A laundry works hard. It cops wet towels, muddy footy gear, cleaning products, pet bedding, school uniforms and the odd leaking tap that no one notices until the skirting swells.
In Australia, a laundry renovation can cost anywhere from $500 for a simple DIY refresh to $25,000+ for a full premium renovation. Most professional laundry renovations sit between $5,000 and $15,000, depending on layout, plumbing, waterproofing, cabinetry, appliances and finishes.
We have worked on enough Melbourne homes to know one thing: the laundry may be small, but it can hide plenty. A neat plan at the start saves money, stress and a lot of back-and-forth once trades are on site.
Laundry Renovation Cost in Australia: What Most Homeowners Actually Spend
Laundry renovation costs usually fall into three clear budget levels.
| Renovation Type | Typical Cost | Best For |
| Budget or DIY refresh | $500–$5,000 | Cosmetic updates, paint, flat-pack storage |
| Mid-range renovation | $5,000–$15,000 | New cabinets, tiles, benchtops, minor service changes |
| High-end renovation | $15,000–$25,000+ | Custom joinery, layout changes, premium finishes |
Budget Laundry Renovation: $500 to $5,000
A budget laundry renovation is usually a cosmetic job. Think fresh paint, new shelves, flat-pack cupboards, a laminate benchtop and maybe new vinyl or simple floor tiles.
This works well when the plumbing is sound and the layout already makes sense. We often see this in smaller Melbourne units or older homes where the laundry just needs a clean-up, not a full rebuild.
If you are handy, you may keep costs closer to $500 to $3,000. If you bring in trades for painting, flooring or cabinet installation, expect the cost to sit closer to $4,000 or $5,000.
Mid-Range Laundry Renovation: $5,000 to $15,000
This is where many Australian homeowners land. A mid-range laundry renovation can include new cabinetry, tiled floors, a tiled splashback, better storage, a new trough, improved lighting and minor plumbing or electrical changes.
For example, a family in Bentleigh might want to replace an old trough, add overhead cupboards, stack the dryer above the washer and install a proper folding bench. Nothing too fancy. Just a laundry that works without everyone dumping clothes on the floor.
That type of project usually needs a few trades working in the right order. Plumber first, then electrical rough-in, waterproofing where needed, tiling, cabinets, benchtop and final fit-off.
High-End Laundry Renovation: $15,000 to $25,000+
A high-end laundry renovation often involves custom cabinetry, stone or quartz benchtops, premium appliances, feature tiles, built-in hampers, drying cupboards or major layout changes.
This tier can also include moving plumbing, changing walls or improving access between the laundry, bathroom, garage or outdoor drying area.
The budget climbs quickly once services move. As the saying goes, “measure twice, cut once”. A proper plan before demolition helps avoid expensive surprises.
What Changes the Cost of a Laundry Renovation?
The biggest cost drivers are not always the things you can see. Cabinets and tiles matter, but plumbing, waterproofing, electrical work and hidden moisture issues can affect the final price just as much.
Size, Layout and Access
A larger laundry needs more tiles, flooring, cabinetry and labour. That part is simple.
Layout is where costs can jump. Moving a sink, washing machine or floor waste may add $500 to $2,000+, depending on access under the floor, wall construction and drainage.
In some Melbourne homes, especially older brick veneer properties, we find old pipework, uneven floors or moisture damage once cabinets come out. No one wants that news, but it is better to find it early than cover it up and pay twice later.
Cabinetry, Benchtops and Storage
Storage can make or break a laundry. Flat-pack cabinets can keep costs down, while custom joinery gives a cleaner result in awkward spaces.
| Item | Budget Range | Higher-End Range |
| Flat-pack cabinets | $300–$2,000 | — |
| Custom cabinetry | $1,000–$5,000+ | More for complex layouts |
| Laminate benchtop | $120–$350 per m² | — |
| Stone benchtop | — | $800–$2,200 per m² |
A good middle ground is using practical cabinetry with stronger hardware, a durable laminate benchtop and smart internal storage. It looks sharp without blowing the budget.
Plumbing, Electrical and Waterproofing
Unless the job is purely cosmetic, you will need licensed trades.
Plumbers may charge around $100 to $150 per hour, while electricians often sit around $65 to $130 per hour. Tiling can vary widely, often from $35 to $150 per square metre, depending on tile size, pattern and site conditions.
Waterproofing matters. Laundries are wet areas, and the work must be done properly under Australian wet-area requirements. Poor waterproofing can lead to swollen cabinetry, mould, damaged plaster and flooring issues.
Melbourne’s cooler months can make this worse. If a laundry has poor airflow and a dryer running most nights, moisture builds up fast.
Appliances and Fixtures
Appliances can take a big bite out of the budget. Washing machines can range from $400 to $3,500, dryers from $350 to $4,500, and washer-dryer combos from $500 to $6,000.
If your current appliances still work well, keeping them is a smart move. Spend the money on layout, storage and ventilation first. Those are the things you feel every day.
How to Save Money Without Ending Up With a Cheap-Looking Laundry
A cheaper laundry does not have to look cheap. The trick is knowing where to save and where to hold the line.
Keep the Plumbing Where It Is
This is the golden rule. Keep the sink and washing machine in the same spot if you can.
Once plumbing moves, costs can rise because walls or floors may need to be opened. In older homes, that can also reveal damaged framing, old pipes or uneven surfaces.
Use Flat-Pack Cabinets Where They Make Sense
Flat-pack cabinets from places like Bunnings, IKEA or Kaboodle can work well in simple laundries. Add neat handles, a good benchtop and proper installation, and the result can feel much more expensive than it is.
The key is fit. Gaps, uneven doors and poor sealing around wet areas will make the job look rough.
Spend on Waterproofing, Ventilation and Layout
Do not cut corners on the bones of the room.
A laundry needs to handle water, heat, lint and daily use. Good airflow, safe electrical work and proper waterproofing are worth paying for.
Useful ways to control costs include:
- keeping existing appliance locations
- choosing laminate instead of stone
- using simple tiles instead of complex patterns
- doing safe DIY tasks like painting
- avoiding unnecessary wall changes
Do Safe DIY, Leave Licensed Work to Trades
Painting, cabinet assembly and light demolition may be fine for confident homeowners.
Plumbing, electrical and waterproofing should be handled by qualified trades. It protects your home, your insurance position and the next person who buys the property.
Also, be careful in older homes. If there is a chance of asbestos in old vinyl, wall sheets or backing boards, stop and get proper advice before pulling anything out.
Laundry Features That Are Worth Paying For
A laundry should make the week easier. It does not need to be flashy. It needs to work.
Smarter Storage for Small Australian Laundries
Small laundries benefit from vertical storage. Overhead cupboards, tall broom cabinets and pull-out hampers keep the floor clear.
A good layout gives every item a place: detergent, mop, vacuum, linen, ironing board and dirty clothes. Without that, clutter wins.
Better Drying Options for Wet Weather Weeks
Melbourne weather can turn quickly. One day the washing is on the line, the next day it is hanging over dining chairs.
A hanging rail above the sink, a wall-mounted drying rack or a retractable clothesline can make a big difference. If you use a dryer often, install proper ventilation. It helps control moisture and reduces mould risk.
Bench Space That Makes the Room Easier to Use
A bench above a front-load washer and dryer is one of the best upgrades in a small laundry. It gives you space to fold clothes, sort school uniforms and deal with washing before it spreads through the house.
It is a simple feature, but it punches above its weight.
Example Laundry Renovation Budgets
Here are three realistic examples.
Example 1: Small Cosmetic Laundry Refresh
A homeowner keeps the same layout, paints the walls, installs flat-pack storage and updates the flooring.
Estimated cost: $2,000 to $5,000
This suits a laundry that is tired but dry, safe and functional.
Example 2: Family Laundry Upgrade
The room gets new cabinetry, a tiled splashback, improved lighting, a new trough, a folding bench and better ventilation.
Estimated cost: $8,000 to $15,000
This is a practical option for busy households that need storage and better workflow.
Example 3: Full Laundry Renovation With Layout Changes
The project includes custom joinery, new tiles, plumbing relocation, stone benchtops, stacked appliances and built-in hampers.
Estimated cost: $15,000 to $25,000+
This suits homes where the current laundry layout simply does not work.
Final Checklist Before You Set Your Laundry Renovation Budget
Before locking in a budget, ask:
- Will the sink or washing machine move?
- Is there any moisture damage?
- Do you need new appliances?
- Is ventilation good enough?
- Will flat-pack cabinets do the job?
- Do you need custom storage?
- Are licensed trades required?
- Does the layout suit how your household uses the room?
A laundry renovation works best when it is planned around real life, not just a nice photo online.
A laundry renovation in Australia can cost very little or quite a lot. The difference comes down to scope, layout, materials, appliances and the condition of the room once work begins.
If your budget is tight, keep the plumbing where it is, use practical finishes and focus on storage. If you are planning a full renovation, invest in the parts that matter most: waterproofing, ventilation, layout and trade coordination.
Get those right, and the laundry becomes more than a utility room. It becomes one of the most useful spaces in the house.
