How Much Does a Living Remodel Cost in 2025?
Remodeling a living room costs an average of $8,000
The average cost for a living room remodel is approximately $8,000, ranging from $2,500 and $15,000.
Costs vary based on factors like location, size, quality of materials, and scope of the project.
Working with professional contractors ensures safe, quality construction and compliance with local building codes.
This article was updated using automation technology and thoroughly reviewed for accuracy by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.
Remodeling your living room can cost between $2,500 and $15,000, with most homeowners spending an average cost of $8,000, or $10 to $60 per square foot. Factors like your room size and project scope influence the total cost. A well-planned living room remodel enhances your home's comfort and boosts its value, and it’s wise to work with professional remodeling contractors to ensure safety, quality, and code compliance.
Living Room Remodel Cost Factors
Many elements impact the final cost of your living room remodel. Here’s a closer look at the breakdown of your living room remodel cost factors.
Room Size
The size of your living room significantly influences the remodel cost. On average, you can expect to pay between $10 and $60 per square foot for a living room remodel. Larger spaces naturally require more materials and labor, which can increase the overall expense. Take a look at the typical range and average cost of remodeling living rooms of different sizes, including all materials and labor.
| Square Footage | Cost Range | Average Cost |
|---|---|---|
| 200 | $2,000–$12,000 | $7,000 |
| 250 | $2,500–$15,000 | $8,750 |
| 300 | $3,000–$18,000 | $10,500 |
| 350 | $3,500–$21,000 | $12,250 |
| 400 | $4,000–$24,000 | $14,000 |
Labor Costs
Labor costs are a significant part of your living room remodel budget. Hiring a general contractor can simplify the process, but expect to pay them between 40% and 50% of your total project cost. "An extensive living room remodel can be costly and complex," says Andrew Kilborn, Angi Expert Review Board member and owner of Andy's Handyman. "Make sure to get several quotes to determine which contractor is the best for your project."
Other professionals you might need include:
Hiring an electrician: $40–$120 per hour
Hiring a carpenter: $75–$125 per hour
Hiring a painter: $2–$6 per square foot
Hiring a handyperson: $55–$75 per hour
Refinishing
You'll need to refinish the space when any construction work is complete. Similarly, if you want to upgrade or refresh the look of your room, refinishing is how you get the job done.
Finishing the Walls
Painting or wallpapering changes the look of the room and can impact its perceived size and aesthetic. Expect to pay an average of $2 to $6 per square foot for painting.
Flooring
Flooring for a 250-square-foot living room ranges from $500 to $14,750, depending on the material you choose. Since your living room sees plenty of foot traffic and potential spills, you'll want durable flooring that suits your lifestyle. Here are some living room flooring options:
Vinyl: Budget-friendly and easy to maintain
Carpet: Affordable and cozy, but requires more upkeep
Hardwood: More costly but offers longevity and a classic look
Marble: Luxurious and elegant, though expensive and requires careful maintenance
Additions
Some homeowners like to customize their living rooms by including special additions. These can be as simple as installing a wall-mounted TV, which costs between $150 and $360, or as complex as installing a new fireplace, which costs between $940 and $4,200.
Permits
Permits for a living room remodel can range from $50 to $2,000, depending on the scope of your project and the structural changes involved. Simple cosmetic updates typically don't require permits, but if you're altering structural elements, adding windows, or changing electrical or plumbing systems, you'll likely need to obtain the appropriate permits.
Living Room Remodel Cost by Project
Remodeling a living room is a project with a lot of variables. While some people want to add a fresh coat of paint, some attractive new window treatments, and a couple of stylish but practical storage units, others undertake a larger project. Adding new electrical outlets or light fixtures, installing new windows, and laying new flooring can quickly result in a hefty project price. Here are some remodeling tasks and their associated costs to budget for:
| Project | Average Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Painting walls or ceiling | $300–$2,800 |
| Adding storage | $50–$10,000 |
| Electrical upgrades | $50–$2,000 |
| Window installation | $330–$3,600 |
| Refinishing, replacing, or adding doors | $450–$4,000 |
| New flooring | $500–$14,750 |
| Window treatments | $50–$2,000 |
DIY vs. Hiring a Living Room Remodeling Pro
Some aspects of a living room remodel, like painting or adding window treatments, are great DIY projects if you have the time and skills. However, for structural changes, reconfiguring the space, or working with electrical and plumbing, it's best to hire a licensed professional to ensure the job is done safely and correctly. For extensive remodels, consider hiring a general contractor to oversee the entire process. While doing some demolition yourself can save money, hiring a pro guarantees the remodel is completed efficiently and to the highest standard.
How HomeAdvisor Gets Its Cost Data
No place is more important than your home, which is why HomeAdvisor connects homeowners with local pros to transform their houses into homes they love. To help homeowners prepare for their next project, HomeAdvisor provides readers with accurate cost data and follows strict editorial guidelines. After a project is complete, we survey real customers about the costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
To refresh your living room without overspending, focus on cost-effective projects that enhance style and function. Start with simple DIY tasks like painting walls and adding new window treatments. For more complex living room remodeling updates, establishing your budget with a professional general contractor will help your project stay on track.
Remodeling a living room is generally less intensive than updating a kitchen or bathroom, which often involves complex electrical, plumbing, and structural work. Living room projects typically focus on aesthetic and functional improvements that can have a significant impact without extensive renovations. This means living room upgrades often cost less and require less labor, making them a cost-effective way to enhance your home's overall appeal.
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