The kitchen feels dated. The bathrooms need work. The powder room is begging for some attention. Before you know it, you’re wondering whether you should just bite the bullet and remodel everything all at once—or break it into more manageable phases.
It’s a question many homeowners face, especially when they’ve lived with an outdated home for a while and are ready for a fresh start. But the answer isn’t always as straightforward as you might think.
At Rothrock Kitchen & Bath Remodeling, we’ve helped homeowners in the New Hampshire Seacoast navigate all kinds of remodels—some with multiple rooms bundled into a single project, and others carefully planned in phases. And if there’s one thing we’ve learned, it’s this:
Just because you can do everything at once doesn’t mean you should.
In this article, we’ll walk you through:
- What it really looks like to remodel in phases vs. doing it all at once
- Why bundled remodels often feel harder than expected
- When it can make sense to combine multiple projects
- How to make the right choice for your home, timeline, and peace of mind
What Does It Mean to Remodel in Phases?
Remodeling in phases simply means spreading out your projects over time instead of tackling everything at once. Maybe you start with the kitchen this year and take on the bathrooms next. Or maybe you begin with the primary bath, then revisit the guest bath once you’ve caught your breath.
There’s no single formula. Phased remodeling gives you the flexibility to plan around your life—your schedule, your budget, and your energy.
On the flip side, remodeling everything at once means bundling multiple scopes into one larger project. For example: gutting the kitchen and two bathrooms during the same construction window, possibly over several months. This approach can be efficient—but it comes with trade-offs that many homeowners don’t expect.
Will Remodeling My Whole Home at Once Save Time or Money?
It’s a question we hear a lot—and understandably so. Remodeling is a significant investment, and if bundling projects together could make it more efficient or affordable, it’s worth exploring.
The simple answer is… sometimes. There are cases where combining scopes can lead to modest time or cost savings, but it’s not always as clear-cut as people expect.
Here’s where you might see some efficiencies:
Labor efficiency
Larger projects can experience some economies of scale. For example, if a plumber is already roughing in pipes for one bathroom, adding a second bathroom nearby might only add a little more time—especially if both bathrooms can be accessed in the same visit. The same goes for electricians, tile installers, and other trades who benefit from being on-site once instead of twice.
Design and planning
When homeowners remodel multiple rooms at the same time, there’s often a desire to create a consistent look and feel. If you’re planning to use the same finishes—like matching faucets or cabinet hardware—you might find it easier to make those decisions all at once, instead of trying to replicate the design a year or two later.
Material ordering and delivery
Ordering materials for two rooms at the same time can sometimes reduce freight costs or simplify delivery logistics. You may also be able to avoid manufacturer price increases by purchasing everything at once, especially during times of market volatility.
Permits and inspections
Depending on your local building department, combining scopes might streamline some of the administrative work. Fewer permits and fewer inspection visits can make the process a bit smoother behind the scenes.
While these efficiencies exist, they rarely outweigh the realities of added stress and disruption—especially if you’re living in the home during construction.
So, How Much Can I Really Save by Bundling Projects?
If you’re remodeling two rooms—like two bathrooms, or a kitchen and a bathroom—you might wonder what kind of dollar savings you’d actually see by combining them into one larger project.
Here’s the honest answer: not as much as you might think.
Yes, there are some efficiencies. For example:
- If the plumber is already running lines for one bathroom, adding a second during the same visit might save a few hundred dollars in labor.
- The same goes for electrical—there’s often a cost benefit to having all the rough-in work done at once.
- We might only need one dumpster instead of two, which can save another few hundred dollars.
- Delivery fees are sometimes reduced when materials are ordered and shipped together.
These small efficiencies can add up—but we’re usually talking about hundreds, not thousands.
Let’s say you’re considering two $50,000 bathroom remodels. Bundled together into a single $100,000 project, you might save:
- $500–$1,000 on plumbing
- $500–$1,000 on electrical
- $500–$600 on dumpsters
- $100–$200 on delivery fees
That’s a total potential savings of about $1,500 to $3,000—or roughly 1–3% of the total project cost.
Don’t get us wrong—a few thousand dollars is still real money. But it’s probably not enough to justify pushing through a high-stress, high-disruption remodel if you’re already worried about living through construction, decision fatigue, or a tight schedule.
So if you’re on the fence and leaning toward phasing, it’s worth asking: “Would I trade a few thousand dollars to have a smoother, more manageable experience?”
For many of our clients, the answer is yes.
What Are the Downsides of Remodeling Multiple Rooms at Once?
This is the part of remodeling that doesn’t always get talked about—but probably should.
We’ve helped many clients who decided to remodel all at once instead of doing it in phases. And while the end result is often beautiful, the process can take a real toll. In fact, we’ve found that homeowners who take on too much at once are much more likely to experience stress, fatigue, and second-guessing—especially when projects last more than a month (as bundled projects typically do).
Emotional fatigue and decision overload
What starts as excitement often turns into exhaustion. Bundled projects bring a flood of decisions all at once—tile, plumbing fixtures, cabinets, lighting, paint colors, layout choices. And when you’re making those decisions under pressure, while also trying to live through construction (or manage a second home remotely), it can start to feel like a second full-time job.
Living through disruption
When multiple spaces are under construction at the same time—especially kitchens and bathrooms—daily life gets complicated fast. Meals become makeshift, routines are interrupted, and the dust and noise can wear your patience thin. It’s not uncommon to reach a point mid-project where homeowners just want it to be done.
Less flexibility
When everything is designed and built at once, there’s no opportunity to learn from one space and apply it to the next. You don’t get to remodel one bathroom, live with it, and say, “Next time, I’ll do this differently.” You have to get it right the first time. That’s a lot of pressure, especially when you’re still figuring out your style.
Financial stress
A larger scope means a larger upfront investment. Even when you’re financially prepared, the overall scale of the project can feel daunting. And if unexpected costs arise—due to material delays, scope changes, or site conditions—it’s harder to shift gears when everything is in motion at once.
That’s why we often don’t recommend remodeling everything at once—unless:
- You won’t be living in the home during construction
- You have plenty of time and energy for design decisions
- You already have a strong, cohesive design vision and feel confident about big-picture planning
Otherwise, phasing your remodel may lead to a smoother, more sustainable experience—without the emotional burnout.
When (and Why) It Might Make Sense to Remodel All at Once Instead of Doing it in Phases
While we’re generally cautious about encouraging homeowners to tackle everything at once, there are some situations where it makes sense to bundle projects. The key is alignment—between your lifestyle, your budget, and your bandwidth.
Here are a few scenarios where remodeling multiple spaces at once might be the right choice:
- You won’t be living in the home during construction. Whether it’s a vacation property or you’re staying elsewhere temporarily, being out of the house can relieve a lot of the day-to-day disruption—and make getting everything done at once an attractive option.
- You already have a strong design direction. If you know what you love and you’re quick to make decisions, handling several rooms at once can actually feel exciting instead of draining.
- You’re facing issues that overlap across spaces. For example, if your kitchen and bathroom share plumbing walls, or your floors run continuously through multiple rooms, it may be more efficient to address them all in one go rather than tearing things up twice.
- You have a deadline. Maybe you’re hoping to finish before a big life event, like retirement, moving in, or welcoming extended family for the holidays. Just keep in mind: a tight deadline and a large scope don’t always go hand-in-hand.
That said, even in these cases, the decision to bundle should be thoughtful. Bigger projects require more planning, more coordination, and more emotional energy. That’s where a clear process—and an experienced guide—makes all the difference.
Should I Remodel Both of My Bathrooms at Once?
This is one of the most common variations of the remodel all at once vs. do it in phases question. And like so many things in remodeling, the answer depends on your living situation.
Here’s what to consider:
If you only have two bathrooms:
It might be wiser to remodel in phases them. Why? Because remodeling both at once could leave you without a working bathroom for weeks—which, as you can imagine, quickly becomes a logistical nightmare! We can always set up temporary solutions, but most homeowners prefer to have at least one fully functioning bathroom during construction.
If you have a third (or temporary) bathroom:
In this case, remodeling both bathrooms at once could be more convenient. You’ll only go through one construction period, and the finishes and design can be coordinated seamlessly across both spaces. Just remember: that doesn’t mean the process will be easy. It’s still a lot of decisions—and a lot of disruption—especially if you’re living in the home.
If you’re remodeling a shared home with others:
Consider the needs of your family. Will kids, teens, or elderly parents be okay without access to their usual routines? If the answer is no, staggering the projects might preserve everyone’s sanity.
Our general advice? Unless you have a temporary place to stay, or an unusually high tolerance for construction chaos, remodeling bathrooms in phases is usually the smoother path.
What About My Kitchen and Bathroom? Should I Remodel Them Together or Separately?
It’s a tempting idea—if you’re already remodeling the kitchen, why not knock out the bathroom too? You’re already in project mode. The thought of getting it all done can be appealing. But it’s important to pause and ask: what will that actually feel like in real life?
Here’s the honest truth: combining a kitchen and bathroom remodel into one project can be intense—especially if you’re planning to live in the home during construction.
The Two Most Disruptive Rooms—At the Same Time
Your kitchen and your bathroom are two of the most essential spaces in your home. When they’re both out of commission, even temporarily, it can create a daily scramble—meals become makeshift, hygiene routines get upended, and the “temporary normal” wears thin very quickly.
Some families manage just fine, especially with a second kitchen or bath available, or if they’re staying off-site. But for most homeowners, especially those with kids, pets, or tight schedules, the stress adds up fast.
The Mental Load of Double Design
From a planning perspective, doing a kitchen and a bathroom together also means doubling up on design decisions: cabinets, counters, tile, plumbing fixtures, lighting, and layout choices—all at once. It’s not just a matter of taste—it’s a matter of time and energy.
If you’re someone who likes to mull things over, collect samples, and think through each choice with care (and most of our clients are!), then bundling can feel overwhelming. Design decisions made under pressure don’t always lead to satisfaction—and in a big investment like this, that matters.
When It Might Make Sense to Remodel Your Kitchen and Bathroom Together
There are situations where remodeling your kitchen and bathroom at the same time could make sense:
- You’re not living in the home during construction
- You already have a clear design vision and are comfortable making decisions quickly
- You have backup kitchen/bathroom setups (a basement kitchenette, guest bath, etc.)
- You’re remodeling a second home and want to handle it all in one trip
But again, we caution against it for most primary residences—especially when the remodel is expected to last more than a month. The risk of fatigue and disruption tends to outweigh the convenience.
How Do I Decide What’s Right for Me?
We often meet homeowners who feel stuck between wanting everything finished—and not wanting to lose their minds in the process. And honestly? That’s a very human place to be.
So how do you decide if it’s best to remodel all at once, or break it into phases? Here are a few questions to help guide you:
Are you planning to live in the home during construction?
This is one of the biggest deciding factors. Living through a remodel of one room is challenging enough. Living without a kitchen and bathroom for weeks or months can turn daily life into a juggling act. If you’re staying put during construction, phasing might make the experience more manageable.
How much mental bandwidth do you have for design decisions right now?
Be honest with yourself—are you excited to dive into lots of decisions at once, or does that feel stressful? Bundled remodels front-load a lot of choices in a short amount of time. If you’re already juggling work, family, or other life changes, spacing out your projects could bring more clarity—and less pressure.
Is there a specific event or timeline you’re trying to meet?
If you need the house ready before a big event, remodeling multiple spaces at once might make sense. But we always caution against squeezing too much into a tight deadline. Rushing leads to stress—and sometimes regret. If you’re on a flexible timeline, phasing gives you breathing room.
What’s your budget and financial comfort level?
Sometimes homeowners think that remodeling multiple spaces at once will be more affordable than doing it in phases. While there can be some efficiencies, it’s not a guaranteed cost-saver. A phased approach can allow you to fund projects over time, with fewer financial surprises.
Do you already know what you want—or are you still figuring it out?
Design clarity can be a game-changer. If you already have a solid vision and feel confident making cohesive decisions across multiple spaces, great! But if you’re still exploring your style, it can be helpful to complete one room, live with it, and use that insight to guide the next phase.
Remember: there’s no one-size-fits-all answer here. What matters most is choosing a path that supports you—your lifestyle, your well-being, and your home.
How Rothrock Helps You Plan Without the Pressure
At Rothrock Kitchen & Bath Remodeling, we believe remodeling should be exciting—not exhausting. That’s why our process is built to support you, whether you’re tackling one room or planning a long-term transformation.
Here’s how we help you decide:
We start with the big picture.
Even if you’re only remodeling one space now, we’ll take the time to understand your long-term goals. That way, we can make smart design decisions today that support your future plans—without painting you into a corner.
We help you understand the scope.
We’ll talk through what’s really involved in remodeling multiple spaces at once versus doing it in phases—from timelines and costs to logistics and lifestyle impact—so you can make an informed decision with your eyes wide open.
We plan around your life.
Whether you’re living in the home or managing a second property from afar, our team builds a construction plan that fits your reality—not just the construction calendar.
We keep things calm and clear.
Remodeling can feel overwhelming, but we’re here to simplify it. You’ll always know what’s coming next, how decisions will be made, and how to prepare—whether it’s for one room or three.
We’re not here to push you into a bigger project than you’re ready for. We’re here to help you create beautiful, functional spaces on your terms—with as little stress as possible.
Summary: Should I Remodel Everything at Once—Or Do It in Phases?
There’s no perfect formula for remodeling. Every home—and every homeowner—is different.
Some families thrive on momentum and want to check everything off the list at once. Others feel more comfortable taking things step by step. And both approaches are valid.
That said, in our experience, bundling large projects often leads to fatigue—especially if you’re living in the home and juggling other responsibilities. That’s why we generally recommend phasing your remodel unless:
- You have plenty of time and energy to devote to design decisions
- You won’t be living in the home during construction
- You’re managing a second property or under a clear deadline
If you’re not sure what’s right for you, that’s okay. We can help you figure it out—without pressure, and without overwhelm.
Ready to Plan Your Remodel—One Step at a Time?
Whether you’re considering a full-home transformation or just starting with the kitchen, we’re here to help you make a plan that works for you. Our discovery call is a friendly, low-pressure way to get your questions answered and talk through your goals with someone who truly understands what it takes.
Let’s create something beautiful—at your pace, and with your peace of mind at the center.