Laundry rooms are one of the most frequently overlooked areas in family homes, yet they play a critical role in daily life. For families in Sydney—from suburbs like Ryde, Castle Hill, and North Shore to more inner-city areas such as Newtown, Balmain, and Marrickville—a complete laundry remodel is more than just a facelift. It’s an investment in functionality, efficiency, and home value.

So, homeowners often ask:

“How much should I budget for a full laundry renovation in a family home?”

The answer depends on multiple factors including space size, cabinetry, appliances, benchtops, flooring, plumbing, and labour. This guide breaks it down, suburb by suburb, so you know what to expect when planning your remodel.

1. Why Invest in a Complete Laundry Remodel?

A full laundry renovation can transform a practical but underutilized space into a functional, organised, and visually appealing area. Here’s why it’s worthwhile:

• Enhanced functionality: Optimised cabinetry, pull-out hampers, and ergonomic layouts make laundry chores faster and easier.

• Family-friendly design: Accommodates multiple users, large loads, and everyday family items.

• Increased home value: Modern, functional laundries are a key selling point for family homes in Sydney.

• Moisture management: Quality materials prevent water damage, mold, and odours.

• Stylish upgrades: Custom benchtops, designer tiles, and modern appliances elevate the space aesthetically.

For family homes in Castle Hill, Ryde, and North Shore, a remodel might include multiple cabinetry zones, dual laundry sinks, integrated storage for detergents, and space for large-capacity appliances. In inner-city homes in Balmain, Newtown, or Marrickville, clever design solutions maximise storage in smaller laundry footprints.

2. Key Components That Affect Cost

The total cost of a complete laundry remodel depends on several critical elements:

2.1. Size of the Laundry Room

• Small (2–4 m²): Typical for terraces or apartments adapted as family laundries.

• Medium (4–6 m²): Standard size for most suburban family homes in Ryde, Castle Hill, or North Shore.

• Large (6–10 m²+): Often found in luxury homes or extended laundry spaces in suburbs like Mosman, Vaucluse, or Double Bay.

Larger spaces usually incur higher costs due to more cabinetry, flooring, tiling, and plumbing requirements.

2.2. Cabinetry and Storage

Cabinetry is the backbone of any laundry remodel. The choice between pre-fabricated, semi-custom, or fully custom cabinets heavily influences cost:

• Pre-fabricated cabinets: $1,000 – $3,000

• Semi-custom cabinets: $3,000 – $7,000

• Fully custom designer cabinetry: $7,000 – $15,000+

Suburb insights:

• Inner-city homes in Newtown, Balmain, or Marrickville often require bespoke cabinets to fit awkward or compact layouts.

• Family homes in Castle Hill, Ryde, or North Shore can accommodate standard or semi-custom cabinetry due to larger laundry footprints.

Key cabinet features affecting cost:

• Pull-out laundry hampers

• Soft-close drawers and doors

• Integrated storage for cleaning products

• Overhead cupboards and shelving

2.3. Benchtops

Benchtops are both functional and visual focal points. Options include:

• Laminate: $400 – $1,000

• Engineered stone or quartz: $800 – $2,500+

• Granite or marble: $1,500 – $3,500+

Tip: Families with high laundry usage benefit from durable, water-resistant surfaces to withstand daily wear and tear.

2.4. Appliances

Modern, energy-efficient appliances make family laundry tasks manageable:

• Stackable washer-dryer: $1,500 – $3,000

• Side-by-side washer-dryer: $2,000 – $4,000

• Integrated appliance units: $3,500 – $6,000+

High-capacity machines are ideal for family homes in Castle Hill, Ryde, or North Shore, while compact, stacked units suit inner-city homes like Newtown or Marrickville.

2.5. Flooring and Wall Finishes

• Tiles: $60 – $200/m² for floors, $50 – $150/m² for walls

• Waterproof vinyl or laminate: $50 – $120/m² (cost-effective option for high-moisture areas)

• Luxury finishes: $200–$400/m² for designer stone, mosaic, or patterned tiles

Suburbs with older homes, such as Ashfield, Petersham, and Marrickville, may require floor preparation and waterproofing upgrades, increasing costs slightly.

2.6. Plumbing and Electrical

Renovations often require relocation of water lines, drains, or electrical outlets:

• Plumbing adjustments: $1,000 – $3,000

• Electrical works: $500 – $2,000

• Lighting, ventilation, and heating solutions: $300 – $1,200

Older homes in Petersham, Ashfield, or Balmain may require additional plumbing and electrical work due to outdated infrastructure.

2.7. Labour and Installation

Professional labour is essential for high-quality results:

• Cabinet and benchtop installation: $1,500 – $4,000

• Tiling and flooring: $1,000 – $3,500

• Appliance installation and testing: $300 – $1,000

Labour costs are higher for inner-city apartments or terrace homes where access is limited, particularly in Newtown, Redfern, or Balmain.

3. Typical Complete Laundry Remodel Costs for Sydney Family Homes

Laundry Type Area Renovation Scope Estimated Cost (Sydney) Basic Family Laundry 4–6 m² Pre-fab cabinets, laminate benchtop, stackable washer-dryer, standard tiles $10,000 – $15,000 Standard Family Laundry 5–7 m² Semi-custom cabinets, stone benchtop, dual appliances, energy-efficient machines, mid-range tiles $15,000 – $25,000 Premium/Luxury Laundry 6–10 m²+ Custom designer cabinets, stone benchtop, integrated appliances, luxury tiles, pull-out hampers, soft-close features $25,000 – $50,000+

Suburb examples:

• Castle Hill, Ryde, North Shore: Most family homes fall into the $15,000 – $30,000 range for a comprehensive remodel.

• Mosman, Vaucluse, Double Bay: High-end finishes and designer cabinetry can push costs $35,000 – $50,000+ even for moderately sized laundries.

• Inner-city terraces (Newtown, Marrickville, Balmain): Smart design and compact solutions typically cost $15,000 – $25,000, due to space constraints and access restrictions.

4. Factors That Can Increase or Reduce Costs

4.1. Material Choices

• Premium stone benchtops, designer tiles, and high-quality cabinetry increase costs.

• Laminate, standard tiles, and pre-fabricated cabinets reduce overall spend.

4.2. Layout Complexity

• Relocating sinks, plumbing, or appliances adds significant cost.

• Simple “like-for-like” replacement is less expensive.

4.3. Appliances

• Energy-efficient or integrated machines are pricier but reduce long-term utility bills.

• Basic standard machines cost less upfront but may need replacement sooner.

4.4. Labour and Access

• Multi-story homes or older terraces require more careful handling of materials.

• Inner-city apartments with lift or stair restrictions increase installation time and cost.

4.5. Custom Features

• Pull-out hampers, soft-close drawers, overhead cabinetry, and built-in storage solutions add functionality and style but increase the budget.

5. Planning and Budgeting Tips

1. Define your priorities: Focus on storage, work surface, and durability for family use.

2. Set a realistic budget: Include 10–15% contingency for unexpected issues, especially in older homes.

3. Choose durable materials: Engineered stone benchtops, moisture-resistant cabinetry, and quality tiles reduce long-term maintenance.

4. Hire a professional Sydney renovator: Local experts understand building codes, water regulations, and can navigate council approvals if needed.

5. Plan for future-proofing: Allocate space for larger machines or added storage if your family grows.

6. Suburb-Specific Insights

• Castle Hill, Ryde, North Shore: Larger family homes can accommodate extensive cabinetry, dual sinks, and multiple appliances. Professional remodels here often focus on modern layouts and luxury finishes.

• Mosman, Vaucluse, Double Bay: High-end materials, designer cabinetry, and premium appliances dominate remodels. Labour costs are also higher due to designer installation requirements.

• Newtown, Marrickville, Balmain: Smart storage and compact solutions are key. Renovators focus on utilising vertical space, maximising functionality, and achieving seamless integration in small laundry footprints.

• Petersham, Ashfield, Strathfield: Older homes may require extra plumbing, electrical upgrades, and structural adjustments, slightly increasing costs.

7. The Benefits of Professional Renovation

A complete laundry remodel is an investment, not just in aesthetics but in:

• Daily efficiency: Smooth workflows save time and effort.

• Family convenience: Space for large loads, sorting zones, and multiple users.

• Home value: Well-designed laundry spaces enhance resale appeal.

• Durability: Quality materials and professional installation reduce wear, water damage, and long-term repairs.

• Aesthetic coherence: Modern cabinetry, tiles, and benchtops can tie the laundry seamlessly with kitchen or bathroom renovations.

8. Final Thoughts

A complete laundry remodel for a family home in Sydney varies widely depending on size, cabinetry, appliances, finishes, and labour:

• Basic remodel: $10,000 – $15,000

• Standard remodel: $15,000 – $25,000

• Premium/luxury remodel: $25,000 – $50,000+

Whether you’re upgrading a family home in Castle Hill, Ryde, or North Shore, creating a high-end laundry in Mosman, Vaucluse, or Double Bay, or optimising a terrace in Newtown or Marrickville, careful planning, professional guidance, and smart budgeting ensure a laundry that is functional, durable, and visually appealing.

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