When it comes to home improvements, the laundry room often gets overlooked. But with functionality and storage becoming a priority for modern households, more Australians are investing in upgrading their laundry spaces. However, one common question homeowners ask is: why does the cost to renovate laundry vary so much?
The short answer—because every home and every homeowner's needs are different.
1. Size and Layout of the Space
The size of your laundry significantly influences the overall renovation cost. A compact laundry tucked into a hallway cupboard will naturally cost less to renovate than a large, separate laundry room with extensive cabinetry and appliances.
If the current layout isn't functional and requires moving plumbing, changing walls, or creating new drainage, the cost to renovate laundry will quickly increase. Structural changes demand more time, labour, and compliance with building codes.
2. Choice of Materials and Finishes
Just like kitchen or bathroom renovations, your choice of materials plays a big role in the final bill. Premium tiles, engineered stone benchtops, high-end tapware, or custom cabinetry will cost more than standard options available at your local hardware store.
While some homeowners want a basic refresh with laminate finishes, others prefer a high-end, seamless aesthetic to match the rest of the home. These style preferences heavily influence the renovation budget.
3. Plumbing and Electrical Requirements
If you're planning to move your sink, washer, or dryer, you're also moving plumbing and electrical connections. This involves licensed trades and can add thousands to your project. Even small upgrades like switching from a standard power point to a waterproof outdoor-rated socket can add unexpected costs.
Older homes might also require rewiring or plumbing updates to meet modern safety standards, which can significantly increase the cost to renovate laundry.
4. Custom vs Pre-Made Cabinetry
Storage is a major focus in laundry renovations, especially in compact homes. Custom-built cabinetry ensures every inch of space is utilised but comes with a higher price tag. Flat-pack or modular units from suppliers like IKEA or Bunnings are budget-friendly alternatives but may not provide the same finish or fit.
Choosing between custom and off-the-shelf cabinetry depends on your storage needs, space constraints, and budget flexibility.
5. Appliance Upgrades
Are you keeping your current washer and dryer, or are you upgrading to energy-efficient, stackable options? New appliances can be a substantial part of your renovation budget. High-end appliances with smart features or built-in dryers will add to the cost to renovate laundry, especially if installation requires extra work or ventilation upgrades.
6. Labour and Location Costs
Labour costs vary across Sydney depending on the trades involved, project complexity, and your location. Inner-city suburbs or heritage homes may attract higher labour costs due to access issues or council regulations.
Additionally, hiring experienced renovators or project managers might cost more upfront, but can save money in the long run by avoiding delays or costly mistakes.
No two laundry renovations are exactly alike, which is why the cost to renovate laundry can range from a few thousand dollars to upwards of $20,000 in Sydney. The best way to plan your project is to define your goals—whether you need more functionality, storage, or a modern refresh—and get quotes from reputable local renovators.
