When people think about home remodeling, kitchens and bathrooms usually steal the spotlight. But the spaces where we relax, sleep, and spend the majority of our time—like bedrooms, living rooms, and family rooms—matter just as much. In fact, a well-designed living area or bedroom can completely change how your home feels.
Still, remodeling these spaces can come with a surprising range of price tags, depending on your goals, the size of the room, and the level of customization involved.
The average cost to remodel a living space or bedroom falls between $5,000 and $60,000+, depending on how extensive the work is.
Paint, flooring, lighting, baseboards, minimal carpentry
Custom finishes, built-ins, upgraded flooring, layout refinements
Custom millwork, lighting design, structural changes, premium finishes
Each category can vary depending on your square footage, the condition of the space, and whether you’re working with existing infrastructure or starting from scratch.
The price of a remodel isn’t just about surface-level changes. A range of factors contribute to how much you’ll end up spending—and knowing what they are upfront can make budgeting far easier.
Larger rooms require more materials, more labor, and more planning. A 150-square-foot bedroom will cost far less to renovate than a 450-square-foot great room, simply due to volume.
Small Bedroom (100–150 sq ft): Starting at $5,000 for a light refresh
Primary Bedroom Suite (200–300+ sq ft): $20,000–$60,000 depending on finishes
Large Living Room (300–500+ sq ft): $25,000 and up for structural or design upgrades
Are you just updating finishes, or rethinking how the space functions? Costs rise sharply when walls are moved, windows are added, or electrical layouts are adjusted.
Removing or adding walls: $2,000–$10,000+
Expanding openings or archways: $1,500–$7,000
Creating open-concept living: $10,000–$30,000 (including load-bearing support)
Your flooring choice has a major impact on cost:
| Material | Installed Cost (per sq ft) |
|---|---|
| Carpet | $3 – $8 |
| Laminate | $4 – $9 |
| Engineered Hardwood | $6 – $15 |
| Solid Hardwood | $10 – $20+ |
| Luxury Vinyl Plank | $5 – $10 |
| Premium Tile/Stone | $12 – $25+ |
If your subfloor needs repair or leveling, add $1,000–$3,000 to your estimate, especially in older homes.
Lighting is often overlooked, but it’s one of the best ways to elevate a space. Costs increase when you install recessed lighting, new switches, or create zones with dimmers and smart systems.
Recessed lighting (per fixture): $200–$500 installed
Wiring upgrades or relocation: $2,000–$8,000
Smart lighting system integration: $3,000–$10,000+ for whole-house compatibility
Custom elements make a space feel intentional—but they come at a premium.
| Feature | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| Custom bookcases/shelving | $3,000 – $10,000 |
| Fireplace surround redesign | $5,000 – $15,000+ (gas or electric) |
| Window seats or nooks | $2,000 – $6,000 |
| Crown molding or wainscoting | $1,000 – $4,000+ |
Millwork transforms rooms from standard to show-stopping. Luxury remodels often lean heavily into this category.
Here’s a look at what you might expect from common remodeling goals:
New paint and trim
Basic lighting replacement
Updated flooring (laminate, carpet, or vinyl)
Window treatments
Wall-mounted storage or closet upgrades
Ideal for homeowners who want a clean, updated feel without making structural changes.
Engineered wood flooring or higher-end carpet
Custom lighting design and wiring updates
Interior doors, closet upgrades
Built-in shelving or decorative trim work
Accent wall features (stone, wallpaper, reclaimed wood)
Best for those ready to blend aesthetics and function with thoughtful upgrades.
Reconfiguration or expansion of space
Custom cabinetry or millwork
Smart lighting and climate control systems
High-end flooring (solid wood, stone)
Integrated AV systems, fireplace installation
Ceiling treatments (coffers, beams, paneling)
For homeowners who want a truly elevated living space tailored to their lifestyle and design preferences.
These often-overlooked line items can affect your bottom line:
Permits: $500–$2,500 depending on location and structural work
Designer/Architect Fees: 5–15% of project cost for full-service design
Furniture and Decor: $2,000–$20,000+, especially for cohesive redesigns
Demolition and Disposal: $1,000–$3,000, more if hazardous materials are present
Soundproofing (walls/floors): $2,000–$8,000 if acoustics are a concern
HVAC Adjustments: Needed if walls move or ceiling height changes—budget $2,000+
Basic wire system: $300–$800
Mid-tier wood or laminate: $1,500–$3,500
Custom built-ins with drawers and lighting: $5,000–$12,000+
Adding or updating an en suite bathroom: $25,000–$50,000+
Creating a sitting area or workspace within a bedroom: +$5,000–$15,000
Important in bedrooms located near shared walls or street-facing areas:
Wall soundproofing: $1,200–$4,000
Window upgrades: $600–$2,000 per window
Electric unit with surround: $4,000–$8,000
Gas fireplace with stone or brick: $8,000–$15,000+
Wood-burning: Often requires chimney work—budget $10,000–$25,000
In-wall speakers: $300–$1,000 per room
AV rack + smart controls: $5,000–$15,000
Motorized projector and screen: $8,000–$20,000+
Coffered or tray ceiling: $3,000–$10,000
Exposed beams: $2,500–$8,000 (depending on material and finish)
Stick to the existing layout: Avoid structural changes if possible
Repaint rather than replace: Especially for solid wood built-ins
Mix high/low materials: Splurge on one standout feature and save elsewhere
Choose pre-designed cabinetry or prefab millwork: Custom isn’t always necessary
Tackle simple DIY tasks: Paint, hardware swaps, and furniture assembly are good options
While not as ROI-driven as kitchens or baths, living rooms and bedrooms hold tremendous emotional and functional value. If your goal is to improve your everyday experience or boost resale appeal, tasteful updates make a strong impression.
Mid-range remodel ROI: 50%–65% depending on market
Luxury remodel ROI: 35%–50%, often based on design cohesion and buyer expectations
Remodeling a living room or bedroom can cost anywhere from a few thousand dollars for a cosmetic refresh to over $60,000 for a top-tier redesign. The key to staying on budget—and getting results you’ll love—is clarity. Know what you want to accomplish, prioritize features that matter most, and work with professionals who can guide your vision into reality.
Whether you’re refreshing a dated guest bedroom or reimagining your living room into a custom retreat, a smart investment in these spaces pays off every time you walk through the door.
At Precision Heritage, we offer a complete design-build experience that goes far beyond what a typical general contractor can provide. With our in-house custom cabinetry, skilled craftsmanship, and a dedicated design team, we manage every aspect of your project from start to finish, ensuring nothing falls through the cracks.
504 Main Street Gaithersburg, MD 20878
(240) 686-5099 [email protected]