How Much Does a Laundry Renovation Cost?

A grey color wall themed laundry room fitted with white cupboards, white door, white window. It is also fitted with two grey coloured front loading washing machines.

The laundry is the unsung hero in a home and many people put up with a laundry that is not practical. Are you considering renovating your laundry rooms to make laundering your family’s clothes easier and more organized? Before you undertake any work, you'll want to understand how much a laundry renovation costs in Australia.

The average laundry renovation cost between $4,000 to $12,000, however, can be really deceiving. How much your laundry renovation is going to cost you comes down to many factors and variables, and because of this, the true cost of laundry renovation will fluctuate depending on your style, needs and circumstances.

As a rule of thumb, a budget laundry renovation in a small laundry can be as low as $2000 while a major renovation in a larger laundry room can cost $20,000 or more.

So, what are the costs to consider when remodelling and creating a laundry room?

Cabinetry

When it comes to laundry renovations, functionality is the name of the game. The space should look good, but most of all, it should make your life easier. One of the most important considerations for any laundry renovation is storage.

The cost of your cabinetry will depend on different factors, such as the overall size of your laundry room, the type of material used, the level of detailing you desire, the organizational units you need inside the cabinetry, etc.

Building cupboards, benches or tabletops around your machines are the easiest way to maximise your use of the space. Because your major appliances are square, it should only take a little bit of planning to Tetris your storage needs around them.

Adding or moving utilities

The second factor that will play into the overall cost for your laundry room is labour, especially as it relates to the plumbing and electrical aspects of what will be needed.

You can save yourself a few hundred dollars by leaving your washer and dryer in the same place. But if you need to install new plumbing or a hookup, these are often jobs best left to the pros. A plumber costs $45 to $150 per hour, while an electrician is $65 to $85 an hour.

Replacing or repairing appliances

Most homeowners are inspired to rethink their laundry room when they need to replace their appliances. However, repairing your existing appliances might be the more economical choice.

  • Washer: depending on quality, brand and energy star rating, you can expect to pay between $350 and $1,500.
  • Dryer: depending on quality and brand, you can expect to pay between $500 and $2,100.
  • Washer/Dryer Combo: a washer/dryer combo is great if you have a limited budget and limited space. These typically cost between $500 and $2,200.
  • Exhaust Fan: an exhaust fan may be a wise investment if you have a dryer as it reduces moisture. It costs between $30 and $150.

Upgrading your sink

A large, deep sink in a laundry or mudroom is invaluable for soaking stained clothes, hosing off muddy boots, or handwashing delicate items. You can find a standalone utility sink for $300, but costs start to increase when you add countertops to create an integrated sink.

Decorate

It sounds simple, but more often than not, people forget to decorate their laundry. While colours for cabinetry, benchtops and tiles are usually kept neutral, you can create interest and variation with your laundry makeover by incorporating a feature tile or Caesarstone splashback, or a statement sink mixer in a colour finish.

You can also be creative and cost-effective with your own styling. A few decorative items such as silk plants add warmth, a framed picture can serve as a focal point, and scented sticks will keep your laundry room smelling fresh and clean.

Take a look at our laundry inspiration ideas