How Much Does a Laundry Renovation Cost in Australia?

How much does a laundry renovation cost in Australia? As a general guide, homeowners may spend anywhere from around $5,000 for a basic laundry renovation to $20,000+ for a more customised renovation, depending on the size, cabinetry, finishes and amount of plumbing or electrical work required.

A laundry may be smaller than a kitchen or bathroom, but the renovation can still involve cabinetry, benchtops, plumbing, electrical work, flooring, tiling, fixtures and labour. This means costs can vary considerably from one project to another.

Understanding where your laundry renovation budget goes — and which decisions are most likely to increase it — can help you set a more realistic budget before work begins.

Here's what Australian homeowners should consider when budgeting for a laundry renovation.

What Does a Laundry Renovation Typically Cost?

As a general guide, laundry renovation costs in Australia often fall into the following ranges:

Budget Laundry Renovation

$5,000 – $10,000

Typically includes:

• Basic cabinetry

• Laminate benchtops

• Standard laundry tub

• Minimal plumbing changes

• Basic tapware and accessories

Mid-Range Laundry Renovation

$10,000 – $20,000

Typically includes:

• Custom cabinetry

• Stone benchtops

• Improved storage solutions

• Feature splashbacks

• Better quality fixtures and fittings

Premium Laundry Renovation

$20,000+

Typically includes:

• Custom joinery

• Stone or porcelain benchtops

• Tall storage cabinets

• Integrated appliances

• Premium finishes

• Custom drying solutions and luxury features

Location, room size, site conditions, labour rates, cabinetry specifications and the extent of plumbing or electrical changes can all affect the final cost. Always obtain project-specific pricing before committing to a renovation budget.

Where Does the Money Go?

Many homeowners assume a laundry renovation is simply a few cabinets and a sink.

In reality, your budget may include:

• Demolition

• Cabinetry and joinery

• Benchtops

• Plumbing

• Electrical work

• Tiling

• Splashbacks

• Painting

• Appliances

• Labour and project management

Understanding these cost areas helps create a more realistic budget from the beginning.

If you're at the beginning of the planning process, our Laundry Renovation Checklist: Where to Start covers the key decisions worth making before requesting quotes or finalising selections.

How Much Does Laundry Cabinetry Affect the Budget?

Cabinetry can represent a significant part of a laundry renovation budget, particularly when custom joinery, tall storage and specialised internal fittings are included.

The cost will depend on:

• The size of the laundry

• Custom versus standard cabinetry

• Door styles and finishes

• Internal storage accessories

• Tall cupboards and linen storage

Good storage can completely transform the functionality of a laundry, making it easier to keep the space organised and clutter-free.

Before designing your cabinetry, see How Much Storage Does a Laundry Really Need? for the storage zones worth considering.

Benchtops and Splashbacks

Many modern laundries now feature benchtops that provide valuable folding and sorting space.

Popular benchtop options include:

Laminate

• Budget-friendly

• Durable

• Wide range of colours

Stone and Other Premium Surfaces

• Premium appearance

• Various materials and finishes available

• Cost varies considerably by product

Porcelain

• Highly durable

• Heat resistant

• Contemporary finish

Splashbacks may include:

• Tiles

• Stone

• Porcelain slabs

• Painted surfaces

These selections can have a noticeable impact on both cost and appearance.

Plumbing Costs

Plumbing costs can vary significantly depending on whether existing services remain in place.

Costs may increase if you choose to:

• Relocate the laundry sink

• Move washing machine connections

• Install additional plumbing fixtures

• Add water filtration systems

Keeping plumbing services in their existing locations can often help reduce costs.

Moving plumbing isn't automatically a bad decision if it significantly improves the layout, but it should be discussed early with your renovator or plumber so the additional work can be allowed for in the budget.

Electrical Costs

Many homeowners underestimate the electrical requirements involved in a laundry renovation.

Potential electrical upgrades may include:

• Additional power points

• Appliance connections

• Feature lighting

• Under-cabinet lighting

• Exhaust fans

• Heated drying cabinets

Older homes may also require switchboard upgrades to accommodate new electrical loads.

Flooring and Tiling

Flooring and tiling selections can influence both cost and maintenance requirements.

Popular options include:

Porcelain Tiles

• Durable

• Water resistant

• Easy to clean

Hybrid Flooring

• Available in water resistant products

• Comfortable underfoot

• Check the manufacturer's suitability for laundry/wet-area use

   

   

Vinyl Flooring

• Budget-friendly

• Practical option for many laundries

Wall tiling may range from simple splashbacks to full-height feature walls depending on the design and budget.

Your flooring selection can also affect both material and installation costs. Compare laundry flooring options and their pros and cons before setting your budget.

Hidden Costs Homeowners Often Forget

Like any renovation, unexpected costs can arise once demolition begins.

Common examples include:

Water Damage

Leaks around old sinks, taps or washing machine connections may reveal hidden damage.

Outdated Plumbing

Older homes may require plumbing upgrades to meet current standards.

Electrical Compliance

Existing wiring may need upgrading before new appliances can be installed safely.

Structural Repairs

Damaged wall linings, flooring or cabinetry may need replacement once the old laundry is removed.

Some homeowners choose to keep a contingency of around 10–15% available for unexpected work, although the appropriate amount will depend on the age and condition of the property and how much is known before demolition begins.

For more issues worth considering before work begins, read 10 Laundry Renovation Mistakes Homeowners Make.

Features That Can Increase Costs

Modern laundries often include additional features that improve convenience and functionality.

Examples include:

• Tall broom cupboards

• Pull-out hampers

• Appliance cabinets

• Stone benchtops

• Integrated washing machines and dryers

• Drying rails

• Built-in ironing stations

• Linen storage

While these additions can increase costs, they can also dramatically improve how the space functions every day.

Decide which features will genuinely improve how you use the laundry before allocating budget to upgrades that are primarily aesthetic.

How Can You Keep Laundry Renovation Costs Under Control?

Keeping costs under control doesn't necessarily mean choosing the cheapest products. Often, it comes down to making decisions early and spending more deliberately.

A little planning can go a long way.  Working with a compact space can require some clever planning. Our guide to small laundry renovation ideas covers practical layouts, storage and design ideas for making the most of a smaller laundry.

Finalise Selections Early

Making product selections before construction begins reduces delays and variations.

Prioritise Storage

Investing in practical storage often delivers better value than purely decorative upgrades.

Keep Services Where Possible

Keeping existing plumbing and electrical locations can reduce additional work, but layout and functionality should still come first. If moving a service creates a significantly better laundry, understand the additional cost before deciding.

Focus on Functionality

The best laundries are designed around how they are used rather than simply how they look.

Make a Small Space Work Harder

A smaller laundry doesn't necessarily need more cabinetry or more expensive finishes. Good appliance placement, vertical storage and a simple layout can often make better use of the available space.

See our 10 Small Laundry Renovation Ideas That Actually Work for practical ways to maximise a compact laundry.

Is a Laundry Renovation Worth It?

A laundry renovation isn't only about appearance. For many households, the biggest benefit is improved functionality.

Better storage, more useful bench space, sensible appliance placement and a layout designed around everyday tasks can make the room significantly easier to use.

Whether a renovation is worth the investment depends on the condition of your existing laundry, your budget and what isn't currently working. Rather than renovating purely for appearance, identify the problems you want the new laundry to solve first.

Final Thoughts

Laundry renovation costs in Australia can vary considerably, depending on cabinetry, materials, labour, plumbing, electrical work and the level of customisation involved.

Setting a realistic budget isn't simply about choosing a dollar figure. Understanding where the money is likely to go, making selections early and allowing for potential hidden work can help you make more informed decisions before construction begins.

The most successful laundry renovations aren't necessarily the most expensive—they're the ones designed to suit the needs of the people using them every day.

Planning a Laundry Renovation?

The Own Your Reno | Laundry Edition is currently in development and will provide practical renovation advice, planning tools, budgeting guidance and checklists designed specifically for Australian homeowners.

Built from real renovation experience, it will help you make informed decisions, avoid costly mistakes and confidently plan your laundry renovation from start to finish.

👉 Join the Laundry Edition Waitlist

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.