Remodeling your living room is thrilling, but it may also be a little overwhelming.
Where do you start? How much money do you plan to spend?
Embark on your living room remodeling journey by stripping out existing furniture and flooring, addressing structural work, painting the walls, installing new flooring, double-checking plumbing, heating, and wiring, and furnishing the space with curtains, wall art, and decor items to elevate the overall ambiance of the room.
Whether you're a first-time homeowner, a renter looking to freshen up your place, or a beginner who wants to give their living room a new look, get ready to let your inner designer out.
In this article, we'll walk you through the process of living room renovation and give you the details and inspiration you need to design a space you'll love.
Let’s get started!
What's the first thing you need to consider when tackling a living room remodel?
You should plan your living room renovation project before you dive in headfirst. To help you get your living room projects off to a good start, here are some things to consider while remodeling:
Your goal
Asking yourself, "What do I want out of this living room remodel?" is an excellent place to start.
Is improving the functionality of your living room more important to you than enhancing its appearance? Are you altering the layout of the space to address structural issues?
Finding your direction is a lot easier when you are aware of what you need from the makeover.
Your budget
Speaking of budgets, how much have you allocated to your remodeling project?
Make a list of the things you want to do, and then research the typical cost of each one to figure out how much money you will need for your redesign.
According to Bob Vila, house renovations cost an average of $18,161 to $76,367.
You may calculate an approximate cost estimate for your makeover by adding the prices of all items together.
Completion time
Another essential aspect to consider when redesigning a living room is time. Since the living room is a crucial component of your house, you won't be able to use it regularly during the redesign. This can be a major inconvenience.
Most renovation projects take a few weeks, while others go on for months. Ask the contractor how long they anticipate the project will take.
The theme
You can move on to the fun part as soon as you are done with the complicated stuff.
What is your theme? Do you prefer a cozy, rustic living room design or a clean, trendy one? You have complete control over this.
Create a strategy based on the hues, materials, and themes that appeal to you.
Your home's footprint
Does your existing home have good bones? Can it handle the alterations you might want without substantial structural renovations?
As a general rule, preserving your home's structural components will always result in lower renovation costs.
You may also like: 13 Living Room Remodel Ideas That Make a Difference
Steps to an effective living room remodeling
It may be an exciting and transformative process to remodel your living room. It's remarkable how a few small adjustments can transform the area entirely. Here are the usual steps when remodeling a living room:
Strip out and remove existing furniture and flooring
Imagine your living room without that antiquated couch that has seen better days. Bid farewell to worn-out furniture or scratched hardwood floors to transform the space. Fresh starts give you a blank slate to fill with new possibilities, unleashing your creative potential.
In addition to reviving the look, removing the old furniture and flooring will prepare the space for a comprehensive makeover and set the stage for your preferred design and style options.
Begin with structural work – floors, ceilings, walls
After you have cleared the space, fix any structural issues that arise. Check the floors for stability and make any necessary repairs or reinforcements.
Inspect the ceilings for any signs of sagging or damage, and take immediate action. Make the necessary repairs if you find any holes, cracks, or crooked surfaces in the walls. You can also remove an internal non-load-bearing wall if you want to have more space.
The basis for a successful living room redesign is ensuring the structural soundness of everything built inside.
Fix plumbing, heating, and wiring
Next, analyze your living room's plumbing, heating, and wiring systems. Hire a competent specialist to inspect and make any necessary repairs or upgrades to these vital components.
This includes doing leak checks, confirming that the heating and cooling systems are functioning properly, and replacing or adding electrical outlets as necessary.
For your freshly renovated area to be comfortable, safe, and functional, you must pay close attention to these systems.
Plaster and paint the walls
There are a few essential steps to take when it comes to giving your walls a brand-new look. Fill in any gaps or cracks first using putty or filler.
After that, apply a layer of plaster to make the surface even and smooth. Let the plaster dry completely before grabbing some sandpaper for a seamless finish.
Don't forget to use a good primer to help the fresh coat of paint adhere and bring out the true colors for the best results.
Now comes the fun part: choose your favorite wall color and start painting. Forbes estimates that painting a typical-sized living space or room will cost between $900 and $2,000.
Remember to apply even strokes and be patient with the drying time between coats.
Install new flooring
Choose a flooring material that complements both your design aesthetic and lifestyle. Whether you pick wood floors, laminate, vinyl, carpet, or tile, follow the manufacturer's directions for appropriate installation.
Prepare the subfloor by cleaning and leveling it, then lay down the underlayment if required. Carefully install the flooring material, ensuring it fits snugly and is aligned.
Take time to produce a polished outcome that improves the overall appeal of the floor and the living room.
Recheck plumbing, heating, and wiring
It's critical to inspect the wiring, plumbing, and heating systems again after installing the new flooring to ensure nothing is damaged during the remodeling process. Ensure everything is functionally sound and that the remodeling process hasn't damaged it.
Test each fixture, faucet, and drain for leaks or other issues. Avoid any unpleasant surprises down the road.
Next, check to see if the heating and cooling systems are giving the proper level of regulation of temperatures for your comfort. Remember to check the electrical switches and outlets to ensure they are wired correctly and functioning as intended.
Bring in curtains, rugs, and furniture
The essential components of your living space are now in place, so it's time to add softer and more decorative accents.
Install curtains or blinds that offer privacy and light control while blending with the overall design.
Strategically use an area rug to separate different regions while adding warmth and texture to the room. Finally, bring your carefully chosen furniture inside the house and arrange it practically and appealingly.
Add decor items and accessories
Now that you are done with the major renovation, it's time to concentrate on the exciting finishing touches that will make your newly renovated living room come to life!
Hang mirrors or artwork on the walls. They also give depth and visual interest to the space while establishing a striking focal point.
Don't stop there; enhance the ambiance and create a cozy atmosphere by adding aesthetic elements like candles, vases, or sculptures.
Oh, and pay attention to the lighting, too! Install the proper fixtures to create the right ambiance and offer practical task lighting, such as recessed lighting.
Lastly, include some fresh flowers or greenery to add a touch of nature indoors. They breathe new life into your living space and enhance its natural attractiveness.
Make sure these accessories - floor lamps and wall décor - represent your style and add to the overall aesthetic appeal of your newly renovated room. This is the moment to showcase your sense of style and personality!
Takeaway: Remodel your living room in style
You can bring your vision to life with a well-thought-out strategy and creativity.
Remodel your living room by fixing systems, upgrading the walls and flooring, and fixing structural issues. Recheck everything when you are done. Then, furnish the room with furniture, rugs, curtains, and other decor items that reflect your personality and style.
Are you ready to start? Consider getting professional help.
Schedule an appointment for a free consultation with the professionals at Westward Renovations. Our team will make the process simple and pleasurable by helping you establish a reasonable budget and prioritize the essential elements of your remodel.
Get in touch with our experts to start designing the living room of your dreams!
