01
Built-ins and shelving
Cabinets beside a fireplace or media wall can add storage and character.
Ask about thisKitchener, Waterloo & nearby
Living room renovations in Kitchener-Waterloo
The living room is where a home is lived in most visibly. Hipel Construction helps Kitchener-Waterloo homeowners rethink flooring, built-ins, fireplaces, openings and lighting so the room works for the household.
What a living room project can include
What can change in a living room.
02
Fireplace surrounds
Update the mantel, hearth and surround. Ask about any requirements specific to your fireplace type.
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03
Flooring
A continuous floor across open areas can calm a space; different materials may suit different zones.
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04
Openings and walls
Opening a wall to the kitchen or dining area depends on structure and services within.
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05
Lighting and trim
Layered lighting, crown or baseboard and window casings pull the room together.
Ask about thisBefore you enquire
A little thinking goes a long way.
Plan around furniture and traffic
Where the sofa and TV sit determines outlets, lighting and built-in layout.
Think about the walls
Structural walls, ducts and wiring affect what an opening can look like.
Decide how open you want it
Open plans bring light but also noise. Partial openings or wide cased openings are a middle path.
What shapes the budget
- Structural changes
- Removing or opening walls may need engineering and approvals.
- Millwork
- Custom built-ins require design time, selections and finishing.
- Flooring area
- The more connected rooms share one floor, the larger the scope.
- Electrical updates
- New lighting and outlet locations add work inside walls and ceilings.
What to have ready for a quote
- Photos of the room and adjoining spaces
- Approximate dimensions
- Fireplace type and condition
- Furniture and TV placement
- Any wall you may want to open
Permit and inspection resources
Requirements depend on your scope. These official pages are a good place to confirm what applies.
Planning timelines
How long does a living room project take?
From first enquiry to project start
Typically 4–8 weeks
Owner-approved enquiry-to-start is typically 4–8 weeks; structural changes can take longer.
Living room construction (illustrative)
One to several weeks
Flooring and paint are generally at the short end. Built-ins and wall changes extend it. This is not a promised schedule.
These are broad, illustrative planning ranges, not promised schedules. Enquiry-to-start is typically 4–8 weeks, but approvals, additions and special-order materials can take longer. Your project-specific start date and construction plan should be confirmed before work begins.
Design choices
Details that make the space work better.
- A workable furniture plan
- Lay out seating, walkways and viewing distances before moving outlets or committing to built-ins. Keep paths through the room clear.
- Integrated storage
- Bookcases and media storage can fit the room rather than dominate it. Plan cable routes and ventilation for equipment.
- Consistent floor transitions
- Discuss how new flooring meets adjoining rooms, stairways and exterior doors, including changes in height.
- Balanced lighting and finishes
- Combine reading, general and accent lighting with a paint and trim palette that suits daylight and the rest of your home.
The people behind Hipel
Real people behind your project.
Hipel Construction was founded by Kadison Hipel and Jayden following their success with Hipel Pools. Since 2018, their work at Hipel Pools has included more than 250 pools and outdoor living spaces. That background in coordinating construction projects is the foundation for Hipel Construction.
Let’s talk about your living room
Kadison HipelPresident 
JaydenCo-Founder 
NathanConstruction Foreman 
DylanConstruction Lead Hand
- 01
Describe how the room is used
Tell us about the household and what is not working.
- 02
Review the room
Look at walls, services, fireplace and flooring.
- 03
Define scope and selections
Agree on built-ins, finishes, lighting and any approvals.
- 04
Prepare and build
Protect adjoining areas, then complete structural, electrical, finishing and flooring work in order.
- 05
Review together
Walk through and note any final adjustments.
Service areaSouthwestern Ontario
Waterloo Region · all 7 municipalitiesCentre Wellington, Guelph/Eramosa, Guelph & PuslinchDots mark local communities
Full township borders shown. Fergus & Elora are in Centre Wellington; Rockwood is in Guelph/Eramosa.
Map boundaries and locations: © OpenStreetMap contributors
Local coverage
Kitchener, Waterloo and the neighbours around them.
We serve all seven Waterloo Region municipalities—Cambridge, Kitchener, Waterloo, North Dumfries, Wellesley, Wilmot, and Woolwich—plus Fergus, Elora, Guelph, Rockwood, and Puslinch.
Talk about your living roomLiving Rooms questions.
Can you open a wall between the living room and kitchen?
Possibly. Whether a wall is structural, and what runs inside it, decides the approach and approvals.
Can you build shelves around a fireplace?
Yes, depending on the fireplace type and clearance requirements, which we can discuss.
Do I need to leave the home?
Usually not. Dust control and a plan for furniture help.
Can you hide TV wiring?
In many cases, yes, with in-wall routing planned alongside electrical work.
What flooring is best?
It depends on wear, sound, pets and style. We can talk through options.
Do I need a permit?
Cosmetic updates generally do not, but structural and electrical work may. Confirm with your municipality.
Can we do this in phases?
Often yes, though phasing should be planned so work is not repeated.
How long will it take?
Enquiry to start is typically 4–8 weeks. Construction time varies broadly; we do not promise fixed dates before the plan is confirmed.
Your next step
Tell us about your living room.
Share your town and what you would like to change. Complete the form below without leaving this page, or use the button to open our dedicated quote page.
Request a quoteLet’s talk about your home
Request a quote
Tell us what you have in mind. Your enquiry goes straight to our team.