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.
In 2026, the national average cost of a living room remodel is $8,000, with most projects falling between $2,500 and $15,000, depending on room size, materials, and scope. Budget from $1,500 for minor updates, and expect costs to climb well above that for high-end renovations with structural changes or premium finishes.
A living room remodel can range from a simple cosmetic refresh to a full structural transformation, with most projects falling between $2,500 and $15,000 depending on the scope of work, materials selected, and professionals hired.
Flooring often accounts for a large portion of the living room remodel budget, and costs may include the following.
Hardwood flooring: $6–$15 per square foot installed
Laminate: $3–$8 per square foot
Carpet: $4–$11 per square foot
Tile flooring: $7–$20 per square foot
Removing old flooring: $1–$4 per square foot, depending on the material and prep work needed
Painting costs depend 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 is one of the most direct drivers of remodel cost, with per-square-foot rates ranging from $50 to $200 depending on materials and scope. 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), with larger spaces requiring more materials and labor. A small room may need only paint and new lighting, while a large or open-concept space typically involves new flooring, built-ins, and major electrical work.
The table below breaks down the average living room remodel cost based on room size:
| Living Room Size (Sq. Ft.) | Description | Average Remodel Cost in 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| 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+ |
Professional labor is a significant portion of your living room remodel budget, with general contractors near you charging 10% to 25% of the total project cost to oversee the work, manage subcontractors, and ensure quality control. Interior designers, who assist with planning, layout, and material selection, charge $50 to $200 per hour depending on project scope. Electricians handling rewiring, outlet additions, or new lighting installations charge $50 to $120 per hour, though electrician costs run higher in urban areas or for complex jobs.
For a complete living room remodel, you may need to hire additional specialized pros, including the following:
Painter: $300–$1,500 for professional painting services
Flooring installer: $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.
Where you live directly affects your living room remodel cost, with urban areas and high-cost-of-living states often seeing prices above the national average due to higher labor rates and material costs. Rural and smaller metro areas generally offer lower labor and material prices, though local permit requirements and the availability of skilled pros also shape your final bill. The location of the project within your home matters as well, since upper floors, basements, or rooms with difficult access may require additional labor or equipment that increases 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 are easy-to-overlook costs that can meaningfully affect your living room remodel budget. Sales tax on materials and services varies by location and can add several hundred dollars to your total, while some remodels may increase homeowners' insurance premiums, particularly when high-value features are added.
Warranties cover both materials and workmanship on a living room remodel, with manufacturer warranties commonly included for new flooring, windows, and fixtures, and contractors often providing labor warranties for one year or more. Costs for extended warranties vary depending on the products and services you select.
Special features such as smart lighting, surround sound, custom storage, or decorative accent walls add functionality and visual appeal to your living room while raising your overall budget. Premium add-ons can increase your project cost by $500 to $5,000 or more, depending on the options you choose.
Accessibility upgrades such as ramps, wider doorways, and lever handles improve mobility and may be necessary for some households, adding $1,000 to $6,000 to your remodel cost depending on the extent of the modifications.
Demolition sometimes reveals hidden issues such as water damage, structural problems, or outdated wiring that must be addressed before the remodel can proceed. Budget an additional $500 to $3,000 for common repairs uncovered during this phase.
Post-construction cleanup covers debris removal, cleaning services, and disposal fees, adding $200 to $800 to your overall project cost.
Demolition is often the first step in a living room remodel, with the removal of old flooring, built-ins, or partial walls costing $500 to $2,500, depending on the scope of work. Prep tasks such as repairing surfaces, leveling floors, and patching drywall are essential for a quality finish, and disposal of debris and materials costs an additional $200 to $600.
Permits are required for structural, electrical, or major layout changes in a living room remodel, with building permit costs ranging from $100 to $500 or more depending on the project and region. Minor cosmetic updates typically do not require permits, but checking with your local building department before starting is always a good idea. Contractors often handle permit applications, though homeowners are responsible in some cases, and all permitted work requires inspections and code compliance.
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.
Want to help us improve our cost data? Send us a recent project quote to [email protected]. Quotes and personal information will not be shared publicly.
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