Kitchen and bathroom remodel costs depend on your project and location. Check with a local pro for your specific job.
Living room remodels cost $2,500 to $15,000 on average, with your room size and materials driving your total project expense.
Your flooring choice and structural changes impact your budget, with open-concept layouts requiring more labor and materials for your remodel.
Demolition runs $500 to $2,500, debris disposal adds $200 to $600, and permits cost $100 to $500 when you plan your budget.
Hiring a local general contractor ensures your living room remodel is done well and helps the property retain maximum value.
This article was created using automation technology and thoroughly fact-checked and edited by an Angi Editor in accordance with our AI policy.
The average living room remodel cost is $8,000, with most projects ranging from $2,500 to $15,000. Costs can range from as low as $1,500 for minor updates to over $20,000 for high-end renovations. Expect to pay $10 to $150 per square foot, depending on materials and scope.
A living room remodel can transform how you use and enjoy your space. This guide will help you understand what goes into the cost, where your money goes, and how to make the most of your investment.
Remodeling a living room can involve everything from a simple refresh to a complete transformation. Costs depend on the extent of the work, the materials you choose, and the professionals you hire.
Labor and materials make up the bulk of expenses. Labor can account for 30% to 50% of your total, while materials—like flooring, paint, and lighting—can vary widely in price. Interior design fees, permits, and miscellaneous costs, such as cleanup or furniture delivery, also add to your final bill.
Standard remodels include flooring updates, painting, lighting upgrades, new built-ins, window or door replacements, electrical work, and some fresh furnishings. Cosmetic updates, such as painting and new decor, cost less than full remodels that involve layout changes or major electrical work.
Flooring often makes up a large portion of the budget:
Hardwood flooring costs $6 to $15 per square foot installed.
Laminate runs $3 to $8 per square foot.
Carpet costs $4 to $11 per square foot
Tile flooring costs $7 to $20 per square foot.
Removing old flooring adds $1 to $4 per square foot, depending on the material and prep work needed.
Painting costs vary depending on wall preparation, primer, and paint quality. Professional painting averages $2 to $6 per square foot, including labor and materials. Lighting upgrades—like new fixtures or recessed lighting—can cost $150 to $900 per fixture, including installation.
Built-ins such as shelving or entertainment centers run from $20 to $15,000, depending on size and complexity. Window and door replacements can range from $400 to $3,000 each, especially if you opt for energy-efficient upgrades. Electrical work can range from $500 for minor outlet additions to $4,000 for a full panel upgrade.
New furniture and decor can add $1,000 to $7,000 or more, depending on your taste and what you already own. HVAC or fireplace updates cost $500 to $2,000, and adding smart home features like automated lighting or integrated controls can increase your investment by $500 to $3,000.
The size of your living room directly impacts the total remodel cost. Larger spaces require more materials and labor, increasing the budget. Living rooms are categorized as small (under 200 square feet), medium (200 to 400 square feet), large (400 to 600 square feet), and open-concept (over 600 square feet).
Cost per square foot for living room remodels ranges from $50 to $200, depending on the materials and scope. A small room might only need a fresh coat of paint and new lighting, while a large or open-concept space could involve new flooring, built-ins, and major electrical work.
| Living Room Size (Sq. Ft.) | Description | Average Remodel Cost |
|---|---|---|
| 150 | Small room, cosmetic updates | $4,000–$8,000 |
| 300 | Medium room, moderate upgrades | $8,000–$15,000 |
| 500 | Large room, full remodel | $12,000–$22,000 |
| 700 | Open-concept, major overhaul | $16,000–$30,000+ |
Hiring professionals is a significant part of the living room remodel cost. General contractors near you can oversee the entire project, manage subcontractors, and keep the timeline on track. They charge 10% to 25% of the total project cost. Contractors handle demolition, schedule trades, and ensure quality control.
Interior designers help with planning, layout, and material selection. Their expertise can maximize your space and style. Designers charge $50 to $200 per hour, depending on the scope.
Electricians are needed for tasks like rewiring, adding outlets, or installing new lighting. Their rates range from $50 to $120 per hour, or they offer flat fees for specific tasks. Electrician costs can be higher in urban areas or for complex jobs.
For a complete living room remodel, you may need to hire additional specialized pros:
Painter: $300–$1,500 for professional painting services
Flooring installer costs: $1,000–$5,000, depending on material and room size
Carpenter: $500–$4,000 for custom-built-ins or trim work
HVAC technician: $300–$2,000 for vent, duct, or fireplace updates
Window or door installer: $400–$3,000 for replacements or upgrades
Bringing in the right experts can ensure high-quality results and help avoid costly mistakes.
Your location affects the cost of your living room remodel. Urban areas with higher labor rates and material costs see higher prices than rural locations. States with a high cost of living often have remodel expenses above the national average.
In contrast, rural or smaller metro areas offer lower labor rates and material prices. Local trends, permit requirements, and the availability of skilled pros also impact your final bill.
The location of the project within your home also impacts cost. Upper floors, basements, or rooms with difficult access may require extra labor or equipment, increasing the overall price.
In addition to labor and materials, several other factors can affect your living room remodel cost. Planning for these expenses helps you avoid surprises and stay on budget.
Taxes and insurance add to your bottom line. Sales tax on materials and services varies by location and can add several hundred dollars to your total. Some remodels may increase homeowners' insurance premiums, especially if you add high-value features.
Warranties are available for both materials and workmanship. Manufacturer warranties often come with new flooring, windows, or fixtures, while contractors may offer labor warranties for one year or more. Costs for extended warranties depend on the products and services chosen.
Accessories and special features—like smart lighting, surround sound, custom storage, or decorative accent walls—raise costs but add functionality and appeal. Premium features can add $500 to $5,000 or more, depending on your choices.
ADA features and accessibility upgrades, such as ramps, wider doorways, and lever handles, improve mobility and may be necessary for some households. These modifications can add $1,000 to $6,000, based on the extent of the work.
Repairs are sometimes uncovered during demolition, such as water damage, structural issues, or outdated wiring. Expect to pay $500 to $3,000 for common repairs before or during the remodel.
Post-construction cleanup includes debris removal, cleaning services, and disposal fees, adding $200 to $800 to your project.
Demolishing existing finishes or features is often the first step in a remodel. Removing old flooring, built-ins, or even partial walls can cost $500 to $2,500, depending on the amount of work. Prep work, such as repairing surfaces, leveling floors, or patching drywall, is essential for a smooth finish. Disposal of debris and materials costs another $200 to $600.
Permits are required for structural, electrical, or major layout changes. Minor cosmetic updates do not need permits, but it’s best to check with your local building department.
Contractors often handle permit applications, but homeowners are responsible in some cases. Building permit costs vary widely, from $100 to $500 or more, depending on the project and region. Inspections and code compliance are required for permitted work.
Taking on a living room remodel yourself can save on labor costs, but requires time, skills, and careful planning. DIYers pay only for materials, tools, and equipment rental. Painting, installing flooring, or assembling furniture are common DIY-friendly tasks. Simple electrical work may be allowed, but more complex jobs should always be left to licensed pros.
DIY remodels can save 30% to 50% compared to hiring a pro, but they come with risks, including quality issues, safety hazards, code violations, and voided warranties. A DIY project may take several weekends to complete, depending on your experience and the complexity of the work.
It’s best to hire experienced pros for electrical, structural, or major custom work to ensure safety and compliance.
Remodeling and renovating are often used interchangeably, but they mean different things in the context of living rooms. A remodel involves structural or layout changes—like removing walls, reconfiguring space, or adding built-ins. Renovation focuses on cosmetic improvements, such as painting, new flooring, or updating finishes.
Remodels cost more, ranging from $7,000 to $25,000 or higher, especially when moving walls or upgrading electrical systems. Renovations are less expensive, costing between $2,500 and $10,000, and involve less disruption.
When deciding, consider your goals. If you want better flow, more light, or modern features, a remodel may be worth the investment. For a quick refresh or prepping for resale, renovation is often the better fit. Budget, timeline, and the extent of changes should guide your choice.
| Project Type | Description | Average Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| Remodel | Layout changes, new built-ins, major updates | $7,000–$25,000+ |
| Renovate | Paint, flooring, finishes, minor updates | $2,500–$10,000 |
Here are some helpful ways to keep your living room remodel within budget:
Set a clear budget and stick to it.
Prioritize updates with the highest impact.
Reuse or refinish existing furniture and fixtures.
Shop sales or use discount materials.
Do simple tasks yourself (painting, demo).
Get multiple quotes from pros.
Avoid major structural changes if possible.
Plan ahead to minimize delays and change orders.
Remodeling your living room can boost both comfort and resale value. Many projects offer a return on investment (ROI) of 60% to 80%, especially when they improve layout, energy efficiency, or update outdated finishes. Open layouts, energy-saving windows, and modern lighting tend to add the most value.
Quality of work, design choices, and current market trends all influence your ROI. Choosing finishes with broad appeal helps attract buyers if you plan to sell. Avoid overly personalized or niche upgrades that may not suit future owners.
Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We extensively research project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We rely on reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.
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