacing tapware and sinks that look like they belong in the Eighties can be done fairly quickly by a plumber. (Again, make sure you choose a design that will cover your existing sink’s cut-out, and taps that do the same). For a more involved look, kitchen doors and panels can be changed (or resprayed) without touching the cabinetry carcass. This is a good option for those who want the feel of a new kitchen without the expense.
One of biggest costs in a bathroom renovation is changing the floor plan. Chasing pipes and wastes through concrete slabs, with plumbers trudging underneath your home or ripping out the downstairs ceiling, are expensive so are best to avoid.
Floor-to-ceiling tiles always look great but aren’t cheap. Consider stopping your tiles above shower-head height to save a few dollars here and there. Removing tiles often requires you to re-waterproof a wet area, which adds up, so the budget-minded might consider painting the tiles instead. This will get you a few more years out of a drab space, enabling you to save for a full-blown renovation later on. Painting a bath is surprisingly effective, and a cost-efficient way to extend the life of your tub, but I strongly suggest hiring someone experienced to do it.