Quick Answer
A laundry renovation in Melbourne costs $5,000–$20,000+, with most standard renovations landing between $8,000–$14,000. A budget update with flatpack cabinetry runs $5,000–$8,000; a full custom renovation with new tiling, joinery, and plumbing relocation costs $15,000–$25,000. The laundry is typically the cheapest wet area to renovate and delivers excellent livability return.
Complete Cost Breakdown
Budget Laundry Renovation ($5,000–$8,000)
A budget renovation replaces existing joinery with flatpack cabinetry, installs a new trough, and updates tapware and fittings without moving plumbing or drainage. This approach is ideal for Melbourne’s standard 1980s–1990s laundry rooms, which have solid bones but dated cabinetry.
| Item | Cost Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Flatpack laundry cabinetry (IKEA/Bunnings) | $800–$2,500 | SEKTION or Kinsman ranges most common in Melbourne |
| Bench top (laminate) | $200–$600 | Cut-to-size from Bunnings or cabinet maker |
| New trough (acrylic or stainless) | $150–$500 | Clark or Everhard most popular brands in VIC |
| Tapware (mixer or separate taps) | $80–$400 | Caroma, Methven, Greens |
| Plumber (trough reconnection only) | $250–$500 | Like-for-like replacement; no relocation |
| Installation labour | $500–$1,500 | Handyperson or cabinet installer |
| Paint / minor wall repair | $200–$600 | DIY or tradie |
Mid-Range Laundry Renovation ($8,000–$14,000)
A mid-range reno includes new tiling, semi-custom joinery, proper waterproofing, and usually brings the room to a compliant standard for insurance purposes. Most SE Melbourne laundries renovated in this budget include a stacked washer/dryer niche.
| Trade / Item | Cost Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Semi-custom cabinetry | $2,500–$5,000 | Kinsman, Kaboodle, or local cabinet maker |
| Wall and floor tiling | $1,500–$3,500 | Tiler labour + tiles; 4–8m² typical laundry |
| Waterproofing (VBA compliant) | $400–$800 | Mandatory under NCC for wet areas |
| Plumbing (minor relocation) | $800–$1,800 | Moving trough or washing machine connections |
| Electrical (new GPO or exhaust fan) | $300–$800 | Licensed electrician required |
| Laundry trough + tapware | $300–$800 | Clark undermount or freestanding |
| Project management / builder margin | $500–$1,500 | If using a bathroom renovator or builder |
Full Custom Laundry Renovation ($15,000–$25,000+)
A full custom renovation moves plumbing, reconfigures the room layout, installs custom joinery with overhead cabinets, and often integrates a butler’s pantry or folding/ironing station. Common in new builds or major renovations in Berwick, Pakenham, and Officer where homes have larger laundry footprints.
| Item | Cost Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Full plumbing relocation | $2,000–$5,000 | Moving drain, hot/cold rough-in, new soil stack connection |
| Custom joinery (full room) | $6,000–$12,000 | Local cabinet maker; full overhead + base cabinets |
| Stone or engineered stone bench top | $800–$2,500 | Silestone, Caesarstone; cut-out for trough |
| Full retile (floor + walls) | $2,500–$5,000 | Large-format tiles, waterproofing, floor waste relocation |
| Electrical upgrade | $800–$2,000 | New circuit for dryer, LED lighting, additional GPOs |
| Structural work (if removing wall) | $2,000–$8,000 | Builder + engineer required for load-bearing walls |
What Affects Laundry Renovation Costs?
1. Plumbing Relocation
The biggest cost variable is whether you move the plumbing. Keeping taps and drains in the same position keeps plumbing costs under $600. Moving the trough across the room or to a new wall can add $1,500–$5,000 depending on how far the drain needs to travel and whether the subfloor is concrete slab or timber.
2. Access and Floor Type
Melbourne homes built on concrete slab (common in newer Pakenham, Cranbourne, Officer estates) require jackhammering to relocate drains, adding $500–$1,500 to plumbing costs. Timber subfloor homes are easier and cheaper to reroute.
3. Joinery Type
Flatpack cabinetry (IKEA, Bunnings) is 50–70% cheaper than custom-made joinery. For a standard 2.4m wall, flatpack cabinet cost is $800–$2,000 vs $4,000–$8,000 custom. The trade-off is fit — custom joinery uses every millimetre; flatpack leaves gaps at corners and non-standard heights.
4. Waterproofing Requirements
Under the National Construction Code, waterproofing is mandatory in all wet areas. Any laundry renovation involving floor or wall tiling must include a licensed waterproofing membrane installed by a registered waterproofer. Skipping this step voids home insurance and creates serious long-term leak risk.
Signs Your Laundry Needs Renovation
| Problem | Symptom | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Rotting cabinetry under trough | Soft or delaminating panels, mould smell | Replace cabinet; check for leaking trough waste |
| Cracked or missing grout | Water getting behind tiles; damp walls | Regrout immediately; check waterproofing underneath |
| Slow floor drain | Water pools after trough use | Clear blockage; check floor fall toward waste |
| No storage | Shelves overloaded; items stored on top of machines | Add overhead cabinetry above machines |
| Old hot/cold separate taps | Scalding risk; poor temperature control | Upgrade to mixer tapware ($150–$400 including plumber) |
DIY vs Professional
Cabinet installation and painting are reasonable DIY tasks in a laundry. Tiling, plumbing, waterproofing, and electrical work all require licensed tradespeople in Victoria. Mixing DIY and trade work is common in mid-range renovations — a handyperson handles demolition and cabinetry while a plumber, tiler, and electrician handle the licensed work.
Top 10 Tips and Gotchas
- Measure your machines first. Standard washing machine width is 600mm; many older laundries were built for top-loaders and don’t accommodate front-loaders under a bench without modification.
- Plan overhead storage above the machines. A standard washing machine is 850mm tall; with a 2,400mm ceiling, you have 1,550mm for overhead cabinets — enough for two full rows of shelving.
- Use vinyl or porcelain tiles, not ceramic. Laundries see water splashes, humidity, and heavy foot traffic. Porcelain is denser, less porous, and more slip-resistant than standard ceramic tiles.
- Add a floor waste if there isn’t one. Many Melbourne laundries lack a floor waste. Adding one costs $400–$800 but is essential if your washing machine hose ever disconnects — it prevents a flooded house.
- Include a folding bench. A wall-mounted fold-down bench (200–300mm deep) above the trough takes up no floor space when folded and transforms laundry functionality. Cost: $50–$150 for a commercial bracket and board.
- Don’t tile over existing tiles. Double-layer tiling reduces floor fall, raises the floor level, and increases weight. Strip back to the substrate for a lasting result.
- Check your exhaust fan. Laundries need mechanical ventilation under the Building Code. Ducted exhaust fans (not recirculating) are the correct installation.
- Use polyurethane or two-pack paint on walls. Standard wall paint in a laundry deteriorates from humidity within 2–3 years. Use a semi-gloss or gloss moisture-resistant paint.
- Get three quotes. Laundry renovation quotes in Melbourne vary widely. A $14,000 quote and an $8,000 quote can both include the same trades — the difference is often markup, not quality.
- Check council permit requirements. A laundry renovation that doesn’t change the building footprint generally doesn’t require a permit. If you’re removing a wall or moving a wet area to a new room, check with your council.
Local Melbourne Resources
- Bunnings Laundry Range — Kaboodle flatpack laundry cabinetry and Clark troughs
- Reece Plumbing — Laundry Products — tapware, troughs, and laundry fixtures, multiple SE Melbourne branches
- Kinsman Kitchens — Laundry Range — semi-custom flatpack with local Melbourne showrooms
- Victorian Building Authority — check waterproofing requirements and licensed tradesperson register
- Hipages — Melbourne Laundry Renovations — compare quotes from local renovation specialists
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a laundry renovation take in Melbourne?
A budget update (cabinetry and tapware only) takes 2–4 days. A mid-range renovation involving tiling, waterproofing, and plumbing typically takes 5–10 working days. Full custom renovations with structural work can run 2–4 weeks. Allow extra time for trades scheduling in Melbourne’s busy SE suburbs.
Do I need a building permit to renovate my laundry in Victoria?
A standard laundry renovation (replacing fittings within the same room) generally doesn’t require a building permit. If you’re moving a wet area to a different location, removing walls, or adding plumbing to a new room, you’ll need a permit from your local council. Always check with the Victorian Building Authority or your council before starting.
What is the cheapest way to update a laundry in Melbourne?
The cheapest meaningful upgrade is replacing the trough and tapware ($300–$600 including plumber) and painting the walls and cabinetry. For under $2,000, you can replace a damaged flatpack cabinet unit, install a new trough, and repaint — transforming the room without a full renovation.
Is waterproofing required in a laundry renovation?
Yes. Under the National Construction Code (NCC), waterproofing is mandatory in wet areas including laundries. Any renovation involving tiling must include a licensed waterproofer applying a compliant membrane. This is non-negotiable from an insurance and structural standpoint.
What trough size is best for a Melbourne laundry?
A 45-litre deep trough (approximately 455x560mm) is the standard for Melbourne homes. It’s large enough for hand-washing, cleaning mops, and watering plants. Clark and Everhard are the most commonly stocked brands at Reece and Bunnings across Melbourne.
