In this guide, we’ll break down the top factors that determine which room you should tackle first, updated remodeling cost ranges, labor and material breakdowns, budgeting strategies like the 30% rule, and price differences based on room size and features. Let's dive in!
Start with the Heart of the Home: The Kitchen
If you're wondering which room to renovate first, the answer for most homeowners is the kitchen. This high-traffic space isn’t just for cooking it's for gathering, entertaining, and living. Renovating your kitchen first makes sense because:
- It boosts home value significantly
- It's the center of daily activities
- Older kitchens often have outdated layouts and appliances
Kitchen Remodel Cost Breakdown (2025)
| Kitchen Size | Average Cost | Labor | Materials |
| Small (70-100 sq ft) | $15,000 – $25,000 | 40% | 60% |
| Medium (100-150 sq ft) | $25,000 – $45,000 | 35% | 65% |
| Large (150+ sq ft) | $45,000 – $75,000+ | 30% | 70% |
Key features that affect kitchen remodel cost:
- Custom cabinetry
- Quartz or granite countertops
- Flooring (tile, hardwood, or luxury vinyl)
- Lighting upgrades
- New plumbing or electrical
At Poseidon Remodeling, our expert kitchen remodeling team in Oceanside will help you select finishes and materials that meet your budget while delivering long-term value.
Is the Bathroom a Better Place to Start?
If your kitchen is functioning well enough, your next best bet is the bathroom. A bathroom remodel can resolve major issues like water damage, mold, or outdated plumbing.
San Diego Bathroom Remodel Pricing (2025)
| Bathroom Size | Average Cost | Labor | Materials |
| Small (up to 40 sq ft) | $8,000 – $15,000 | 50% | 50% |
| Medium (40–70 sq ft) | $15,000 – $25,000 | 45% | 55% |
| Large (70+ sq ft) | $25,000 – $40,000+ | 40% | 60% |
Features that influence bathroom remodel cost:
- Tile work (floors and shower walls)
- Custom vanities
- Fixtures and hardware (faucets, shower heads, toilets)
- Waterproofing
- Accessibility upgrades (curbless showers, grab bars)
If you're looking for a San Diego bathroom remodel or need a quality bathroom remodel in Oceanside, Poseidon Remodeling provides expert planning and installation to ensure you get exactly what you want without surprise costs.
What Is the Hardest Room to Renovate?
It’s a common question: "What is the hardest room to renovate?" The answer is usually the kitchen. Here's why:
- Kitchens involve multiple trades: plumbing, electrical, cabinetry, and appliances
- They require tight scheduling to keep cooking disruptions minimal
- Many homeowners want both beauty and functionality, which requires intricate planning
Bathrooms are a close second due to waterproofing requirements and potential hidden plumbing issues. However, kitchen remodels remain the most complex and labor-intensive renovation in most homes.
Budgeting Advice: The 30% Rule
Before starting any renovation read kitchen remodel ideas, follow the 30% rule: set aside 30% of your home's value as your overall remodeling budget if you’re doing multiple rooms. For single-room renovations:
- Set 5-10% of your home's value for a kitchen remodel
- Allocate 3-7% for a bathroom remodel
Example:
If your home is worth $600,000:
- Kitchen remodel budget = $30,000–$60,000
- Bathroom remodel budget = $18,000–$42,000
Also, include a 10–20% contingency buffer to cover unexpected issues like mold, outdated wiring, or structural fixes.
Size-Based Remodel Pricing Summary
| Room Type | Small | Medium | Large |
| Kitchen | $15K–$25K | $25K–$45K | $45K–$75K+ |
| Bathroom | $8K–$15K | $15K–$25K | $25K–$40K+ |
These estimates are based on 2025 trends in San Diego, Oceanside, and surrounding areas. At Poseidon Remodeling, we offer customized estimates that reflect your project scope and design goals.
What Room Should You Renovate First in a Whole-House Remodel?
If you’re doing a full home renovation, the typical order is:
- Kitchen remodel – because it increases home value the most
- Bathroom remodels – for comfort and modern fixtures
- Living and dining areas – for aesthetics and layout improvements
- Bedrooms – usually last, as they’re less complex
- Exterior – if needed, for curb appeal and protection
Should You Renovate Multiple Rooms at Once?
It depends on your living situation and budget:
- If you live in the home, consider remodeling one room at a time to maintain livability.
- If you’ve moved out temporarily, remodeling multiple rooms simultaneously saves time and costs on permits, labor, and materials.
At Poseidon Remodeling, we help homeowners phase their renovations smartly to avoid unnecessary expenses and disruptions.
You may read this “ Is 5x10 Big Enough for a Bathroom?
Conclusion
So, which room do you renovate first? For most homeowners, the kitchen leads the way offering high value and a strong design foundation for the rest of the home. But if your bathroom is outdated or dysfunctional, that may take priority.
At Poseidon Remodeling, we’re proud to serve homeowners across Oceanside, San Diego, and nearby areas with expert kitchen and bathroom remodeling services tailored to your goals and budget Ready to start? Let’s turn your vision into reality. Contact us today for your free in-home consultation.
FAQs
Which room adds the most value when renovated?
The kitchen generally adds the most resale value, followed by the primary bathroom.
How long does a kitchen remodel take?
Typically 4–8 weeks depending on complexity, material availability, and scope.
Can I live at home during a remodel?
Yes, especially if you renovate one room at a time. Poseidon Remodeling works to minimize disruption.
Is it more expensive to remodel a kitchen or bathroom?
Kitchens are generally more expensive due to appliances, cabinetry, and layout changes.