Introduction: Why Prioritization Matters

Planning to renovate your entire home? Amazing—but overwhelming. In Los Angeles, where remodels can be complex and city permits unpredictable, knowing which rooms to tackle first can save time, reduce disruption, and optimize your investment.

This guide explains how to prioritize your remodeling sequence based on function, budget, ROI, and logistics.

Kitchen First: The Heart of the Home

Start with the kitchen—it’s the most used room and often the most valuable.

Why prioritize the kitchen?

• High ROI (Remodeling Magazine: avg. 70–80% return)
• Central location—disruption affects the whole home
• Plumbing/electrical work here may impact other rooms

Tips:

• Build a temporary kitchenette during construction
• Time the work when outdoor cooking is possible (spring/summer)

Bathrooms: Tackle Next for Function and Comfort

Bathrooms are essential for daily life.

Key Considerations:

• Prioritize if you only have 1–2 in the house
• Upgrade fixtures while rough plumbing is accessible
• Coordinate bathroom remodels with kitchen if possible for cost-saving on plumbing labor

Living & Family Rooms: After High-Utility Spaces

Once kitchens and baths are done, shift to social spaces.

Why wait?

• Easier to “live around” these areas
• Cosmetic upgrades (paint, floors, built-ins) are quicker
• Less plumbing/electrical involved

This is where you begin to enjoy the aesthetic results of your remodel.

Bedrooms: Ideal for Later Phases

Unless you’re doing a full layout reconfiguration, bedrooms can wait.

Why last?

• Minimal daily utility
• Easy to isolate during remodeling
• Helps reduce stress when other essential rooms are complete

Set up a quiet, clean room for retreat during the messy phases of earlier work.

Garage & Laundry Areas: When Budget and Time Allow

Often forgotten, these are best saved for late-phase work or done in tandem with related spaces (e.g., ADUs or kitchens).

Quick Tip: If your laundry is near the kitchen or bath, consider renovating them together to optimize plumbing.

Outdoor Spaces: Phase Last or Parallel

Landscaping, decks, patios, and outdoor kitchens usually come last—but sometimes can run in parallel.

Why last?

• Heavy equipment can damage finished surfaces
• Often requires good weather
• Exterior permits may move faster than interiors (depending on scope)

Structural & Infrastructure Work: Always Comes First

Regardless of room priority, major repairs should come first:

• Roof replacement
• Foundation stabilization
• Seismic retrofitting
• Electrical panel upgrades

These aren’t fun—but they’re essential. Don’t cover problems with beautiful finishes.

Multi-Room Zones: Group Projects by Proximity

Save time and money by combining nearby spaces:

• Remodel kitchen + dining area together
• Primary bedroom + bath in one phase
• Hall bath + adjacent laundry

It minimizes contractor mobilization and speeds up labor.

Budget Sequencing: Spend Wisely

Prioritize high-cost, high-impact spaces first. Kitchens and bathrooms are expensive—but they define resale value.

If the budget is limited:

• Tackle essential updates first (plumbing, electrical)
• Postpone cosmetic-only changes
• Phase the remodel over 1–2 years

Permit Considerations: Know Before You Demo

LA’s permitting process can affect timeline and sequence.

Tips:

• Bundle permits for multi-room renovations
• Know which projects need LADBS approval (e.g., wall moves, structural work)
• Work with a designer familiar with LA codes

Resale vs. Lifestyle: What’s Your Goal?

If you’re remodeling to sell:

• Prioritize curb appeal, kitchen, and bathrooms
• Stick to neutral designs with broad appeal

If remodeling to live:

• Prioritize comfort and personalization
• Think about future needs (e.g., aging-in-place upgrades)

Temporary Living: Where Will You Stay?

If your kitchen and main bath are down at the same time, consider:

• Renting a short-term unit
• Staying with family/friends
• Building temporary access to working rooms

This decision affects the remodel schedule—plan early.

FAQs: Prioritizing Rooms During a Remodel

Can I renovate my whole home at once?
Yes, but it’s more expensive and disruptive. Phased remodeling is often more manageable.

What room gives the best ROI?
Kitchens, followed by bathrooms. Curb appeal also matters.

Should I remodel upstairs or downstairs first?
Start where daily use is highest. Often downstairs areas (kitchen, bath, living).

Conclusion: Strategic Planning = Smoother Remodeling

By sequencing your remodel with logic—not just aesthetics—you’ll avoid burnout, minimize chaos, and make the most of your investment.

Need help planning your Los Angeles remodel from start to finish?
Book a consultation today and let’s build smarter.