How Much Does a Laundry Renovation Cost in Australia in 2026?
Reviewed March 2026 by the RenovationCalculator.AU editorial team
The laundry is one of the most underestimated renovations in an Australian home. It is also one of the most practical. A well-planned laundry renovation improves daily function, adds storage and can meaningfully lift property value. Here is what it actually costs in 2026, broken down by tier and size.
What does a laundry renovation cost by tier?
Laundry renovation costs in Australia follow a fixed-plus-variable model. There is a baseline cost for demolition, rough-in plumbing, electrical and waterproofing that applies regardless of room size. On top of that, costs scale with floor area based on cabinetry, tiling and tapware choices.
| Tier | Small laundry (~2m²) | Medium laundry (~5m²) | What you get |
|---|---|---|---|
| Budget | $3,500–$5,500 | $5,500–$9,500 | Flat-pack cabinetry, laminate benchtop, basic tub and tapware, standard tiles, functional layout. No layout changes. |
| Mid-range | $6,500–$10,000 | $10,500–$17,000 | Semi-custom cabinetry, stone or solid surface bench, quality tapware, feature splashback, improved storage solutions. Minor layout changes possible. |
| Premium | $10,000–$16,000 | $17,000–$25,000+ | Custom joinery, integrated appliance housing, premium tapware and basin, full tiling, underfloor heating option. Full layout reconfiguration. |
These are national base figures. Your actual cost will be adjusted by your city multiplier: Sydney adds 28%, Melbourne 18%, Brisbane 32%, Perth 18% and Adelaide 8%.
Laundries are classified as wet areas under NCC 2022 and AS 3740:2021. Full-floor waterproofing membrane is mandatory, with 150mm upturns on all walls. A licensed waterproofer must issue a certificate before any tiling begins. Budget $800–$1,500 for waterproofing depending on room size.
What drives laundry renovation costs up?
Plumbing relocation
If you are moving the washing machine, tub or sink to a different position, plumbing relocation adds $1,500–$4,000 depending on distance and complexity. This is the single biggest cost escalator in laundry renovations. If you can keep plumbing in the same location, you save significantly.
Electrical upgrades
Older homes often need switchboard upgrades or new circuits to handle modern dryers and washing machines. A dedicated dryer circuit costs $300–$600. If the switchboard needs upgrading, budget $1,500–$3,000.
Ventilation
Proper ventilation is critical in laundries. If your laundry does not have an external window, you will need a mechanical exhaust fan. Installation runs $300–$800. Ducted ventilation to an external wall costs more but performs better, especially in apartments.
Benchtop and cabinetry choices
Cabinetry is where the biggest visual and cost differences appear between tiers. Flat-pack laminate cabinets from a hardware store cost $800–$2,000. Custom joinery with soft-close drawers and integrated sorting systems runs $3,000–$8,000+.
Get a personalised laundry estimate for your city
Open Calculator →What is included in the estimate?
A complete laundry renovation estimate from our calculator includes demolition and removal, rough-in plumbing, electrical, waterproofing (AS 3740:2021), cabinetry, benchtop, tub or basin, tapware, tiling, painting, copper materials loading and lead-free fittings compliance (AS/NZS 4020). It does not include appliances, ventilation upgrades or structural changes.
City-by-city comparison
A 5m² mid-range laundry renovation costs approximately:
| City | Estimated cost | Multiplier |
|---|---|---|
| Adelaide | $12,500–$15,500 | 1.08× — best value |
| Melbourne | $13,500–$17,000 | 1.18× |
| Perth | $13,500–$17,000 | 1.18× |
| Sydney | $14,500–$18,500 | 1.28× |
| Brisbane | $15,000–$19,500 | 1.32× — highest |
Is a laundry renovation worth it?
Dollar for dollar, a laundry renovation is one of the strongest returns in a home. It is a room that every household member uses daily, and a well-finished laundry signals to buyers that the home has been properly maintained and thoughtfully updated.
For properties being prepared for sale, a mid-range laundry renovation typically costs $10,000–$17,000 and can lift perceived home value by $15,000–$25,000 in the right market. The key is not to over-capitalise: a laundry that costs more than the bathroom in the same home rarely makes financial sense.
Get your own laundry estimate
Use the calculator to build a detailed estimate for your laundry, adjusted for your city and finish tier.
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