What to Renovate First When Buying a Home

Purchasing a home is an exciting milestone, but knowing what to renovate first can feel overwhelming. Prioritising the right areas ensures your home becomes functional, stylish, and aligned with your lifestyle. At RJG Group, we specialise in high-impact renovations—kitchens, bathrooms, and laundries—designed to maximise value, efficiency, and long-term comfort. Backed by licensed experience, professional affiliations such as the master builders association, and 15+ years in Sydney homes, we help homeowners renovate with confidence and clarity.

What to Renovate First: Understanding the Highest-Impact Areas

Renovating strategically means focusing on the spaces that deliver the greatest return in both daily comfort and overall property value.

These core areas generally take priority:

What to Renovate First: Kitchens as a High-Value Investment

The kitchen is considered the heart of the home. It reflects lifestyle, influences resale value, and affects day-to-day convenience more than any other space. Signs it should be first on your renovation list include:

• An outdated layout that doesn’t suit modern cooking

• Ageing appliances that increase energy bills

• Wear and tear such as peeling laminate, stained grout, or broken hinges

• Insufficient storage or workspace

RJG Group’s kitchen renovations in Sydney focus on creating functional, stylish layouts using durable materials, smart storage, and energy-efficient solutions.

What to Renovate First: Bathrooms for Comfort & Value

Bathrooms age faster than other spaces due to moisture and heavy daily use. Renovating the bathroom early helps prevent water damage and brings immediate lifestyle upgrades.

Indicators your bathroom needs priority:

• Cracked tiles or leaking fixtures

• Poor ventilation causing mould

• Dated finishes from previous decades

• Low-storage layouts or inefficient design

With waterproofing, tiling, and licensed plumbing completed to Australian standards, RJG Group transforms outdated bathrooms into modern, comfortable sanctuaries.

What to Renovate First: Laundries & Utility Spaces

Often overlooked, the laundry plays a vital role in household organisation. A renovation can dramatically improve home efficiency, especially in small Sydney homes and apartments.

Common signs you should renovate your laundry first:

• Poor layout with limited bench space

• Old appliances using excess water and electricity

• No storage for detergents, linens, or cleaning supplies

RJG Group designs modern laundry rooms with intelligent storage, durable materials, and practical layouts that simplify daily routines.

What to Renovate First: Recognising When a Home Truly Needs Priority Upgrades

Beyond kitchens, bathrooms, and laundries, some warning signs indicate immediate action is needed.

What to Renovate First: Structural Deterioration

Renovations aren’t just cosmetic—sometimes they’re essential. Issues like:

• Cracks in walls

• Peeling paint

• Sagging floorboards

• Rotting timber

• Water damage

These may signal deeper structural concerns. Addressing these early prevents more expensive repairs later and ensures a safe home environment.

What to Renovate First: Lifestyle Upgrades & Family Growth

Your home should evolve with your needs. Renovate early if:

• Your family is growing

• You require more storage

• You need better accessibility for ageing family members

• You work from home and require dedicated spaces

RJG Group creates tailored designs that enhance functionality and adapt to future needs.

What to Renovate First: Energy Efficiency Problems

Older homes often suffer from high energy consumption. If you’ve noticed rising bills, consider renovating with:

• LED lighting

• Insulation upgrades

• Energy-efficient appliances

• Modern ventilation systems

Sustainable renovations reduce long-term costs and improve home comfort.

What to Renovate First: Practical Tips for a Successful Renovation

A renovation succeeds or fails based on planning. Here’s how to start strong:

Define Your Renovation Goals

Ask yourself:

• Is this renovation for comfort, functionality, or resale?

• Which spaces cause the most daily inconvenience?

• What upgrades give the best long-term benefit?

Clarity ensures every design and budget decision aligns with your priorities.

Budget Wisely and Include Contingencies

Set a realistic budget and include:

• 10–20% contingency

• Material upgrades

• Labour fluctuations

• Appliance replacements

RJG Group provides transparent pricing so you know exactly what to expect.

Focus on High-Impact Areas

Kitchens, bathrooms, and laundries deliver the strongest blend of value, utility, and visual transformation. Prioritising them ensures the biggest improvement in lifestyle and resale appeal.

Energy-Efficient Planning

Incorporating eco-friendly solutions from the start helps lower ongoing costs.

Consider:

• Smart appliances

• Low-flow tapware

• Efficient lighting

• Better insulation

What to Renovate First: Avoiding Common Home Renovation Mistakes

Stay ahead of issues that commonly derail homeowners:

Overcapitalisation

Spending more than your property value supports can reduce your long-term return. RJG Group ensures every upgrade is value-aligned with your suburb and home type.

Poor Planning & Timeline Mismanagement

A renovation without proper planning often results in:

• Delays

• Unexpected costs

• Rework

• Poor design outcomes

Our structured processes ensure smooth execution, clear communication, and timely completion.

DIY Mistakes

While DIY can seem cost-effective, complex work such as plumbing, waterproofing, and structural adjustments must be completed by licensed professionals to meet Australian standards.

RJG Group delivers craftsmanship that prevents long-term issues and protects your investment.

What to Renovate First: Getting the Most from Your Renovation

Renovating is not just about appearance — it’s about creating a home that improves everyday living.

Invest in Durable, Timeless Materials

Choose long-lasting options such as:

• Quartz benchtops

• Ceramic or porcelain tiles

• Stainless steel appliances

• Quality cabinetry hardware

These deliver longevity and retain visual appeal over time.

Customise to Your Lifestyle

Whether you want:

• A chef-style kitchen

• A spa-inspired bathroom

• A highly organised laundry room

RJG Group designs spaces tailored to your vision and practical needs.

Enhance Resale Value

Neutral tones, strategic upgrades, and functional layouts appeal to a wide range of buyers, increasing your home’s market attractiveness.

Why Homeowners Choose RJG Group

RJG Group is one of Sydney’s most trusted renovation specialists.

We deliver:

• Expertise — 15+ years specialising in kitchens, bathrooms & laundries

• Efficiency — streamlined processes and clear timelines

• Transparency — upfront pricing with no hidden costs

• Custom Design — functional, stylish spaces tailored to your lifestyle

We combine licensed skill, thoughtful design, and a high standard of workmanship to create exceptional results.

Start Your Renovation Journey Today

Knowing what to renovate first can make or break your renovation’s success. By prioritising structural needs, kitchens, bathrooms, and laundries, you ensure your home becomes more functional, valuable, and enjoyable.

Whether you’re planning a full home upgrade or focusing on high-impact areas first, RJG Group is ready to help bring your vision to life.

Contact RJG Group today for expert guidance and a tailored renovation plan.