TL;DR: Laundry renovations in Melbourne usually cost $4,000 to $25,000. Prices depend on room size, layout, material quality, and trade availability. Labour and materials are more expensive in high-demand suburbs.
Summary: Laundry upgrades in Melbourne can be more costly than expected. Factors like plumbing changes, custom finishes, and trade coordination impact the budget. Sticking with existing layouts and choosing mid-range materials helps manage costs without sacrificing quality.
Laundry rooms used to be an afterthought in home design. Now, they are among the most common renovation projects in Melbourne homes. The costs, however, often catch people off guard. A basic facelift might seem simple, but once you factor in cabinetry, plumbing, electrical work, and waterproofing, the budget can escalate quickly. Knowing what affects pricing and where the hidden costs are is key to avoiding financial blowouts.
Here’s everything you need to know about laundry renovation costs in Melbourne. No fluff, no hype—just straight talk with real numbers.
Laundry renovation costs in Melbourne vary based on several core elements. These include the size of the room, the complexity of the layout, the materials you choose, and the number of different trades required. Each factor directly impacts the total budget.
Layouts that are tight, irregular, or require moving plumbing or electrical points tend to significantly increase the final cost.
Budget: Laminate benchtops, flat-pack cabinetry, and basic ceramic tiles offer affordability but may have limited design options and durability.
Mid-Range: Stone benchtops, soft-close drawers, and upgraded tapware. These finishes strike a good balance between aesthetics and durability.
High-End: Custom-built cabinetry, premium tiles, and integrated appliances. These materials offer a polished, long-lasting finish but come at a higher cost.
When multiple trades are required, coordination becomes more complex, and labor costs increase accordingly.
| Renovation Type | Budget Range |
| Cosmetic Refresh | $4,000 – $8,000 |
| Mid-Range Overhaul | $8,000 – $15,000 |
| High-End Custom Fit-Out | $15,000 – $25,000+ |
Keep in mind: prices are current as of 2025 and reflect market rates in Melbourne.
For a more comprehensive guide on managing your overall home improvement finances, delve into Your Ultimate Home Renovation Budget Planner: A Guide for St. Kilda Homeowners.
Flat-pack options from stores like IKEA or Bunnings can significantly reduce cabinetry costs. These units are mass-produced and come in standard sizes, which lowers the price. While they may not have the tailored detail of custom-built cabinetry, hiring an experienced installer can help achieve a clean, polished finish that fits your space well.
Changing plumbing locations can be one of the most expensive parts of a laundry renovation. By keeping the washing machine, sink, and taps where they are, you avoid the need to open walls or reroute pipes. This approach keeps labor costs down and speeds up the renovation.
Many mid-priced materials look great and hold up well in a laundry. Engineered stone offers the appearance of natural stone but is more affordable and easier to maintain. Quality porcelain tiles also provide good durability and come in a wide range of modern designs, giving you a stylish finish without the premium cost.
Waterproofing protects your home from moisture damage and is a legal requirement in wet areas. Poorly applied waterproofing can result in leaks that weaken structures and invite mold. The cost to fix water damage is often much higher than ensuring correct waterproofing the first time.
Hiring a licensed electrician is essential for all wiring and installations. Mistakes with electrical work can cause shocks, fires, or insurance issues. Professional work ensures the system is safe and meets all current standards.
Proper airflow is critical in laundries to prevent dampness and mold. Heat and humidity from washing machines and dryers build up quickly. An exhaust fan or ducted dryer helps remove moisture and reduces the risk of damage to finishes and cabinetry.
Typical laundry renovations in Melbourne take around 2 to 4 weeks from start to finish. The timeline depends on the project’s complexity and how smoothly each phase progresses.
Timelines can extend due to delays in material delivery, poor weather, or challenges in scheduling trades. For deeper insights into managing your renovation timeline effectively, read This Timeline Could Save Your Bathroom Renovation (And Your Sanity).
Several practical issues are making laundry renovations more expensive in Melbourne:
At St Kilda Bathroom Renovations, we don’t just renovate bathrooms. We specialize in smart, stylish laundry renovations across St Kilda, Elwood, Brighton, and surrounding suburbs.
With decades of experience, we help homeowners, landlords, and developers get the most value from their laundry upgrades. Our team handles everything, from design to final inspection, with no hidden costs and clear timelines.
Want a local expert who actually shows up on time and sticks to your budget? That’s us.
Thinking about giving your laundry a facelift? Don’t wait for trades to book out.
Contact St Kilda Bathroom Renovations for a clear, tailored quote without the usual hassle. Our team will guide you from concept to completion with professional advice and reliable trades. Turn your laundry into a practical, attractive space that adds real value to your home.
