Everything You Need to Know About Remodeling a Bedroom

Remodeling a home can be exhilarating, whether it’s for your own enjoyment or you’re refreshing it before selling and moving on to the next chapter of your life. While renovation projects such as kitchens and bathrooms can be costly and time-intensive, a bedroom can be an easier space to refurbish.

Remodeling your bedroom can give your sleep space an exciting new look—but keep in mind that it’s a pretty big undertaking. If you’re wondering how to remodel a bedroom, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know.

Should you remodel your bedroom?

First of all, you’ll want to assess whether or not you really need to remodel your bedroom. What are the things you should consider, and what are the benefits and drawbacks of the process?

Some things to think about include budget, timeframe, and the ability to move or stay somewhere if the remodel is going to be extensive, whether that’s in the home in another bedroom or in a rental, says Jonathan Klemm, co-founder of Quality Builders.

“The benefit is that you get to design a space that will be your reboot spot from work and other pressures,” notes Klemm. “If designed and undertaken with proper thought, it could add to your sense of well-being.”

Planning your bedroom remodel

If you’re serious about moving forward with a bedroom remodel, there are some specific planning points to keep in mind.  

These considerations can include budget, style, paint color, and flooring (carpet, wood, luxury vinyl plank, etc.).

“There are other key points that each homeowner needs to look at, which include if they have a second bedroom or if they will be moving out while renovations are being made or not,” says Klemm.

Then there’s the extent of the renovations to think through. “Behind the wall” renovations, for example, which can include upgrading the insulation and more, will create a lot of dust and noise, says Klemm.

“The costs can vary drastically based on the finishes you choose,” he adds. “You could see a 30-70% difference easily based on whether you went with basic finishes or premium materials.”

As for choosing a style that suits your tastes, if you plan to live long-term in your home, you can go with whatever your heart desires, says Klemm. 

“But if you are planning on moving in two to three years, then you don’t want to do something too eclectic or out of the norm because buyers will be turned off by that,” he observes. “You might have to go back and redo it to meet the general tastes.”

How to remodel your bedroom

Execute it yourself or with a pro

When remodeling, you have the option to go the DIY route (if you’re handy!) or hire a professional. There’s also a third “hybrid” option that can help you carry out the renovation process. 

To save money, you can choose to do some of the easier work (like painting) and leave the more complicated tasks to a professional, says Klemm. 

Refer to visual inspiration

If you have some visuals and photos of how you want to your bedroom to look, you should share them with your contractor throughout the process, says Klemm. 

“This is especially true if your renovation is small and does not involve an interior designer,” he notes. “A picture is worth a thousand words.”

The visuals could include the types of floors you want, the design in the ceilings if any, and more. “This makes the process much clearer,” says Klemm. 

Save money on furniture and decor

With a fresh, new room, you might want some fresh decorative pieces to match. For this, Klemm recommends shopping estate sales, which he says are a “great source for furniture,” particularly bed frames, lamps, and side tables.

“You can save 75% or more by being resourceful this way,” he says. “The money saved can be put into getting more stuff done with your bedroom.”

Common bedroom remodeling challenges and solutions

One top hurdle when renovating a bedroom or any space is change orders. 

“Sometimes they are inevitable because during the remodel, it is discovered that something or another has to be upgraded,” says Klemm. “However, many times the client decides to add something on top.” 

As long as this doesn’t necessitate redoing something, you should be OK. “But if it involves going back one or more steps, that is an expense that could and should be avoided,” shares Klemm.

Long-term maintenance and care

Unless you have kids, the bedroom should stay “in pretty good shape for a long time,” says Klemm, especially since there won’t be writing on the walls or other indicators that children have resided in the space.

But for some preventative care, Klemm recommends splurging for “the best finishes you can afford” during the remodeling process. 

They don’t necessarily have to be the most expensive, but researching and buying quality paint, flooring, and more will go a long way in keeping the bedroom looking its best for as long as possible.

FAQs

In what order should you renovate a bedroom?

“The best way is to know exactly what you want to renovate,” says Klemm. “Making changes after the process has started can make it more expensive.” Your contractor will be able to highlight the steps. 

What should you do first when remodeling a bedroom?

“Make a list of everything possible you want to do,” suggests Klemm. Then, reach out and get a quote from a professional. 

If it’s too high, remove the items you can live without until you get to the number that’s doable for you and within your budget. “You should budget 10%-15% for overages as well,” says Klemm. 

How much does it cost to renovate a 1-bedroom?

So, how much does it cost to remodel a bedroom? Depending on the finishes you choose, it could be $125/sq. ft. to $175/sq. ft., says Klemm. 

Next, learn how to cover up common eyesores in the bedroom.