How to Estimate Living Room Renovation Costs in Atlanta
If you’re investigating how much a living room renovation costs in Atlanta, join the club. With trends shifting towards open-concept designs, modern lighting, and energy-efficient features, living room renovations can raise both the functionality and aesthetic appeal of the home. Many of us in Atlanta are choosing to renovate the living room to create more comfortable, contemporary, and inviting spaces.
Several factors influence the final cost, including the size of the room, the materials selected, and the scope of the renovation. Whether it’s a minor update like fresh paint and new furniture or a more extensive remodel involving structural changes, Atlantans are recognizing that a well-executed living room renovation can also significantly boost the resale value of their property.
Come along as we break down the various elements to help you make informed decisions when planning your next project.
What Determines Living Room Renovation Costs in Atlanta?
Understanding what drives living room renovation costs in Atlanta is the key to planning your project.
Size of the Living Room: Larger rooms require more materials, such as flooring, paint, and lighting fixtures, and typically involve longer labor hours. As the square footage increases, so does the overall budget for both materials and labor.
Scope of the Renovation: A cosmetic upgrade—such as repainting, installing new furniture, or replacing light fixtures—will generally be less expensive compared to a full renovation involving structural changes. If you’re moving walls to create an open-concept design, the cost will rise due to additional labor. Plus, factor in potential changes to plumbing or electrical systems.
Material Choices: Flooring options like hardwood or tile are often more expensive than carpet or laminate. High-quality paint, custom cabinetry, and upscale lighting can also drive up the price. It’s essential to balance your material selections with your budget to achieve the desired look without overspending.
Custom vs. Standard Features: Incorporating custom-built features can greatly increase the budget needed. Custom entertainment centers, shelving, and cabinetry often require skilled craftsmanship, which raises both material and labor costs. Standard, off-the-shelf options are usually more budget friendly, but may not offer the same unique touch.
Local Contractor Rates in Atlanta: Living room renovation costs in Atlanta are influenced by the region’s contractor rates, which can fluctuate based on demand and availability of skilled workers. Be sure to obtain multiple quotes from local contractors to ensure you’re getting the best rate for your project.
Common Living Room Renovation Costs in Atlanta
Next, let’s break down the individual expenses that contribute to living room renovation costs in Atlanta. This can help show you where the majority of the budget goes, and where you can make cuts.
Flooring Options and Costs
Flooring is one of the biggest contributors to cost, with options ranging in price and durability.
Hardwood Flooring: Hardwood floors offer timeless beauty and can significantly enhance the value of your home, but they are also one of the more expensive options. In Atlanta, hardwood flooring can cost between $8 to $15 per square foot, depending on the wood type and finish.
Laminate Flooring: A more budget-friendly alternative, laminate flooring can mimic the look of hardwood at a fraction of the cost. Laminate typically costs between $2 to $6 per square foot, making it a popular choice for those trying to keep living room renovation costs in Atlanta under control.
Carpet: Carpet remains a soft, comfortable option for living rooms, with costs ranging from $3 to $8 per square foot. It’s generally more affordable than hardwood but may not last as long or appeal to future buyers.
Tile Flooring: If durability and easy maintenance are your priorities, tile might be the best choice. Tile flooring costs in Atlanta range from $5 to $10 per square foot, depending on the material.
Wall Treatments
Your choice between paint, wallpaper, or more decorative options can significantly affect your total living room renovation costs in Atlanta.
Painting: A fresh coat of paint is a relatively inexpensive way to update a living room. The average cost for painting a living room in Atlanta is around $2 to $6 per square foot. This depends on the quality of the paint and the complexity of the job.
Wallpaper: Wallpaper is generally more expensive, with costs ranging from $3 to $8 per square foot. However, it can provide unique patterns and textures that paint cannot.
Accent Walls and Paneling: Adding an accent wall or decorative paneling can elevate the look of your living room but comes at an extra cost. Accent walls might cost anywhere from $500 to $1,500, depending on materials and labor.
Lighting Upgrades
Upgrading your lighting can have a big impact on both the aesthetics and living room renovation costs in Atlanta.
Recessed Lighting: Installing recessed lighting can cost between $150 and $300 per fixture, depending on labor rates and electrical work required.
Chandeliers: Chandeliers can add elegance to your space, with prices ranging from $200 to over $1,000, plus installation costs.
Smart Lighting Systems: If you're interested in smart lighting, expect to pay a premium. A full smart lighting system can cost $500 to $2,000, depending on the number of fixtures and smart home integration.
Furniture and Décor
Furniture and décor are essential to the final look of your living room. Of course, they also play a significant role in living room renovation costs in Atlanta.
New Furniture: The cost of new living room furniture varies widely. A basic sofa might cost $500 to $1,000, while high-end or custom furniture can cost upwards of $2,500.
Shelving and Built-ins: Custom shelving or built-in cabinetry adds both function and style, but comes with higher costs. These typically range from $1,000 to $5,000 depending on design and materials.
Decorations: Décor items like rugs, curtains, and artwork should also be factored into your budget. These can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars, depending on your taste and where you shop.
Entertainment Systems: Incorporating modern entertainment systems into your living room can also increase living room renovation costs in Atlanta.
Home Theater Setup: The cost of a home theater setup, including wiring, mounting a TV, and installing speakers, typically ranges from $1,500 to $5,000, depending on the complexity of the system and the size of the room.
TV Mounts and Wiring: Simpler TV mounting and wiring for an entertainment system might cost around $300 to $1,000. On the other hand, more elaborate setups involving surround sound systems can push the price higher.
Average Living Room Renovation Costs in Atlanta
The average living room renovation costs in Atlanta can be broken down by levels of complexity.
Low-Range Renovations: $5,000–$10,000
Low-range living room renovation costs in Atlanta cover basic cosmetic updates, such as painting, replacing furniture, and updating light fixtures. This type of renovation enhances the aesthetic appeal without requiring significant structural or system changes.
Mid-Range Renovations: $10,000–$20,000
Mid-range renovations often involve upgrading materials, such as installing new flooring or custom shelving, and adding new furniture. These updates can significantly improve the functionality and look of your living room, but they come with a higher price tag.
High-End Renovations: $20,000+
High-end living room renovation costs in Atlanta include extensive structural changes, custom-built features, and luxury materials. If you're moving walls, installing large windows, or investing in high-end custom furniture, costs can easily exceed $20,000.
Market Trends Affecting Costs
Post-pandemic inflation and supply chain issues have caused fluctuations in material and labor costs. Homeowners may see higher costs overall as demand for renovations continues to rise, particularly in a bustling real estate market like Atlanta.
Saving on Living Room Renovation Costs in Atlanta
There are several ways to cut costs in Atlanta while still achieving a beautiful and functional space.
DIY Options
One of the best ways to reduce living room renovation costs in Atlanta is by handling some tasks yourself. DIY projects like painting, installing new light fixtures, or assembling furniture can save you a significant amount on labor costs. While more complex tasks should be left to professionals, simple updates can be done on your own to stretch your renovation budget.
Reuse and Repurpose Existing Furniture
Instead of buying all new furniture, consider reusing or repurposing what you already have. Reupholstering old chairs or painting a coffee table can give existing pieces a fresh look without adding much to your budget.
Shop Sales and Discounts
Watch for sales at local Atlanta home improvement stores. Also, take advantage of holiday discounts, clearance events, or off-season sales to score materials and furniture at lower prices. Many stores offer significant markdowns during Labor Day, Black Friday, and end-of-season sales.
Return on Investment (ROI) for Living Room Renovation Costs in Atlanta
Recouping your living room renovation costs in Atlanta is probably easier than you think. In our city, the average ROI for a living room renovation is around 60–70%, depending on the scope and quality of the project. By enhancing the functionality, aesthetics, and energy efficiency of the room, a renovation can increase your home’s market value, making it a smart financial decision in the long run. Additionally, homes with modern, updated living rooms often attract more buyers, improving resale potential.
Choosing the Right Contractor for Your Living Room Renovation
When researching living room renovation costs in Atlanta, make sure to hire licensed, insured, and experienced professionals. Vet contractors by reviewing portfolios, reading customer reviews, and asking for recommendations.
Intown Renovations stands out in the Atlanta market for its dedication to quality craftsmanship and customer satisfaction. With years of experience in home renovations, they offer competitive rates and a personalized approach to help homeowners achieve their renovation goals.
Now, Weigh the Living Room Renovation Costs in Atlanta
Understanding living room renovation costs in Atlanta is key to planning a successful project. Whether you’re tackling a small update or a major remodel, by budgeting carefully and hiring the right contractor—like Intown Renovations—you can ensure your renovation is both beautiful and cost-effective. Start planning your living room transformation today with a trusted team that knows the Atlanta market inside and out.