In the GTA, minor kitchen remodels historically recoup 75% to 80% of their cost at resale, while mid-range bathroom remodels recoup 60% to 70%. Both typically cost $15,000 to $30,000 in 2026. Kitchens carry the higher ceiling on total value added since Toronto buyers weigh them most heavily during showings, while bathrooms are often the more cost-efficient project in homes with only one or two.
Choosing between the two depends on your budget, your home’s current condition, how many bathrooms you already have, and how long you plan to stay before selling. This guide breaks down the cost, scope, and expected return of each project so you can decide with confidence.
Why This Comparison Matters for Toronto Homeowners
Most homeowners don’t have the budget to renovate every room at once, so the kitchen or bathroom question comes up early in almost every renovation conversation. Both spaces see daily use, and both shape how a buyer judges the rest of the house, so the cost needs to be weighed against the return.
The right answer isn’t the same for every property. A home with a dated kitchen and a recently updated bathroom needs a different plan than one where neither room has been touched in decades. Comparing cost, scope, and return side by side makes the decision easier.
Kitchen Renovation in Toronto & the GTA: What It Involves
A kitchen renovation is one of the more involved projects in a home, since it touches plumbing, electrical, cabinetry, countertops, flooring, and often layout changes all at once. In 2026, a kitchen renovation in Toronto & the GTA typically ranges from $15,000 to $30,000 for a mid-range update, with larger projects that involve moving walls, relocating plumbing, or adding an island running higher.
What usually drives the cost up or down:
- Layout changes: Moving a sink, stove, or wall adds plumbing and electrical work that a simple refresh doesn’t need.
- Cabinetry: Refacing existing cabinets costs far less than a full custom cabinet replacement.
- Countertops and flooring: Material choice (laminate versus quartz, for example) has a bigger impact on the final number than most homeowners expect.
- Appliances: New appliances can be a significant portion of the budget on their own.
Because the kitchen is where most households spend the bulk of their time and where buyers form an early impression of the home, this is usually the renovation with the strongest pull on resale value. A functional, well-laid-out kitchen with updated finishes signals that the rest of the house has likely been maintained too.
Bathroom Remodel in Toronto: What It Involves
A bathroom remodel in Toronto covers a smaller footprint but still involves plumbing, electrical, tiling, and fixtures, which is why the cost per square foot often runs close to that of a kitchen even though the room is much smaller. In 2026, a bathroom remodel typically ranges from $15,000 to $30,000 as well, depending on whether it’s a full gut renovation or a finish-level update.
Common cost drivers for a bathroom project:
- Plumbing relocation: Moving a toilet or shower changes the scope significantly compared to keeping fixtures in place.
- Tile work: Full tile replacement, especially in a shower or tub surround, is labour-intensive and adds up quickly.
- Vanity and fixtures: Custom vanities and higher-end fixtures raise the budget faster than most homeowners anticipate.
- Waterproofing: Proper waterproofing behind tile and around the shower base is non-negotiable and adds to the cost of doing the job correctly.
Bathrooms tend to recover a strong percentage of their cost at resale, particularly when a home only has one or two and both are outdated. A second bathroom, or an ensuite added to a primary bedroom, can also make a home more competitive against comparable listings in the same neighbourhood.
Comparing Value: Kitchen vs. Bathroom
| Factor | Kitchen Renovation | Bathroom Remodel |
| Typical cost (2026) | $15,000 to $30,000+ | $15,000 to $30,000 |
| Resale value recouped (2026) | 75% to 80% of project cost | 60% to 70% of project cost, especially with a limited bathroom count |
| Daily use | Highest in most households | High, but shorter visits |
| Buyer impression | Often, the deciding factor in showings | Reinforces overall condition |
| Project complexity | Higher, more trades involved | Moderate, smaller footprint |
Neither renovation is a bad investment. The kitchen tends to have a slightly higher ceiling on value added, since it’s the room buyers scrutinize most closely, while the bathroom is often the more cost-efficient project when the kitchen is already in reasonable shape.
How to Decide Which One to Prioritize
A few questions help narrow this down for your specific home:
How many bathrooms does the home have?
If there’s only one bathroom and it’s outdated, that project often takes priority regardless of what the kitchen looks like.
Is the kitchen layout still functional?
A kitchen with a poor layout, limited counter space, or an awkward flow tends to hold back resale value more than dated finishes alone.
Are you renovating to sell soon, or to enjoy the home for years?
If you’re planning to stay, prioritize the room that affects your daily routine the most. If you’re preparing to list within a year or two, the kitchen usually has the bigger influence on how quickly the home sells and at what price.
What’s your total budget?
If the budget only covers one full renovation, a well-executed kitchen or bathroom will outperform a rushed job that tries to touch both.
Getting the Most Out of Either Renovation
Whichever room you choose, the return depends heavily on execution. A renovation completed without permits, or with rushed plumbing and electrical work, can create problems that show up during a home inspection later and end up costing more than the original project. Working with a licensed and insured general contractor who handles permits, uses quality materials, and manages the trades properly protects the value you’re trying to add.
At Jacko Contracting, we’ve completed kitchen and bathroom renovations across Toronto and the GTA for homeowners weighing exactly this decision. We walk through your home’s layout, current condition, and goals before recommending where your budget will make the biggest difference, whether that’s a full kitchen renovation, a bathroom remodel, or a phased plan that tackles both over time.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Does a kitchen renovation always add more value than a bathroom remodel?
Not always. Minor kitchen remodels in the GTA historically recoup 75% to 80% of their cost at resale, compared to 60% to 70% for mid-range bathroom remodels. A bathroom can add more relative value in homes with only one bathroom or where the kitchen has already been updated recently.
2. What’s the average cost of a kitchen renovation in Toronto?
A mid-range kitchen renovation in Toronto and the GTA typically runs between $15,000 and $30,000 in 2026, with larger projects involving layout changes costing more.
3. What’s the average cost of a bathroom remodel in Toronto?
A bathroom remodel typically ranges from $15,000 to $30,000 in 2026, depending on whether it’s a full gut renovation or a finish-level update.
4. Can I renovate both the kitchen and bathroom at the same time?
Yes. Combining both projects under one general contractor reduces labor redundancies and mobilization fees by 10% to 15%, since plumbing, electrical, and site setup costs are shared across both spaces rather than duplicated.
5. Should I renovate my kitchen or bathroom before selling my home?
If the home only has one outdated bathroom, that project often takes priority. If the kitchen has a poor layout or dated finishes, it usually has a bigger impact on how buyers perceive the home during showings.
Ready to Start Your Renovation?
Not sure whether to renovate your kitchen or bathroom first? Jacko Contracting has completed both across Toronto and the GTA and can help you decide. Contact us today for a free estimate and a plan built around your budget.
