Renovating a laundry may seem like a small job — after all, it’s usually one of the smallest rooms in a home. But many homeowners are surprised when they start researching costs and find that the numbers vary significantly from one house to another. So, what’s behind the difference?
Whether you’re in a modern apartment or an older freestanding home, the cost of laundry renovation is influenced by several important factors. Understanding what drives those variations can help you budget smarter and avoid unexpected surprises.
1. Size and Layout of the Laundry
One of the most obvious contributors to renovation cost is the size of your laundry. A larger space generally requires more flooring, cabinetry, lighting, and finishes. But it’s not just size — the layout also makes a difference.
For example, if you’re keeping everything (like your sink, washing machine, and dryer) in the same place, the job is simpler and more cost-effective. However, if you’re shifting plumbing or altering the room’s configuration, labour and materials costs will increase.
Tight or awkwardly shaped spaces may also require custom solutions, which can be more expensive than using standard modular options.
2. Plumbing and Electrical Complexity
Behind every good laundry is solid infrastructure. That means plumbing and electrical work must be up to standard — and changes can add to the cost of laundry renovation quickly.
If your home already has plumbing and drainage in good condition, you’re in luck. But if you’re moving your washer to the other side of the room or upgrading old plumbing, you may need to factor in more trades and higher labour costs.
Similarly, if you’re adding extra power points, installing energy-efficient lighting, or including a built-in dryer or heat pump, the electrical work becomes more complex. Older homes may even need partial rewiring or a switchboard upgrade, depending on the existing capacity.
3. Level of Customisation
The more tailored your renovation is, the more it’s likely to cost. Many cost of laundry renovation variations come down to how much custom work is involved.
Standard off-the-shelf cabinetry can help you save, but laundries are often narrow, oddly shaped, or tucked into corners — making custom joinery the better (and often necessary) choice for maximising space.
Features like built-in ironing boards, laundry hampers, pull-out shelving, or integrated appliances add convenience and a sleek finish — but also more time, labour, and materials.
4. Choice of Materials and Finishes
Not all finishes are created equal. From benchtops to tiles, tapware to cabinetry handles — every material you select contributes to the final cost. Choosing premium or designer materials will naturally raise your renovation price, while more budget-friendly options can help you stay within a set range.
Common cost differences include:
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Laminate vs. stone benchtops
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Standard tiles vs. designer mosaics or natural stone
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Flat-pack cabinetry vs. custom cabinetry
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Basic tapware vs. brushed nickel or matte black finishes
Even seemingly minor design choices, like soft-close drawers or splashback finishes, can affect your total spend.
5. Ventilation and Waterproofing
While often overlooked, ventilation and moisture control are crucial in laundry spaces. A poorly ventilated laundry can lead to mould, musty odours, and long-term structural damage.
Installing or upgrading an exhaust fan, ducting a dryer to the outside, or adding windows or vents all come with additional costs — but they’re essential to protect your home and ensure compliance with Australian building standards.
In some cases, particularly where laundries are adjacent to bathrooms or located internally, waterproofing may be required. Proper waterproofing adds another layer of protection but also increases the overall cost of laundry renovation.
6. Structural Changes and Accessibility
If your laundry renovation involves knocking down walls, widening doorways, or creating an outdoor access point, the construction side of things will drive up the cost. Load-bearing walls, in particular, require careful planning and engineering expertise, which adds to both time and budget.
The accessibility of your laundry also plays a part. If trades need to bring materials through tight hallways, up staircases, or into upper floors, labour costs can rise accordingly. Ground-level renovations with good access are usually more cost-efficient.
7. The Age and Condition of Your Home
Renovating in an older home often means dealing with hidden challenges. Ageing infrastructure might need to be replaced, including old copper pipes, rusted drains, or unsafe wiring. In some cases, you might even encounter asbestos sheeting, which must be removed by licensed professionals.
All of these factors increase the cost of laundry renovation, even if the visible design remains simple. That’s why it’s smart to include a contingency budget—usually 10–15%—to deal with any surprises that pop up once walls or flooring are opened up.
8. Design and Project Management
Some homeowners prefer to manage their renovation themselves, sourcing materials and coordinating trades. Others opt to work with renovation specialists who take care of the entire process—from design to execution.
Engaging a professional designer or full-service renovation company will cost more upfront but often saves time, reduces errors, and results in a higher-quality finish. Plus, professionals are familiar with council approvals, compliance regulations, and the best materials for Australian conditions.
Whether you choose a DIY approach or professional management will significantly affect your overall costs.
No two homes are the same, and neither are their laundries. That’s why the cost of laundry renovation can differ so dramatically from one household to another. Size, layout, finishes, labour, and design preferences all shape the final budget.
Instead of comparing your renovation costs to someone else’s, focus on what works for your home, your lifestyle, and your long-term goals. With smart planning, honest budgeting, and the right support, your laundry can go from an overlooked corner to a highly functional and stylish feature in your home.