10 Laundry Renovation Mistakes Homeowners Make

Planning a laundry renovation can seem relatively straightforward, but small mistakes made before work begins can affect how well the space functions for years. From storage and appliance placement to bench space, ventilation and electrical planning, there are more decisions involved than many homeowners expect.

Because laundries are often compact spaces, every centimetre matters. Poor layouts, inadequate storage and rushed product selections can create everyday frustrations — and some can be difficult or expensive to correct once cabinetry, plumbing and electrical work are complete.

The good news is that many common laundry renovation mistakes can be avoided with better planning. Here are 10 mistakes Australian homeowners should consider before renovating a laundry — and what to do instead.

1. Not Planning Enough Storage

One of the most common mistakes is underestimating how much storage a laundry requires.

Many homeowners focus on fitting in the washing machine and sink but forget about storing:

• Cleaning products

• Vacuum cleaners

• Brooms and mops

• Laundry baskets

• Ironing equipment

• Spare household supplies

A lack of storage quickly leads to clutter and reduces the functionality of the room.

Consider incorporating:

• Tall cabinets

• Overhead cupboards

• Pull-out hampers

• Shelving systems

Storage should be planned from the beginning rather than added as an afterthought.  Not sure what you actually need to allow for? Read How Much Storage Does a Laundry Really Need? before finalising your cabinetry.

2. Choosing Style Over Function

Modern laundries can look beautiful, but appearance shouldn't come at the expense of practicality.

Some homeowners become focused on aesthetics while overlooking how the space will actually be used.

Before selecting colours and finishes, consider:

• Folding space

• Appliance access

• Storage needs

• Workflow

• Cleaning requirements

The most successful laundries balance style with functionality.

3. Not Allowing Enough Bench Space

Bench space is often overlooked during laundry renovations.

A benchtop provides a convenient area for:

• Folding clothes

• Sorting washing

• Treating stains

• Storing baskets temporarily

Without adequate bench space, everyday tasks become less efficient and more frustrating.

Even a small benchtop can make a significant difference to usability.  In compact laundries, a benchtop over front-loading appliances can provide valuable folding and sorting space without requiring additional floor area.

4. Forgetting About Appliance Sizes

Washing machines and dryers come in a wide range of sizes.

One of the most common mistakes is designing cabinetry before confirming appliance dimensions.

This can lead to:

• Tight clearances

• Ventilation issues

• Installation difficulties

Always select your appliances early and provide dimensions to your designer or renovator before cabinetry is finalised.

5. Poor Dryer Placement

Dryer placement can significantly impact convenience.

Common mistakes include:

• Mounting dryers too high

• Positioning dryers in awkward locations

• Creating difficult access for maintenance

When possible, consider the ergonomics of loading and unloading appliances.

Stacked washer and dryer arrangements can work well in small laundries, but careful planning is essential.

If you're deciding how to position your appliances, compare stacked vs side-by-side washers and dryers before locking in your laundry layout.

6. Underestimating Ventilation Requirements

Laundries can generate significant moisture, particularly when dryers or indoor drying areas are used regularly.

Without adequate ventilation, excess humidity can contribute to:

• Mould growth

• Condensation

• Musty odours

• Damage to cabinetry and finishes

A quality exhaust fan can help remove moisture and improve air circulation.

Ventilation is particularly important in laundries without windows.

7. Not Planning Power Points Properly

Many homeowners don't realise how many power points a modern laundry requires.

Potential electrical requirements include:

• Washing machine

• Dryer

• Iron

• Vacuum cleaner

• Charging stations

• Appliances such as steam cabinets

Adding extra power points during the renovation is usually far easier and cheaper than trying to add them later.

8. Choosing the Wrong Sink

The right laundry sink depends on how you actually use the room.

A sink that is too small can make tasks such as:

• Hand washing clothes

• Cleaning shoes

• Filling buckets

• Washing pet items

far more difficult.

Think carefully about how you'll use the laundry and select a sink that suits those needs.

9. Ignoring Future Needs

Many homeowners design a laundry based solely on their current situation.

However, household needs often change over time.

Consider future requirements such as:

• Growing families

• Additional storage needs

• New appliances

• Ageing in place

A little forward planning can help your laundry remain functional for many years.

10. Starting Without a Clear Plan

Perhaps the biggest mistake of all is beginning a renovation without fully understanding the process.

Many homeowners rush into product selections without first considering:

• Layout

• Workflow

• Storage

• Budget

• Appliance requirements

If you're still working through these decisions, start with our Laundry Renovation Checklist: Where to Start. It will help you organise the major decisions before renovation begins.

Flooring is another decision worth making early. Our guide to choosing the best flooring for a laundry compares popular options and the pros and cons of each.

Your budget should also be established before selections start. Our guide to How Much Does a Laundry Renovation Cost in Australia? explains the main costs to allow for and where renovation budgets can increase.

The more planning completed before construction begins, the smoother the renovation is likely to be.

A clear plan helps reduce delays, avoid costly variations and improve the final outcome.

One More Decision: Open or Concealed?

For smaller homes, the location and style of the laundry can be just as important as the cabinetry inside it. A traditional open laundry provides easy access and generally more working space, while a concealed European laundry can make better use of limited floor area.

Neither option is automatically better — it depends on your available space, storage requirements and how you use the laundry.

If you're considering a concealed design, compare Open Laundry vs Hidden European Laundry: Which Is Better? before deciding.

Final Thoughts

A successful laundry renovation comes down to making the important decisions early. Storage, appliance placement, bench space, ventilation, electrical requirements and layout all affect how well the finished room functions.

By avoiding common mistakes such as inadequate storage, poor appliance planning and insufficient bench space, you can create a laundry that works efficiently and makes everyday tasks easier.

The best laundries aren't necessarily the biggest or most expensive—they're the ones designed around the needs of the people using them.

About the Author

Laura Faulkner is the founder of Own Your Reno and AJM Bathroom Renovations. Drawing on experience from more than 500 completed renovations, Laura created the Own Your Reno series to help Australian homeowners plan smarter, avoid costly mistakes and renovate with confidence.