How much does it cost to remodel a bedroom?

Bedroom remodeling can be somewhat basic or it can be really expansive, and for this discussion we will consider the costs and requirements for an average upgrade or remodel of a bedroom of 120 square feet in total workable area. This sort of remodeling project can be considered a "DIY" project, though it is just as practical to consult several contractors for the job (painting, carpentry, electrical, etc.).

For the bedroom remodel, the typical costs include:

• According to Tom Silva of "This Old House", the bedroom is one of the least expensive areas to remodel and yet still have a return on the investment. This is particularly true for those who improve windows (which can be a tax-deductible expense) and heating fixtures. For this project a 10'x12' bedroom will be remodeled with new drywall ¹, eco-friendly wall to wall carpeting, brand-new insulated windows, a refinished ceiling, new trim and moldings, paint, and upgraded heating fixtures. The cost will be roughly $7,880. The resale value of this update would hold at $2340, or a nearly 30% return on investment.
• The above figures place the bedroom update at $66 per square foot. This pricing structure assumes that carpenters charge an average of $70 per hour, electricians between $65 to $85 per hour, and painters between $20 and $35 per hour.

Cost breakdown

What needs to be included:

• Four new windows - Average price of $300-$700 per window, plus installation time of two to five hours per window. Be sure that the windows purchased will qualify for tax deductions;
• Insulate ceilings and walls - Fiberglass ² wall insulation with R-19 value will cost $1.80 per square foot (installed) $482 for the walls, and ceiling/attic insulation of R30 will be $2.25 per square foot and cost $270;
• Carpeting - Averages at $15 to $25 per square yard (with padding ³ and installation) totals $335;
• Finish ceilings and walls - Drywall ¹ throughout would require 13 panels of 4'x8' for walls and ceiling at $9.80 each (plus screws, nails and finishing compound) for an approximate total of $240 plus approximately 12 hours of installation (this does not include removal and disposal or original paneling and scraping of amy textured ceiling paint);
• New moldings - Average of $3.00 per foot of installed molding for a total of roughly $550;
• New baseboard heating fixtures - Average of $125 to $500 per room;
• 1 - six-panel primed hardboard door ⁴ - Average of $178 each for a plus four hours of installation;
• Painting - this room is going to need sanding ⁵, priming, and painting according to the upgraded drywall ¹ and ceiling. The average painter will charge between $20 to $35 per hour and require approximately 32 hours for a room this size;
• Provide electrical wiring and lighting to code - This is going to depend upon the amount of work required, but electricians average from $65 to $85 per hour. This project might be priced on a per item basis, or the electrician might simply base it on the square footage; and
• Provide carpentry to code - This is going to depend upon the amount of work required, but carpenters average $70 per hour. This project might be priced on a per item basis, or the carpenter might simply base it on the square footage.

Enhancement and improvement costs

• Canister lighting ⁶ in ceiling
• Ceiling fan
• Individual thermostat ⁷

Additional considerations and costs

• If you are going to work with a contractor it is completely acceptable to ask for at least three different bids from three different providers. This is going to give a very accurate idea of the total costs and the level of control you will have over project.

Remodeling Terms Cheat Sheet

¹ Drywall: Type of plasterboard, commonly used to build walls and ceilings, composed of gypsum that is layered between sheets of heavy paper

² Fiberglass: Plastic that is reinforced with glass fibers. The fibers may be mixed randomly throughout the plastic, or come in the form of a flat sheet, or be woven into a fabric

³ Padding: A cushion placed under a carpet to absorb impact, thus extending the life of the carpet

⁴ Hardboard door: A door finished with a surface made of high-density fiberboard, an engineered wood product also called hardboard, and factory painted to look like wood. This term can also refer to a door with a solid hardboard core and wood veneer panels

⁵ Sanding: Process of removing the top surface of a material, such as wood, using sandpaper and/or a specialized sanding machine (for large surface areas)

⁷ Thermostat: A device that senses and regulates temperature by turning heating and cooling devices on and off