How much should I budget for a compact laundry renovation? (Laundry Room | Costs, Budgeting & Planning)

Renovating a compact laundry in Sydney presents unique challenges and opportunities. Many homeowners ask: “How much should I budget for a compact laundry renovation?” Whether you’re transforming a small apartment laundry in Surry Hills, a tight terrace laundry in Newtown, or a compact utility room in Bondi, understanding costs, planning, and suburb-specific factors is essential for a smooth and successful renovation.

This guide explores typical budgets, cost breakdowns, design considerations, and Sydney-focused insights to help you plan effectively.

Why Compact Laundry Renovations Require Special Planning

Compact laundry spaces, usually ranging from 2 to 4 square metres, require careful design to balance functionality, storage, and style. Budget planning is crucial because:

• Limited space increases complexity: Every centimetre counts. Custom cabinetry, integrated appliances, and optimized storage can affect cost.

• Water and electrical systems may need upgrades: Even small renovations can require relocating taps, drains, or electrical outlets.

• Durability matters: Compact spaces are more susceptible to moisture accumulation. Waterproof cabinetry, quality flooring, and proper ventilation are critical.

• Suburb-specific challenges: Older Sydney terraces in Balmain, Paddington, or Glebe often have narrow or irregular laundry areas, which may increase installation complexity.

Key Components of a Compact Laundry Renovation

A well-budgeted compact laundry renovation usually includes the following elements:

1. Cabinetry and Storage

• Standard Cabinets: $400–$700 per linear metre installed (laminate or moisture-resistant MDF)

• High-End Waterproof or Marine-Grade Cabinets: $1,000–$2,500 per linear metre

• Custom Storage Solutions: Pull-out hampers, folding benches, overhead cupboards can add $500–$2,000

• Tip: In compact laundries in Newtown or Marrickville, customised cabinets make the most of awkward or narrow spaces.

2. Benchtops

• Laminate Benchtops: $250–$500 per linear metre

• Engineered Stone or Solid Surface: $600–$1,200 per linear metre

• Consideration: Light-coloured benchtops make small laundries appear larger, which is popular in Bondi, Coogee, and Bronte apartments.

3. Flooring

• Vinyl or Sheet Flooring: $50–$100 per square metre

• Ceramic or Porcelain Tiles: $80–$200 per square metre

• Waterproof and Slip-Resistant Options: Essential for compact spaces where water splashes are common

• Tip: Coastal areas like Manly and Dee Why may benefit from salt- and moisture-resistant flooring materials.

4. Plumbing Updates

• Water Supply and Drainage: $500–$1,500

• Tapware and Laundry Sinks: $200–$800

• Hot Water System Adjustments: $800–$2,500 if relocation or upgrades are needed

• Tip: In older Inner West homes, expect higher costs due to brick walls and outdated pipes.

5. Electrical and Ventilation

• Power Points and Appliance Connections: $250–$800

• Exhaust Fans and Ventilation: $300–$1,500 depending on size and complexity

• Tip: Apartments in Surry Hills or Glebe may require careful coordination with strata regulations for exhaust installation.

6. Labour Costs

• Carpentry: $50–$100 per hour

• Plumbing: $80–$120 per hour

• Electrical: $80–$120 per hour

• Tile Installation: $50–$90 per hour

• Tip: Labour costs can increase by 10–20% in heritage homes with difficult access or irregular layouts, common in Balmain and Paddington.

Typical Budget Allocation for a Compact Laundry

Component Cost Range (AUD) Notes Cabinetry $2,000–$7,000 Depends on material and customisation Benchtop $500–$1,500 Laminate vs engineered stone Flooring $500–$1,500 Tiles or vinyl, waterproof and slip-resistant Plumbing $1,500–$3,500 Includes supply, drainage, tapware Electrical & Ventilation $500–$1,800 Includes fans, power points, appliance connections Labour $2,000–$5,000 Varies by complexity and suburb

Total Estimated Budget: $7,000–$20,000 for a medium-standard compact laundry renovation. High-end designs with premium materials, luxury cabinetry, and integrated storage solutions can exceed $25,000.

Sydney-Specific Insights for Compact Laundry Renovations

1. Inner West (Newtown, Marrickville, Leichhardt)

   • Older terraces often have narrow, awkward spaces requiring custom cabinetry.

   • Expect slightly higher labour costs due to brick wall modifications and restricted access.

2. Eastern Suburbs (Bondi, Bronte, Coogee)

   • Compact apartment laundries benefit from light-coloured finishes and space-saving designs.

   • Plumbing and electrical updates must consider building regulations for strata apartments.

3. Lower North Shore (Mosman, Neutral Bay, Cremorne)

   • Even compact laundries may incorporate high-end finishes, engineered stone benchtops, and designer taps.

   • Coastal humidity makes waterproof cabinetry and proper ventilation essential.

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

   • Compact laundries in coastal homes must prioritise moisture-resistant materials and durable flooring.

   • Luxury renovations often include integrated storage solutions for optimal space usage.

Tips for Budgeting and Planning a Compact Laundry Renovation

1. Measure Twice, Plan Once: Accurate measurements help avoid costly mistakes with cabinetry and appliances.

2. Prioritise Functionality: In small spaces, storage, work surfaces, and appliance access are critical.

3. Coordinate Trades: Plumbing, electrical, cabinetry, and tiling should be planned simultaneously to reduce rework.

4. Use Waterproof and Durable Materials: Protect your investment against Sydney’s humidity and high-traffic use.

5. Consider Future Needs: Stackable appliances, fold-down benches, or sliding doors can maximise usability without adding space.

6. Allocate a Contingency Budget: 10–15% of total budget for unexpected challenges, particularly in heritage or older homes.

Why MB9 Australia Pty Ltd Is the Ideal Choice for Sydney Homeowners

MB9 Australia Pty Ltd specialises in kitchen, bathroom, and home renovations across Sydney, including compact laundry renovations.

Our services include:

• Full Project Management: Coordinating licensed plumbers, electricians, carpenters, and tilers

• Custom Design Solutions: Space optimisation, durable cabinetry, and style-focused layouts

• Sydney-Specific Expertise: Knowledge of building regulations, heritage restrictions, and coastal humidity challenges

• High-Quality Materials: Waterproof cabinetry, engineered stone benchtops, slip-resistant flooring

We serve homeowners in:

• Inner West: Newtown, Marrickville, Leichhardt

• Eastern Suburbs: Bondi, Bronte, Coogee

• Lower North Shore: Mosman, Neutral Bay, Cremorne

• Northern Beaches: Manly, Dee Why, Curl Curl

By choosing MB9, your compact laundry renovation is efficient, functional, and stylish, with attention to both design and durability.

Key Takeaways

• Compact laundry renovations require careful planning due to limited space.

• Budget ranges widely depending on materials, finishes, and suburb-specific installation challenges:

  • Standard renovation: $7,000–$15,000

  • Mid-range with durable materials: $15,000–$20,000

  • High-end luxury renovation: $20,000–$25,000+

• Focus on waterproof cabinetry, space-efficient storage, durable flooring, and proper ventilation.

• Coordination between trades reduces cost, delays, and potential errors.

• Sydney’s diverse suburbs require tailored solutions for heritage homes, apartments, and coastal conditions.

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