What Adds More Value to Your Home: Kitchen or Bathroom Renovation?
If you're a homeowner thinking about renovations - whether to improve your space or prep for resale - you’ve probably asked yourself:
Should I invest in a kitchen or bathroom remodel?
Both upgrades can boost your home's value, but which one gives you the biggest return in Ontario’s housing market?
Let’s break it down with a local lens.
Kitchen Renovations
Estimated ROI in Ontario: 75–100%
In cities like Toronto, Mississauga and Hamilton, homebuyers expect an updated, functional kitchen. This is especially true in older homes where layouts may be closed off or finishes are outdated.
Why Kitchens Matter Here:
Open-concept kitchens are in high demand across Ontario.
With longer winters, we spend a lot of time indoors - especially cooking and entertaining.
A modern kitchen can make your listing stand out in competitive neighbourhoods.
Top Kitchen Upgrades:
Custom cabinetry for maximum storage in tighter GTA homes
Quartz countertops for low-maintenance durability
Energy-efficient appliances to meet rising sustainability trends
LED lighting & smart tech for eco-conscious buyers
Open layouts to suit family life or multi-generational households
Local Tip: In older Toronto or Hamilton homes, layout changes often require structural or permit considerations - a professional contractor familiar with Ontario Building Code can help.
Bathroom Renovations
Estimated ROI in Ontario: 65–90%
Bathrooms may be small, but they’re one of the most scrutinized areas during a resale. Whether you’re in a downtown condo or a family home in the suburbs, a fresh, functional bathroom adds instant appeal.
Why Bathrooms Matter Here:
Many Ontario homes still have dated finishes from the early 2000s or earlier.
Buyers are drawn to spa-like, low-maintenance bathrooms.
In-laws, tenants, and growing families make additional bathrooms a hot-ticket item.
Popular Bathroom Upgrades in Ontario:
Walk-in showers with glass doors for accessibility
Heated floors (especially appreciated during long Ontario winters)
Floating vanities for a clean, modern aesthetic
Water-efficient fixtures to reduce utility bills
Second bathrooms or ensuites in homes with only one full bath
Local Tip: If you’re adding a new bathroom or moving plumbing, you’ll need a permit and inspections under the Ontario Building Code.
Kitchen vs. Bathroom: What Should You Renovate First?
Ask Yourself:
Which space feels most outdated?
Are you in a buyer-heavy area like Toronto or Kitchener where kitchens drive decisions?
Does your home have only one bathroom (a common layout in older Ontario bungalows)?
Are you planning to sell in the next 1–3 years?
In hot Ontario markets, a modern kitchen often attracts more buyers and adds immediate visual impact. But if your home only has one outdated bathroom, updating or adding one could be just as valuable - especially for growing families or multi-generational households.
What Ontario Buyers Want Right Now
According to recent trends from realtors and builders across Ontario:
Open-concept kitchens with islands are in high demand.
Second bathrooms or ensuites are a top priority for families.
Energy efficiency, smart storage, and clean finishes are driving purchase decisions.
Renovating one of these spaces, or both, can dramatically increase your home’s value and marketability, especially in competitive areas like the GTA, Waterloo Region, or Durham.
Whether you're dreaming of a custom kitchen, a luxurious new bathroom, or want help deciding which to tackle first - we’re here to guide you through it.