How much should I allocate for labor and materials in a medium laundry renovation? (Laundry Room | Costs, Budgeting & Planning)

Renovating a laundry room in Sydney can dramatically improve both the functionality and value of your home. Yet, one of the most common questions homeowners ask is: “How much should I allocate for labour and materials in a medium laundry renovation?” Whether you’re upgrading a compact laundry in a Marrickville terrace, modernising a Northern Beaches apartment, or transforming a traditional Mosman home, knowing the right budget is essential.

In this guide, we break down the costs, material considerations, and practical planning advice to help Sydney homeowners confidently plan a medium-scale laundry renovation.

Understanding Medium Laundry Renovation in Sydney

A medium laundry renovation generally involves:

• Installing new cabinets, benchtops, and shelving

• Updating flooring and wall finishes

• Relocating or adding plumbing and electrical points

• Upgrading appliances such as washing machines, dryers, and water heaters

• Ensuring compliance with NSW building and safety regulations

These renovations typically enhance both aesthetics and functionality without involving a full-scale structural rebuild. In Sydney suburbs like Balmain, Newtown, Leichhardt, and Mosman, a medium renovation often balances cost efficiency with quality design to match the character of the home.

Labour Costs: Skilled Trades and Local Rates

Labour is a significant part of your renovation budget. Sydney homeowners need to factor in multiple trades, each with varying hourly or project rates:

1. Cabinet Installation

• Typical Cost: $50–$100 per hour

• Scope: Includes assembling and fitting base cabinets, wall cabinets, and custom units

• Labour intensity depends on wall condition, room layout, and whether cabinets are standard or custom

2. Electrical Work

• Typical Cost: $80–$120 per hour

• Scope: Relocating outlets, adding dedicated circuits for washing machines and dryers, installing lighting and exhaust fans

• Sydney homes built before 1980 (e.g., Paddington, Glebe) may require additional work to upgrade old wiring safely

3. Plumbing Work

• Typical Cost: $80–$130 per hour

• Scope: Moving or adding water supply and drainage points, installing sinks, taps, and hot water systems

• Labour may be higher in areas with older pipework or complex drainage, such as terraces in Newtown or Annandale

4. Tiling and Flooring

• Typical Cost: $50–$120 per square metre installed

• Includes ceramic, porcelain, vinyl, or natural stone tiles

• Labour varies depending on floor prep, complexity of layout, and water-resistant coating requirements

5. Painting and Finishing

• Typical Cost: $30–$60 per hour or $20–$50 per square metre

• Includes walls, ceilings, cabinetry touch-ups, and moisture-resistant coatings

• Particularly relevant in coastal suburbs like Manly or Balmoral where humidity is higher

Tip: Coordinating trades efficiently can reduce labour overlap and save up to 10–15% on overall labour costs.

Material Costs: Quality, Durability, and Aesthetic

Material selection directly impacts the total budget. In Sydney, a medium laundry renovation usually includes:

Cabinets

• Laminate Cabinets: $400–$700 per linear metre

• MDF with Melamine Finish: $600–$900 per linear metre

• Custom Timber or Hardwood: $1,200–$2,500 per linear metre

• Laminate is ideal for cost-effective renovations in Marrickville or Surry Hills, while custom timber suits luxury homes in Mosman or Neutral Bay

Benchtops

• Laminate: $200–$450 per linear metre

• Engineered Stone (Quartz): $700–$1,200 per linear metre

• Timber: $600–$1,000 per linear metre

• Choice depends on durability needs, aesthetic preference, and water-resistance requirements

Flooring

• Ceramic/Porcelain Tiles: $70–$150 per square metre installed

• Vinyl: $50–$120 per square metre installed

• Natural Stone: $200–$400 per square metre installed

• Coastal homes may benefit from water-resistant tiles, while inner-city apartments can opt for vinyl for easy maintenance

Additional Materials

• Splashbacks, moisture-resistant paint, LED lighting, and hardware

• Expect $500–$1,500 depending on size and style of the renovation

Typical Budget Allocation for a Medium Laundry Renovation

For a medium laundry renovation in Sydney, a balanced budget might look like this:

Category Percentage of Total Budget Estimated Cost (AUD) Notes Labour 40–50% $6,000–$10,000 Includes all trades (plumbing, electrical, carpentry, tiling) Cabinets 20–30% $3,000–$6,000 Base, wall, and storage cabinets Benchtops 10–15% $1,500–$3,000 Laminate or engineered stone Flooring 10–15% $1,500–$3,000 Tiles, vinyl, or engineered timber Finishing & Misc 5–10% $500–$1,500 Splashbacks, hardware, paint

Estimated Total Cost: $12,500–$24,000, depending on materials, labour complexity, and the suburb.

Cost Influences by Location in Sydney

1. Inner West (Marrickville, Leichhardt, Newtown)

   • Older terraces may increase labour costs due to wall and pipework upgrades

   • Cost-effective material options available locally

2. Lower North Shore (Mosman, Neutral Bay, Crows Nest)

   • Higher-end finishes expected, labour rates slightly higher

   • Luxury appliances and cabinetry common

3. Northern Beaches (Manly, Dee Why, Curl Curl)

   • Consider moisture-resistant materials due to coastal climate

   • Labour costs may increase for complex drainage or electrical upgrades

4. Eastern Suburbs (Bondi, Bronte, Coogee)

   • Compact apartment spaces require careful planning for efficiency

   • Flooring and benchtop choices prioritise durability and aesthetics

Tips for Budgeting a Medium Laundry Renovation

1. Plan Your Layout First – Minimises relocation of plumbing and electrical points, reducing labour costs

2. Choose Materials Wisely – Balance quality and cost; laminate cabinets paired with engineered stone benchtops is a popular mid-range combo

3. Coordinate Trades – Hiring a renovation company like MB9 can streamline scheduling and reduce overheads

4. Factor in Contingencies – Set aside 10–15% of your budget for unforeseen issues like water damage, hidden wiring, or structural adjustments

5. Consider Long-Term Value – Durable materials reduce maintenance and increase resale appeal, especially in suburbs with high property demand like Mosman, Balmain, and Manly

Why Choose MB9 Australia Pty Ltd for Your Laundry Renovation

MB9 Australia Pty Ltd specialises in end-to-end kitchen, bathroom, and home renovations across Sydney, delivering a seamless renovation experience from design to completion.

We provide:

• Full project management – Coordinating licensed electricians, plumbers, carpenters, and tilers

• Local knowledge – Understanding Sydney suburb-specific challenges and regulations

• High-quality materials and workmanship – Ensuring your laundry is both practical and visually stunning

• Budget-conscious planning – Balancing cost with long-term durability and aesthetics

Our service areas include:

• Inner West: Marrickville, Leichhardt, Newtown

• Eastern Suburbs: Bondi, Coogee, Bronte

• Lower North Shore: Mosman, Neutral Bay, Crows Nest

• Northern Beaches: Manly, Dee Why, Curl Curl

Whether you’re renovating a medium-sized laundry in a terrace home or updating an apartment in Surry Hills, MB9 ensures the process is smooth, cost-efficient, and stress-free.

Key Takeaways

• Labour and materials together represent the bulk of a medium laundry renovation budget in Sydney.

• Typical total costs range from $12,500 to $24,000 depending on materials, room size, and suburb-specific factors.

• Labour accounts for 40–50% of the budget, with cabinets, benchtops, and flooring making up the rest.

• Coastal and older homes may incur additional costs due to moisture, wall access, and updated compliance requirements.

• Proper planning, trade coordination, and professional project management can save time, stress, and money.

For Sydney homeowners planning a medium laundry renovation, visit www.mb9.com.au to find out more information about kitchen, bathroom, and house renovation services from MB9 Australia Pty Ltd.