The laundry is one of the most practical yet frequently overlooked spaces in a home. For families in Sydney—from compact terraces in Newtown or Marrickville to larger family homes in Castle Hill, Ryde, and North Shore—a full laundry renovation is an investment in convenience, functionality, and long-term home value.

One of the most common questions homeowners ask is:

“How much should I expect to spend on a full laundry renovation in Sydney?”

The cost varies widely depending on space size, design complexity, materials, appliances, and labour. This guide breaks down the key factors, suburb-specific insights, and planning tips so Sydney residents can budget smartly and achieve the laundry of their dreams.

1. Why a Full Laundry Renovation Is Worth the Investment

Laundry renovations are more than just aesthetic upgrades. They enhance daily life and can significantly increase the resale value of a property. Key benefits include:

• Improved functionality: Modern layouts streamline washing, drying, folding, and storage.

• Family-friendly design: Ample cabinetry, pull-out hampers, and dual sinks accommodate busy households.

• Durability and moisture resistance: Quality materials prevent water damage and mould.

• Aesthetic appeal: Coordinated cabinetry, benchtops, and tiles elevate the home’s style.

• Energy efficiency: Modern appliances reduce water and electricity consumption.

For example, a family home in Ryde or Castle Hill may include a large dual-sink setup with extensive storage, while an inner-city terrace in Newtown or Balmain benefits from compact, vertical storage solutions to maximise space efficiency.

2. Key Cost Factors in a Full Laundry Renovation

Several components determine the total cost of a laundry renovation. Understanding these will help Sydney homeowners budget accurately.

2.1. Size of the Laundry Room

The size of your laundry impacts both material and labour costs:

• Small laundries (2–4 m²): Typical in apartments or compact terraces; minimal cabinetry and single appliances.

• Medium laundries (4–6 m²): Standard in most Sydney family homes; accommodates double sinks and more storage.

• Large laundries (6–10 m²+): Found in luxury homes in suburbs like Mosman, Vaucluse, or Double Bay; allows for full cabinetry walls, integrated appliances, and designer finishes.

Larger spaces naturally require more materials and longer labour hours, increasing total costs.

2.2. Cabinetry and Storage

Cabinetry is the backbone of a functional laundry. Options include:

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

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

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

Sydney suburb insights:

• Newtown, Marrickville, Balmain: Compact, customised solutions make the most of vertical space.

• Castle Hill, Ryde, North Shore: Larger spaces allow for semi-custom or standard cabinets.

• Mosman, Vaucluse, Double Bay: Premium finishes and bespoke cabinetry are common.

Additional features that impact cost: pull-out laundry hampers, soft-close drawers, overhead cupboards, and integrated storage for cleaning products.

2.3. Benchtops

Benchtops are both functional and aesthetic focal points. Options and costs include:

• Laminate: $400 – $1,000

• Engineered stone/quartz: $800 – $2,500

• Granite or marble: $1,500 – $3,500+

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

2.4. Appliances

Modern, energy-efficient appliances are essential for a fully renovated laundry:

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

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

• Integrated units: $3,500 – $6,000+

High-capacity machines suit family homes in Castle Hill or Ryde, while compact stacked units are ideal for Newtown, Redfern, or Balmain apartments.

2.5. Flooring and Wall Finishes

• Tiles: $60 – $200/m² (floor), $50 – $150/m² (walls)

• Waterproof vinyl or laminate: $50 – $120/m²

• Luxury tiles or stone: $200–$400/m²

Older homes in Ashfield, Petersham, or Marrickville may require floor preparation and waterproofing, adding to costs.

2.6. Plumbing and Electrical

Upgrading plumbing and electrical systems is often necessary:

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

• Electrical works: $500 – $2,000

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

Terrace homes and older properties often require additional work due to outdated infrastructure.

2.7. Labour and Installation

Professional labour ensures quality and durability:

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

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

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

Labour costs are higher in inner-city apartments due to limited access and space restrictions.

3. Typical Full Laundry Renovation Costs in Sydney

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

Suburb insights:

• Castle Hill, Ryde, North Shore: Standard renovations range $15,000 – $30,000.

• Mosman, Vaucluse, Double Bay: Luxury finishes push costs $35,000 – $50,000+.

• Newtown, Marrickville, Balmain: Compact, smart designs cost $15,000 – $25,000.

4. Factors That Can Influence Costs

• Material selection: Premium benchtops, tiles, and cabinetry increase costs.

• Layout complexity: Moving plumbing or appliances raises labour costs.

• Appliance upgrades: Integrated or high-capacity machines are more expensive.

• Labour challenges: Inner-city access or older homes may require extra time and effort.

• Custom features: Pull-out hampers, soft-close drawers, and storage solutions add to budget.

5. Suburb-Specific Cost Considerations

• Castle Hill, Ryde, North Shore: Larger homes allow for extensive cabinetry, dual sinks, and luxury finishes.

• Mosman, Vaucluse, Double Bay: High-end materials and premium designer services are common.

• Newtown, Marrickville, Balmain: Compact spaces require clever storage solutions and may need custom cabinetry.

• Ashfield, Petersham, Strathfield: Older homes may require extra plumbing, electrical, or structural work.

6. Planning Tips for a Successful Laundry Renovation

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

2. Set a realistic budget: Include 10–15% contingency for unexpected issues.

3. Choose durable materials: Engineered stone, waterproof cabinetry, and high-quality tiles reduce long-term maintenance.

4. Hire experienced local renovators: Sydney-based professionals understand council requirements, water regulations, and local suppliers.

5. Plan for future needs: Allocate space for larger machines or additional storage.

7. Benefits of a Professional Renovation

A full laundry renovation is not just about aesthetics:

• Time-saving workflow: Efficient layouts simplify laundry tasks.

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

• Long-term durability: Quality materials and professional installation reduce future maintenance.

• Resale value: Modern, functional laundries attract buyers.

• Aesthetic integration: Stylish cabinetry, benchtops, and tiles harmonise with kitchen and bathroom renovations.

8. Summary

A full laundry renovation in Sydney ranges widely depending on size, design, materials, and labour:

• Basic renovation: $10,000 – $15,000

• Standard renovation: $15,000 – $25,000

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

Whether upgrading a compact inner-city apartment in Newtown or Marrickville or transforming a family home in Castle Hill, Ryde, or North Shore, careful planning and professional guidance 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.