Compact laundry spaces are a reality in many Sydney homes, especially apartments, terraces, and older properties. If you live in areas like Ultimo, Zetland, Waterloo, Darlinghurst, or Newtown, your laundry might be small but it doesn’t have to compromise on style or function. The question many homeowners ask is:

“How much will a compact laundry makeover cost, and what should I budget for?”

Understanding typical costs helps Sydney homeowners plan effectively, choose the right materials, and avoid surprises during renovations.

1. Why Consider a Compact Laundry Makeover?

Even in small spaces, a well-designed laundry can be:

• Functional: Maximise storage with smart cabinetry, pull-out hampers, and stackable appliances.

• Efficient: Improve workflow with proper placement of sink, washer, dryer, and accessories.

• Aesthetic: Modern tiles, benchtops, and hardware create a stylish, welcoming space.

• Durable: Properly chosen materials handle moisture, heat, and daily use.

In inner-city apartments or terrace homes in Darlinghurst, Redfern, and Petersham, compact laundries often lack storage, bench space, and layout efficiency. A professional makeover transforms these areas into practical, visually appealing spaces without needing extra square meters.

2. Key Factors That Influence Cost

Several factors determine how much a compact laundry makeover will cost in Sydney:

2.1. Size and Layout

• Standard compact laundry: 1.5–3 m²

• Medium compact: 3–5 m²

• Costs increase with more complex layouts or additional cabinetry.

• For example, a narrow laundry in Ultimo or Zetland may only need clever vertical storage, whereas a slightly larger space in Ryde or North Shore apartments can accommodate full cabinetry, benchtop, and integrated hampers.

2.2. Cabinetry and Storage

• Standard pre-fabricated cabinets: $800 – $2,000

• Custom cabinets for compact spaces: $2,000 – $5,000+

• Features like pull-out laundry hampers, soft-close drawers, and overhead cupboards add both convenience and cost.

Neighbourhood insight: Inner-city apartments in Waterloo or Surry Hills benefit from vertical, wall-mounted cabinetry to save floor space, whereas family homes in Castle Hill or Ryde can accommodate full-height storage units.

2.3. Benchtops

• Laminate: $300–$800

• Stone (engineered quartz or granite): $800–$2,000+

• Compact laundries often require custom-sized benchtops for sink integration and space optimisation.

2.4. Appliances

• Stackable washer-dryer combo: $1,200–$2,500

• Standard side-by-side appliances: $1,500–$3,500

• Energy-efficient appliances cost more initially but save on electricity and water bills long-term.

2.5. Tiles and Flooring

• Wall tiles (backsplash): $50–$150/m²

• Floor tiles: $60–$200/m²

• Waterproof and slip-resistant flooring is essential, particularly in older inner-city apartments where water damage is a concern.

2.6. Plumbing, Electrical, and Labour

• Plumbing adjustments: $500–$1,500 depending on scope

• Electrical work (outlets, lighting, appliance connections): $300–$1,200

• Labour for installation of cabinetry, benchtops, tiles, and finishing: $1,500–$4,000

• Compact spaces often require more careful planning and labour, particularly in apartments with restricted access (e.g., upper floors in Darlinghurst, Redfern, or Newtown).

3. Typical Compact Laundry Makeover Costs in Sydney

Based on a combination of cabinetry, benchtop, appliances, tiles, plumbing, and labour, the following ranges are typical:

Laundry Type Area Renovation Scope Estimated Cost (Sydney) Basic compact 1.5–2 m² Pre-fab cabinetry, laminate benchtop, stackable washer-dryer, standard tiles $5,000 – $8,000 Standard compact 2–3 m² Custom cabinetry, engineered stone benchtop, energy-efficient appliances, moderate tiling $8,000 – $15,000 Premium compact 3–4 m² Designer cabinetry, stone benchtop, integrated appliances, luxury tiles, soft-close drawers $15,000 – $25,000+

Suburb examples:

• Inner-city apartments (Ultimo, Zetland, Waterloo): Typically fall in the $5,000 – $12,000 range due to smaller space and limited access.

• Family apartments or terraces (Ryde, Castle Hill, North Shore): $10,000 – $18,000 for compact but fully functional and modern designs.

• Luxury compact makeovers (Mosman, Vaucluse, Double Bay): High-end finishes and custom cabinetry can reach $20,000+, even in smaller spaces.

4. Cost Breakdown

4.1. Cabinetry

• Pre-fab: $800 – $2,000

• Custom: $2,000 – $5,000

4.2. Benchtops

• Laminate: $300 – $800

• Stone: $800 – $2,000+

4.3. Appliances

• Stackable washer/dryer: $1,200 – $2,500

• Side-by-side: $1,500 – $3,500

4.4. Tiles and Flooring

• Wall tiles: $50 – $150/m²

• Floor tiles: $60 – $200/m²

4.5. Labour

• Installation and finishing: $1,500 – $4,000

4.6. Plumbing/Electrical

• Plumbing: $500 – $1,500

• Electrical: $300 – $1,200

Tip: Always include a contingency of 10–15% for unexpected costs, especially in older apartments in Darlinghurst, Redfern, or Ashfield.

5. How to Keep Costs Manageable

1. Pre-fabricated cabinetry for compact spaces saves money while still offering style.

2. Laminate benchtops instead of stone if budget is tight.

3. Stackable washer-dryer units save space and installation costs.

4. Focus on high-use areas: Spend more on benchtops, cabinetry, and appliances, less on luxury tiling.

5. Engage a local renovation expert: Professionals familiar with Sydney building codes, apartment access restrictions, and local suppliers can reduce surprises and avoid costly mistakes.

6. Value of a Professional Compact Laundry Makeover

Investing in a compact laundry makeover:

• Improves functionality: Smooth workflow, efficient storage, and hidden laundry hampers.

• Boosts property appeal: Especially in apartments or terraces in high-demand areas like Ultimo, Zetland, Waterloo, or Newtown.

• Reduces long-term costs: Durable finishes, water-efficient appliances, and clever storage reduce future repairs and replacements.

• Enhances aesthetics: Modern tiles, cabinetry, and benchtops create a cohesive design that complements the rest of your kitchen or bathroom renovation.

Example: A compact laundry makeover in a Darlinghurst apartment for $10,000 can feel significantly larger and more functional than its 2.5 m² footprint due to smart cabinetry, vertical storage, and integrated appliances.

7. Planning Your Compact Laundry Makeover in Sydney

• Assess your space: Measure accurately, including appliance dimensions.

• Prioritize must-have features: Pull-out hampers, energy-efficient appliances, soft-close cabinetry.

• Set a realistic budget: Use the ranges above as a guide.

• Choose a renovation professional: Someone experienced in Sydney apartments, terraces, and small spaces ensures smooth installation and design optimisation.

• Timeline: Expect 2–4 weeks for a basic compact makeover; 4–6 weeks for premium custom designs.

Neighbourhood insights:

• Compact apartments in Zetland, Waterloo, or Ultimo often have building regulations affecting plumbing, electrical upgrades, and cabinetry depth.

• Renovations in heritage terraces in Newtown, Ashfield, or Petersham may require extra care to preserve structural integrity, potentially increasing costs slightly.

8. Final Thoughts

A compact laundry makeover in Sydney offers remarkable improvements in functionality, efficiency, and aesthetics. Typical costs depend on size, cabinetry, appliances, tiles, and labour:

• Basic compact laundry: $5,000 – $8,000

• Standard compact laundry: $8,000 – $15,000

• Premium compact laundry: $15,000 – $25,000+

No matter whether you are upgrading a tiny inner-city apartment in Ultimo, Zetland, or Waterloo, a family terrace in Newtown, Ryde, or Castle Hill, or a luxury property in Mosman or Vaucluse, careful planning, professional design, and smart budgeting ensure a laundry that is both beautiful and highly functional.

Visit www.mb9.com.au to find out more information about kitchen, bathroom and house renovation services from MB9 Australia Pty Ltd.