Laundry renovations in Sydney: where to start
Laundry renovations in Sydney range from a quick refresh with new cabinets and a benchtop to a full strip-out with new plumbing, waterproofing and tiles. The biggest cost question is usually whether the tub and washing machine stay where they are. Tell us what isn't working, and we can match you with up to three licensed, insured local trades to quote.
Start with what frustrates you: an awkward appliance door, nowhere to fold, or storage that blocks circulation. Keeping plumbing in place may simplify the scope; moving a sink or washing machine changes the services work. A cosmetic refresh and a stripped-out wet-area rebuild should be quoted separately.
Use a laundry renovation brief when the project combines layout, storage, finishes or changes to services. If the only issue is a faulty washing machine, start with an appliance repair provider. A leak needs its source assessed before new cabinetry is specified.
What’s usually included
Every property is different, but a good quote for laundry renovations should spell out items like these.
- Measured layout and appliance clearances
- Cabinetry, benchtop, sink and splashback selections
- Plumbing and electrical changes by appropriate trades
- Wet-area preparation, floor finish and ventilation
- Demolition, disposal and making good
How much does it cost?
Most Australian laundry renovations cost about $5,000–$30,000. Budget refreshes sit around $5,000–$10,000, and high-end rebuilds can go past $30,000.
Total project cost from a national guide (not Sydney-specific). The range covers everything from a cosmetic refresh to a full high-end rebuild. Moving plumbing or drainage pushes costs up.
Cabinet dimensions, finish choices, access and relocation of services affect the quote. Ask whether removal, waterproofing where required, connections, painting and disposal are included. Hidden damage should have a written variation process rather than an unexplained allowance.
Indicative ranges only, compiled October 2026 from Three Birds Renovations – How much does a laundry renovation cost? (July 2025). Your quote depends on your property and scope.
How long it takes: A cosmetic refresh may take only days, while a full rebuild with waterproofing and new plumbing usually takes a few weeks.
Compare quotes properly
Two quotes are only comparable if they price the same job. Check each one covers:
Layout and cabinetry
Measured plan, appliance door clearances, cabinet materials and hardware.
Services and wet-area work
State whether existing connections stay, and which plumbing, electrical or water-management work is included.
Making good
Clarify demolition, disposal, wall repairs, painting and who reinstates disturbed finishes.
Measure the room and appliance models, note whether the sink or connections will move, and list your storage priorities. Ask for exclusions and allowances in writing before comparing the totals.
Licences, insurance and approvals
In NSW, laundry renovation work worth more than $5,000 (labour and materials, incl. GST) usually needs a contractor licence, such as kitchen, bathroom and laundry renovation or general building. Plumbing and electrical work must be done by licensed trades whatever the cost.
Every member of our crew has their NSW licence verified and insurance sighted before joining, and agrees to quote in writing with their licence number shown. Before you sign, confirm the licence number on the quote using the NSW Government licence check, and make sure residential work over $5,000 (including GST) has a written contract.
Have these details ready
A clear brief gets you faster, more accurate quotes.
- Room measurements and appliance models
- Whether the layout or services will move
- Storage priorities and preferred finishes
- House or apartment, with access constraints
Laundry renovations: common questions
Can I keep the existing plumbing layout?
Often the first option to investigate is retaining existing service positions. The contractor must assess their condition and whether the proposed fixtures and layout suit them.
Should I renovate a bathroom at the same time?
Combined planning may help coordinate trades and finishes. Ask for separate room costs and a programme that explains when each room will be unusable.
How long does a laundry renovation take?
A simple refresh with new cabinets and a benchtop can take only a few days. A full rebuild with new waterproofing, tiling and moved plumbing takes longer, because each trade works in turn and membranes need time to cure. Ask each quoting trade for a written plan that shows when the room, and your washing machine, will be out of action.
Can I fit a laundry into a cupboard or hallway?
Often, yes. A European-style laundry puts the washer, dryer and a small tub behind cupboard doors. You still need a water supply, a drain, power, dryer ventilation and finishes that cope with water. Ask a plumber to confirm the drain can fall correctly from the new spot before you commit to the design.
What benchtop works best in a laundry?
Pick a surface that copes with water, detergent and heavy baskets. Laminate is the budget choice and handles everyday use well. Engineered stone can no longer be installed in Australia after the July 2024 ban, so people now choose compact laminate, porcelain, natural stone, timber or stainless steel. Ask your cabinet maker which options suit your budget.
Do I need council approval to renovate a laundry?
Most internal laundry renovations that don't change the structure don't need council approval. Approval questions come up if you remove a load-bearing wall, add floor area or change the outside of the house. In an apartment, work involving waterproofing is usually a major renovation that needs owners corporation approval. Check before you book trades.