University Place Kitchen Remodeling vs. Bathroom Remodeling: Which Should You Tackle First in Your Older Home?

By Medina Bathroom Remodeling LLC Team · Updated October 24, 2026

In University Place, where many homes feature original brick fireplaces, exposed masonry, and aging plumbing, your bathroom remodel should almost always come first. Why? Older bathrooms often hide rot, outdated pipe materials, or failing liners behind tile and drywall, problems that can derail a kitchen project if discovered mid-remodel. Start with the bathroom to avoid surprises, then move to the kitchen where you’ll face different challenges: outdated electrical, non-code-compliant layouts, or brickwork that needs reinforcing before new cabinets go in.

Why University Place’s Older Homes Demand a Different Remodeling Order Than Newer Builds

University Place’s housing stock tells a story. Many homes here were built between the 1920s and 1960s, with brick fireplaces, solid masonry walls, and plumbing systems that weren’t designed for modern water pressure or energy codes. If you’re remodeling both your kitchen and bathroom, the order matters, especially in these older structures. Here’s why: Bathrooms in pre-1980 University Place homes often conceal the worst surprises. Behind that vintage tile or cracked liner could be lead pipes, asbestos insulation, or wood framing softened by decades of moisture. The NKBA the National Kitchen & Bath Association recommends addressing hidden structural or plumbing issues before cosmetic updates, and in University Place, that almost always means starting with the bathroom.

For example, if your bathroom’s original cast-iron tub is still in place, the subfloor beneath it might be rotting, a problem you won’t spot until you demo. Rip out that tub before you start your kitchen remodel, or you could end up with a new countertop installation built over a compromised floor. Similarly, if your home’s brick fireplace (a common feature in University Place’s older bungalows) is adjacent to the bathroom, you may need to reinforce the masonry or upgrade the chimney liner before you can safely install new fixtures. Pro tip: If your home was built before 1978, the EPA’s lead-safe renovation rule the EPA's lead-safe renovation rule applies to both kitchens and bathrooms, but bathroom renovations are more likely to disturb lead paint or pipes first.

Seasonality also plays a role. University Place’s wet winters mean plumbing issues (like slow drains or leaks) are more likely to surface during a bathroom remodel. If you start with the kitchen in fall or winter, you risk discovering a bathroom pipe burst that floods your new cabinetry. Plan your bathroom remodel for late spring or summer, when contractors are less booked and you can address any plumbing or masonry repairs before tackling the kitchen. Background in our service list.

A Bathroom Remodel in University Place Isn’t Just About Tile and Toilets: It’s About the Brick and the Bones

Here’s a truth about University Place bathroom remodels that most contractors won’t tell you upfront: The real work often happens behind the walls. In older homes, the bathroom’s footprint is tied to the home’s original structural layout. If your bathroom shares a wall with a brick fireplace (common in University Place’s Craftsman-style homes), you may need to: - Reinforce the masonry if the fireplace is load-bearing or if you’re removing a non-structural wall. - Upgrade the chimney liner if your fireplace hasn’t been swept in years (creosote buildup is a fire hazard, and University Place’s damp climate accelerates it). - Replace outdated plumbing if your pipes are galvanized steel or polybutylene (both fail under modern water pressure).

For instance, if your bathroom’s original tub is set into a brick surround, removing it might require chipping out mortar or reinforcing the brickwork to meet current seismic codes. A licensed masonry specialist, not just a tile setter, should handle this. At Medina Bathroom Remodeling, we’ve seen University Place homeowners assume their bathroom remodel was “just tile,” only to discover the subfloor needed sistering or the brick fireplace needed a new flue lining. Budget 20–30% of your total bathroom remodel cost for structural or plumbing upgrades if your home predates 1980.

Another local quirk: University Place’s soil is clay-heavy, which can cause foundation shifts over time. If your bathroom’s subfloor feels uneven or you notice cracks in the surrounding walls, that’s a sign you may need to level the slab or reinforce the foundation before installing new fixtures. Skip this step, and your new vanity might tilt, or worse, your shower could leak into the crawl space. There is more in get in touch for a free estimate.

When to Start Your University Place Kitchen Remodel After the Bathroom

Once your bathroom is updated, your kitchen remodel can proceed, but with a few University Place-specific considerations. Kitchens in older homes often face these hidden challenges: - Non-code electrical panels (a common issue in pre-1990 homes). If your kitchen’s wiring is still on a fuse box or aluminum Romex, you’ll need to upgrade the panel before installing new appliances. - Brick or masonry walls that need reinforcing if you’re opening up space. University Place’s brick fireplaces or exterior walls often require engineered supports to meet current building codes. - Original cabinetry layouts that don’t account for modern appliance sizes. Many 1950s-era kitchens have shallow countertops or awkward sink placements that need rethinking.

Timing matters here too. If you’re replacing windows or adding skylights (a popular upgrade in University Place’s north-facing kitchens), do it after the bathroom remodel is complete. Why? Because bathroom vents and exhaust fans often tie into the home’s HVAC system, and adding new ventilation can affect your kitchen’s airflow. Pro move: Wait until your bathroom’s mechanicals (vents, fans, plumbing) are finalized before tackling the kitchen’s ductwork or electrical.

One more local detail: University Place’s housing stock includes many brick-and-joist homes, where exterior brick walls are load-bearing. If you’re removing a non-structural wall to open up your kitchen, a structural engineer may require you to add steel beams or reinforced masonry. This isn’t a DIY job, and it’s a cost you won’t see in generic kitchen remodel quotes. At Medina, we’ve had clients in University Place’s Hilltop neighborhood assume they could knock out a wall between the kitchen and dining room, only to discover they needed a full masonry retrofit. Get a structural inspection before you start demo. Start with who we are and how we train.

The Cost Difference: Why Bathroom Remodels in University Place Often Cost More Than You Expect

Here’s a hard truth: A bathroom remodel in University Place will almost always cost more than a kitchen remodel of the same square footage. Why? Because bathrooms in older homes require: - Plumbing upgrades (especially if you’re replacing a tub with a walk-in shower or adding a second vanity). - Waterproofing and moisture barriers (critical in University Place’s damp climate). - Masonry or brickwork repairs (if you’re exposing or modifying original brick surrounds).

For example, a partial bathroom remodel (vanity, toilet, tile) in a University Place home built in the 1940s might run $12,000–$20,000, while a full gut-and-rebuild could exceed $30,000 if you’re dealing with lead pipes, asbestos, or structural issues. Kitchens, by comparison, often see lower surprise costs, unless you’re dealing with non-code electrical or gas lines, which are more common in kitchens than bathrooms.

Here’s how to budget for both: - Bathroom: Allocate 30–40% of your total budget for structural/plumbing surprises. - Kitchen: Plan for 15–25% of your budget for electrical, gas, or masonry upgrades. - Both: If your home has a brick fireplace, add $3,000–$8,000 to your combined budget for chimney liner upgrades or masonry reinforcement.

Seasonal pricing note: Contractors in University Place charge 10–20% more for winter remodels due to weather delays. If you’re torn between starting with the kitchen or bathroom, lock in a bathroom contractor in spring or fall, they’ll have more availability and may offer better rates. Worth a look: our towns we cover.

What Happens If You Remodel Your Kitchen First in a University Place Home?

We’ve seen it happen: A homeowner in University Place starts with the kitchen, only to discover during demolition that their bathroom’s subfloor is rotted, the brick fireplace needs a new liner, or the original plumbing violates current codes. The result? A kitchen remodel that’s half-finished while you scramble to fix bathroom issues, and a final bill that’s 20–40% higher than planned.

Here’s what could go wrong if you prioritize the kitchen: - Flooding from a bathroom leak ruins your new cabinetry or flooring. - Asbestos or lead exposure during bathroom demo forces a costly abatement project mid-kitchen remodel. - Structural issues (like a failing masonry wall) are discovered too late, requiring a full re-permit and delay.

Real-world example: A client in University Place’s South Hill area started with a kitchen remodel, only to find their bathroom’s original cast-iron tub was leaking into the crawl space. The fix required replacing the subfloor, reinforcing the brick fireplace, and upgrading the plumbing, costing $15,000 more than their original kitchen budget. Moral of the story: If your home has any of these red flags, brick fireplaces, original plumbing, or signs of water damage, start with the bathroom.

Exception: If your kitchen has critical code violations (like an unpermitted addition or knob-and-tube wiring), address those first. But in most University Place homes, the bathroom will have more hidden issues waiting to be uncovered. Background in Bathroom Remodeling in Lakewood.

How to Phase Your University Place Remodel Without Breaking the Bank

You don’t have to do both remodels at once, but if you’re on a tight timeline or budget, here’s how to phase them smartly: 1. Step 1: Bathroom Remodel (Full or Partial) - Focus on plumbing, electrical, and structural repairs first. - If your bathroom has a brick shower surround or fireplace, budget for masonry work upfront. - Save cosmetic upgrades (tile, fixtures) for later if needed. 2. Step 2: Kitchen Layout and Structural Work - Once the bathroom is done, tackle electrical, gas, and masonry upgrades. - If you’re opening walls, get engineering approval before demo. 3. Step 3: Finishes (Countertops, Cabinets, Flooring) - Do these last, after all mechanical and structural work is complete.

Pro tip for University Place homeowners: If you’re selling soon, prioritize the bathroom first, buyers are more sensitive to outdated bathrooms than kitchens. But if you’re staying long-term, spread the work over 1–2 years to avoid financial strain. For example: - Year 1: Bathroom plumbing, electrical, and masonry. Install a new toilet and vanity. - Year 2: Kitchen cabinets, countertops, and appliances.

Financing note: Many University Place homeowners use a home equity line of credit (HELOC) or renovation loan to phase their projects. Since bathroom remodels often have higher upfront costs, start with that to secure better financing terms.

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