Would you believe us if we told you it’s actually possible to LOVE your laundry? It might sound shocking, but after years of renovating family homes, one of our biggest revelations is that the laundry is waaay too often an afterthought - and it really shouldn’t be! For modern families with mountains of washing, creating a laundry that works hard and looks good can be totally life-changing. Soaking, washing, drying, folding… and ironing (if that’s your vibe) all feel a whole lot less like chores when you’ve got a space you actually enjoy being in.

Wondering how much it might cost to create a laundry you love? Let’s take a look…

THE AVERAGE LAUNDRY RENO COST IN AUSTRALIA

Let’s not beat around the bush and jump straight into the figures. Based on our best industry knowledge and the latest date from hipages, we know that the average cost of a laundry renovation in Australia ranges from $5,000 to $30,000, depending on various factors such as the size of the space, the extent of the renovation, and the quality of materials and finishes chosen.

Here’s a rough cost breakdown:

Budget/Cosmetic Renovation: $5,000 – $10,000.

This includes minor updates like repainting, replacing fixtures, or installing new shelving without significant structural changes.

Mid-Range Renovation: $10,000 – $18,000.

This may involve installing new appliances, custom cabinets, tiling, and plumbing.

High-End Renovation: $18,000 – $30,000+.

Now we’re talking transformations with quality materials, custom cabinetry, premium appliances, and structural changes.

WHERE DOES YOUR MONEY GO?

Here’s what eats up your laundry budget – and why it’s worth it.

Cabinetry & Storage

This is the hero of any good laundry. You’ll want smart storage for all the boring bits (hello mops, buckets and detergent) and a spot to stash the mess so your laundry always looks lovely.

If you’re working with a smaller budget, there are loads of great flat-pack and off-the-shelf options that’ll still give you a beautiful, functional space. But if your budget stretches, custom joinery is where it’s at - giving you more flexibility (for things like custom details and colours) and a flawless finish.

Plumbing & Appliances

The trick to keeping your plumbing bill down is keeping everything in its existing place (this goes for renovating bathrooms and kitchens, too). Relocating the sink or washing machine can be costly, so think about the benefits you’ll gain from moving the layout and if they’re worth the extra cost. That said, sometimes a layout shuffle is totally worth the splurge - just weigh up the benefits before you budge anything.

And don’t forget to factor appliances into your budget! A little research goes a long way in finding the best ones to take the load off your laundry days. You might even want to stack your machines to free up bench space, or lift them onto custom cabinetry (hello, back-friendly heights and luxe laundry vibes!).

Tiles & Splashbacks

Laundries are wet rooms, so tiles are the perfect option for the floors and splashbacks. Your laundry might be the most practical room in the house, but that doesn’t mean it can’t have a fancy moment. In fact, it’s one of the best spots to go a little bolder with your tile choices — because it’s usually a smaller space, you won’t need a tonne of tiles to make a big impact.

And that goes for both the splashback and the floor. Maybe you’ll choose a fun feature tile on the splashback or patterned floor tiles to add some personality underfoot. Just remember, even small spaces can add up quickly when it comes to costs. Detailed patterns and tiny tiles mean more grout, more labour… and yep, more dollars.

If you’re going full bougie and your budget allows, you might even skip the splashback tiles altogether and run your benchtop stone up the wall for a seamless, luxe look.

Lighting & Power

Most laundries need more power points than you think - washer, dryer, iron, stick vac, steamer… maybe even a charging station for your robot vac?

Proper lighting makes a big difference too - overhead lighting for general brightness, and task lighting (like under-cabinet strips) to make sorting socks or folding sheets a little less painful.

If you’re starting from scratch or rewiring an older home, your electrical bill can add up quickly, so make sure there’s a line in your budget for a sparkie. But don’t skimp on lighting and power. It’s the not-so-glam stuff that makes your laundry work beautifully behind the scenes.

Luxe Touches

Built-in ironing board? Pull-out hampers? A drying rail, extra-deep sink or even a heated towel rail? Yes please! These are the dream details that turn a basic laundry into a space you actually want to spend time in.

But luxe touches come with luxe price tags, so make sure you factor them into your budget early. That way, there are no “oops” moments when it’s time to pay the bill. Planning ahead means you can prioritise the features that’ll bring you the most joy and make laundry day feel just a little less like a chore.

THE TRADIE FACTOR

Even though it’s one of the smallest rooms in your house, a laundry reno still needs the full Dream Team. Depending on the extent of your renovation, this could mean:

Builder
Plumber
Electrician
Cabinet maker
Tiler
Waterproofer
Painter

You can manage these trades yourself or hand the reins to a builder or kitchen/laundry company who’ll handle it all. Just remember, labour can gobble up 40–50% of your budget, but trust us, it’s worth paying for top-notch tradespeople who take pride in their work.

PLANNING & PERMITS

Good news! If you’re renovating just your laundry and not changing the structure, you likely won’t need Council approval. That said, check with your local council, especially if you’re moving plumbing, electricals or adding a window.

Permits and inspections can add $500–$1,500+ to your budget, depending on your reno scope and location.

BUDGET BUFFERS: ALWAYS PLAN FOR THE ‘UH-OH’

No matter which room you’re renovating, we always recommend factoring in a 10–20% buffer for those sneaky surprises that have a habit of popping up mid-reno. Especially in older homes, where things like dodgy wiring, hidden leaks or rotten walls can rear their ugly little heads just when you least expect it.

Think of it as your “just in case” fund, and trust us, future-you will be very grateful it's there.

THREE BIRDS TIPS FOR A DREAMY LAUNDRY ON ANY BUDGET

1. Learn Before You Leap

Flying blind into a laundry reno is like buying a one-way ticket to reno regrets! If you want a laundry you actually love, you’ve got to start with a solid plan, not just a Pinterest board and a prayer.

Nail your vision, lock in your budget, round up your tradie dream team and map out your action plan before the demo starts. If you’re not sure where to begin, we teach you exactly how to plan your laundry (and every other room!) step by step in Three Birds Reno School.

2. Mix Fancy With Frugal

We’re big fans of bougie on a budget. Splurge where it counts (like benchtops or cabinetry) and save behind the scenes (think flat-pack internals or large format tiles that still look fab).

3. Shop Smarter

Your laundry might be small, but the purchases add up fast. Our Three Birds Dream Discount Card helps you save on tiles, tapware, appliances and more every time you shop.

I want a Three Birds Card

A well-designed laundry makes a daily chore feel that little bit easier (and dare we say it… even enjoyable?). Like all renos, costs can vary wildly, but with the right plan, team and tricks, your laundry can go from lifeless to lovely, without blowing the budget.