Remodelling your living room can completely transform the heart of your home– however, prior to diving in, it’s important to understand the length of time the renovation will certainly take. Whether you’re simply freshening the paint or doing a full gut-and-redesign, recognizing the timeline will certainly help you prepare better, decrease anxiety, and remain on budget.
So, for how long does it require to refurbish a living room? The short answer is anywhere from 1 week to 2 months, depending on the scope of work, materials availability, and whether you’re DIYing or hiring professionals.
This guide breaks down each phase of a typical living room renovation—so you’ll know what to expect from start to finish.
Average Living Room Renovation Timeframes
Renovation TypeEstimated Time
Cosmetic updates only 1–2 weeks
Moderate remodel (flooring, paint, lighting) 2–4 weeks
Full renovation (walls, layout, custom furniture) 4–8 weeks or more
Let’s take a deeper look at what goes into each stage of the process.
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Phase 1: Planning & Design (1–2 Weeks)
Time required: 5–14 days
Before any manual labour starts, it’s important to complete your vision, budget plan, and products.
Tasks Include:
Defining your restoration goals
Hiring a designer or professional (if required).
Selecting a style/theme.
Making a state of mind board or sketch.
Selecting materials (paint, flooring, furniture).
Getting quotes or permits (if needed).
Tips to save time:
Order all materials early to stay clear of delivery hold-ups. Decide on the layout and major elements before demolition starts.
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Phase 2: Demolition & Prep (1–3 Days)
Time required: 1–3 days
This is where the physical transformation begins.
Common Tasks:
- Removing old furniture
- Taking out flooring or baseboards
- Stripping wallpaper or paint
- Minor wall demolition (if changing the layout or adding outlets)
If you’re hiring contractors, this phase is quick. For DIYers, allow extra time for cleanup and disposal.
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Phase 3: Core Renovation Work (1–3 Weeks)
Time required: 5–21 days
The bulk of your renovation happens here and varies depending on the scope.
Moderate Work (5–10 days):
- Interior painting
- Installing new flooring (laminate, vinyl, hardwood)
- Mounting light fixtures
- Minor electrical or plumbing updates
- Updating baseboards or trim
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Major Work (2–3 weeks):
- Wall reconstruction or layout changes
- Electrical rewiring
- Custom carpentry (e.g., built-ins, fireplace surrounds)
- New HVAC venting or window changes
Pro Tip: If you’re combining trades (carpenters, electricians, painters), schedule them strategically to avoid overlap delays.
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Phase 4: Furnishing & Styling (3–7 Days)
Time required: 3–7 days
This is the fun part: bringing your design to life!
Includes:
- Moving in new or refinished furniture
- Hanging curtains, shelves, or wall decor
- Adding rugs, cushions, lighting, and plants
- Testing and adjusting lighting/electronics
This stage often takes longer if you’re ordering custom or back-ordered items.
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Bonus Phase: Inspections & Final Touches (2–5 Days)
Time required: 2–5 days
For more complex renovations, especially those involving permits or multiple trades, allow time for the following:
- Final inspections (electrical, structural)
- Fixing punch list items
- Deep cleaning the space
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Sample Living Room Renovation Timeline (Full Remodel Example)
WeekTasks
Week 1 Planning, hiring contractors, ordering materials
Week 2 Demolition, removing old floors, prepping walls
Week 3 Painting, electrical updates, installing new flooring
Week 4 Trim work, built-in shelves or custom carpentry
Week 5 Furniture delivery, styling, hanging decor
Week 6: Final tweaks, inspections, and finishing touches
Read More: How to plan a successful kitchen remodelling project?
DIY vs. Hiring Professionals: What’s Faster?
- DIY renovations often take longer but cost less. Expect to double the time estimates if you’re doing it alone, especially without prior experience.
- Professional renovations are quicker and more efficient but cost more.
For complex tasks like electrical, plumbing, or load-bearing walls, it’s safer and faster to hire licensed pros.
Tips to Speed Up a Living Room Renovation
- Have a clear plan and stick to it—avoid last-minute design changes.
- Order materials early, especially custom items.
- Coordinate schedules if using multiple contractors.
- Tackle prep work like moving furniture or cleaning ahead of time.
- Use quick-dry paint and adhesive products to reduce waiting time.
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How Time Affects Cost
The longer a renovation takes, the more it may cost—especially if you’re paying for labour by the hour or renting temporary living space.
Delays can happen due to:
- Backordered materials
- Permits or inspections
- Contractor no-shows or overbooking
- Weather (if working near windows or patios)
Building in a 10–15% time buffer can save you stress (and money) in the long run.
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Common Time-Delaying Mistakes to Avoid
- Changing your mind mid-project
- Hiring unlicensed or unvetted contractors
- Not checking if your building has noise or working hour restrictions
- Skipping material inspections before delivery
- Starting work without a detailed plan or checklist
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Final Thoughts: Planning Is Key
So, how long does it take to renovate a living room? It depends—but most moderate living room makeovers fall within the 2–6 week range, including planning and finishing. If you’re only painting and swapping furniture, you might finish in under 10 days. But full-scale renovations can stretch beyond two months.
Whatever your timeline, planning, staying organized, and setting realistic expectations will help your renovation go as smoothly—and quickly—as possible.
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