So, What Part of My House Should I Renovate First?

When planning a renovation, one of the most common questions homeowners ask is, “what part of my house should I renovate first?” Renovating your home is exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming if you are unsure where to start. The right approach depends on your goals, budget, and the condition of your property.

At AGC Carpentry & Building Services, we have helped homeowners across Kent transform their properties through smart planning and professional craftsmanship. Based on our experience, this guide explains how to prioritise your renovation projects so you can achieve the best results efficiently and within budget.

Step One: Assess the Condition of Your Home

Before starting any work, take time to inspect your home’s overall condition. Look at both the structural and cosmetic aspects. A renovation that starts with repairing underlying issues will always lead to better long-term results.

Focus first on:

• Roof leaks or damage
• Damp or mould in walls
• Old wiring or plumbing
• Cracked foundations or uneven flooring

Addressing these core issues before focusing on visual improvements ensures that your renovation is built on a solid foundation. Investing in repairs early prevents more costly problems later.

Step Two: Start with Essential Rooms

When deciding what part of my house should I renovate first, most homeowners begin with areas they use daily, such as kitchens and bathrooms. These spaces make the biggest impact on comfort, functionality, and property value.

Kitchen Renovations

The kitchen is often called the heart of the home. It is one of the most rewarding spaces to renovate because it improves both everyday living and resale value. A well-planned kitchen renovation can include new cabinets, better storage, and upgraded appliances.

At AGC, our kitchen fitting service focuses on designing practical layouts that suit modern living. Whether you are upgrading worktops, adding lighting, or improving energy efficiency, the kitchen is usually one of the best places to start.

Bathroom Renovations

Bathrooms are another high-impact area that adds comfort and long-term value. Water leaks, old fixtures, or poor ventilation can cause significant damage over time. Upgrading your bathroom with modern, moisture-resistant materials not only looks better but also prevents future maintenance issues.

Our bathroom fitting work across Kent includes everything from compact refits to complete new layouts, always designed for practicality and longevity.

Step Three: Consider Space and Layout

Once essential rooms are upgraded, the next step is to improve how your home’s space flows. Many homeowners in Kent choose to extend or remodel to suit their growing families or changing lifestyles.

If you are looking to create more space, adding an extension or converting an unused area could be the right choice. We have completed many extensions and conversions that transform how homes are used without the need to move.

Open-plan living spaces, home offices, and additional bathrooms are all popular projects that make daily life more convenient and enjoyable.

Step Four: Update Living Spaces and Bedrooms

After addressing the main functional areas, you can focus on living rooms and bedrooms. These areas usually involve aesthetic changes like flooring, lighting, and decoration rather than major construction.

Upgrading these spaces can include:

• New flooring or wall finishes
• Fitted wardrobes or custom storage
• Modern lighting solutions
• Improved insulation for comfort and energy efficiency

These upgrades enhance comfort and create a cohesive look throughout your home, especially when carried out as part of a larger renovation.

Step Five: Don’t Forget Exterior and Structural Work

Many homeowners focus entirely on interiors, but the exterior is just as important. The roof, brickwork, and drainage system protect your home from the elements. Neglecting them can lead to expensive repairs later.

Exterior improvements may include roof repairs, rendering, repointing, or replacing fascias and soffits. Although these are not always the most exciting changes, they are essential for keeping your property secure and weatherproof.

If your renovation includes major structural work, such as removing walls or expanding into a garden area, we can ensure everything is safely managed and compliant with building regulations.

Step Six: Add the Finishing Touches

Once the main construction work is complete, it’s time to focus on finishing details. Lighting, paint colours, and flooring all play a big role in tying a renovation together.

We often remind clients that quality finishes can make a modest renovation look high-end. Choosing durable materials and professional installation ensures your investment lasts. You can view our work for examples of how attention to detail makes a difference in completed projects.

Balancing Budget and Priorities

Budget plays a major role in determining what part of my house should I renovate first. If funds are limited, start with the areas that give the greatest return or improve your daily comfort.

For example:

• Fixing structural issues prevents further damage and future expense.
• Renovating the kitchen or bathroom adds immediate value.
• Updating insulation and windows can reduce energy costs.

We always recommend setting aside a small portion of your budget for unexpected findings during renovation, especially in older homes.

Considering Long-Term Plans

Before starting, think about how long you plan to stay in your home. If you intend to live there for many years, focus on comfort, durability, and style that reflects your lifestyle. If you are renovating to sell, prioritise areas that will appeal to buyers, such as kitchens, bathrooms, and fresh decor.

Homeowners planning future expansions or updates should consider how current renovations will fit into their long-term goals. For example, if you plan to extend later, ensure that new flooring or layouts will connect easily to future work.

Professional Support Makes All the Difference

Working with an experienced builder helps you plan renovations in the most efficient order. Professionals can identify hidden problems, ensure compliance with building regulations, and manage different trades effectively.

3At AGC Carpentry & Building Services, we take pride in helping homeowners across Kent plan and complete projects that make their homes more functional, attractive, and valuable. We also provide aftercare to ensure everything continues to perform as expected after completion.

Luckily, we have had some of our previous customers leave amazing reviews on our Google My Business profile, and we have added a widget on our website that displays them. Our Google profile is here.

Conclusion

So, what part of my house should I renovate first? Start with the essentials, fix structural or safety issues, then move to high-impact rooms like kitchens and bathrooms. Once these are complete, focus on improving layout, comfort, and overall flow through extensions or design upgrades.

Renovation is about more than appearance; it’s about creating a home that works for you. With careful planning, quality materials, and professional support, every part of your home can be transformed to meet your needs and lifestyle.

If you are planning a renovation or unsure where to begin, you can contact us to discuss your ideas and receive practical advice from our experienced team.