How Much Does a Living Room or Bedroom Remodel Really Cost?

If you’ve ever thought about upgrading your living room or turning your bedroom into a true retreat, you’ve probably wondered: what’s this actually going to cost me? The truth is—just like kitchens and bathrooms—it depends. While these spaces don’t come with plumbing or appliances, the choices you make with flooring, lighting, built-ins, and finishes can swing the budget dramatically.

Here’s the advice I share with clients: the smartest money you’ll spend is completing the design before you start collecting quotes. With a plan in hand—layouts, finishes, and fixtures—contractors can price your actual project, not their assumptions. That one step alone saves you from guesswork, surprise costs, and misaligned bids.

Why Budgeting Matters

Living rooms and bedrooms might seem simpler to remodel than a kitchen, but without a clear budget, costs add up fast. Flooring, trim, paint, and storage upgrades can seem small individually, but together, they can rival the price of a bathroom refresh. A budget keeps you focused on what really matters—so you don’t splurge on a statement chandelier and then realize you’ve run out of funds for flooring.

Must-Haves vs. Wish List

Every great remodel starts with two lists:

• Must-haves: The things you can’t skip—new flooring, updated lighting, fresh paint, or more functional closet storage.

• Wish list: The nice-to-haves—like a fireplace addition, custom built-ins, or high-end finishes.

Ranking your wish list helps you pivot if the budget gets tight. Maybe that dream fireplace waits until phase two, but you still walk away with a refreshed, functional space.

Example: One client updated a dated bedroom with fresh paint, new lighting, and a modular closet system—all under $8,000. Another family invested closer to $20,000 in their living room to swap carpet for hardwood and add custom built-ins. Both walked away with spaces that fit their lifestyle, just at different scales.

What Impacts the Cost?

The price tag for living and bedroom remodels depends on scope and materials. Here are the biggest drivers:

• Flooring: Carpet, hardwood, and luxury vinyl plank all fall into very different price ranges.

• Lighting & Electrical: From swapping out a light fixture to adding recessed lighting, costs add up quickly.

• Built-ins & Storage: Custom shelves, cabinetry, or media walls can transform a space—but come at a premium.

• Closet Systems: A reach-in closet with stock shelving vs. a full custom walk-in closet are worlds apart in cost.

• Fireplaces: Adding or upgrading a fireplace (gas, electric, or wood-burning) is a big-ticket item that boosts both comfort and resale value.

• Paint & Trim: These finishes tie the space together and can make a room feel completely new.

• 
  

Average 2025 Installed Costs

Here’s a snapshot of what you can expect to spend:

• Flooring: $3,000 – $10,000

• Built-ins / media wall: $4,000 – $12,000+

• Fireplace addition or upgrade: $5,000 – $15,000+

• Closet systems: $2,000 – $8,000+

• Lighting & electrical: $1,000 – $5,000

• Painting: $1,000 – $4,000

(Source: Cost data compiled from HomeAdvisor, Fixr, and Remodeling Magazine’s 2025 averages.)

Pro vs. DIY: Where to Spend and Save

• Painting: Often a great DIY if you’ve got time and patience. Pros deliver crisp edges and faster results.

• Flooring: Click-lock LVP/LVT can be DIY-friendly, but hardwood or tile is best left to professionals for longevity.

• Lighting & Electrical: Always hire a pro—safety comes first.

• Built-ins & Fireplaces: These are pro territory. Quality carpentry and correct installation make all the difference in function and resale.

• Closet systems: Modular stock systems can be DIY, but custom designs usually require professional installation.

My rule of thumb? If it impacts safety, long-term durability, or resale value, hire the pros.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even with the best intentions, remodels can go sideways. Here are the top pitfalls I see:

• Overlooking outlets in living rooms or near beds: Adding them later can mean cutting into finished walls and bringing trades back onsite ($$).

• Choosing flooring that doesn’t match your lifestyle: Hardwood looks great, but pets and kids may demand something more durable.

• Forgetting about scale: A giant light fixture might look amazing online, but overwhelm your room in real life.

• Buying furniture before the remodel is done: It’s tempting, but it can box you into design choices that don’t serve the bigger vision.

The Payoff

While living rooms and bedrooms may not deliver the same ROI percentage as kitchens or bathrooms, they pay off daily in comfort, functionality, and resale appeal. Buyers notice spaces that feel fresh, updated, and well-planned. More importantly, you notice when you unwind at the end of the day or gather with family in a space that finally works the way you want it to.

Final Thought

If you’re planning a remodel for your living room or bedroom, remember: design first, quotes second. Knowing what you want before you pick up the phone saves money, reduces stress, and ensures you end up with a space that truly feels like home.

---

Want to be notified when a new blog is published? Sign up here!

 Looking for more guidance on your next project? Schedule here!