Laundry Renovation Cost in Perth: What to Budget For

Perth laundry renovations typically cost $8,000-$15,000. See a full cost breakdown for plumbing, cabinetry, waterproofing, and tiling.

How Much Does a Laundry Renovation Cost in Perth?

If you are planning a laundry renovation in Perth, the first question on your mind is almost certainly about cost. The short answer: most Perth homeowners spend between $8,000 and $15,000 on a full laundry renovation, though the final figure depends heavily on the size of the room, the materials you choose, and the scope of plumbing and electrical work required.

Perth’s property market has seen strong growth in suburbs like Fremantle, Nedlands, and Subiaco, and a well-finished laundry is now a genuine selling point for buyers. A dated laundry with a concrete trough and exposed copper pipes signals deferred maintenance, while a modern laundry renovation with quality laundry cabinetry and tiling tells buyers the home has been looked after. Understanding what drives cost helps you budget wisely and avoid surprises halfway through your project.

Typical Cost Breakdown for a Perth Laundry Renovation

Below is a realistic breakdown based on average prices across Perth metro renovations in recent years. Your actual quote will vary depending on the condition of existing plumbing, whether walls need moving, and the quality of fittings you select.

Item	Budget Range	Mid-Range	Premium Range
Demolition & removal	$500 – $800	$800 – $1,200	$1,200 – $1,800
Plumbing rough-in & fit-off	$1,200 – $1,800	$1,800 – $2,800	$2,800 – $4,000
Waterproofing (AS 3740)	$600 – $900	$900 – $1,400	$1,400 – $2,000
Cabinetry & benchtop	$1,500 – $2,500	$2,500 – $4,000	$4,000 – $6,500
Tiling (floor & splashback)	$800 – $1,200	$1,200 – $2,000	$2,000 – $3,500
Electrical work	$400 – $700	$700 – $1,200	$1,200 – $1,800
Sink, taps & accessories	$300 – $600	$600 – $1,000	$1,000 – $2,000
Estimated Total	$5,300 – $8,500	$8,500 – $13,600	$13,600 – $21,600

What Drives the Price Up or Down?

Room Size and Layout Changes

A straightforward swap of cabinetry and tiling in an existing layout sits at the lower end of the cost range. Once you start moving plumbing points or walls, expect costs to climb. Converting a small laundry from a hallway cupboard into a full room can add $2,000 to $4,000 in structural and plumbing work alone. The more you change the footprint and the plumbing locations, the more labour hours are involved.

Modern laundry with sink and washing machine

Waterproofing Requirements

Under AS 3740, any area within a laundry that contains a floor waste must be waterproofed to the Australian Standard. In Perth, the Building Commission WA enforces compliance through mandatory inspections, and cutting corners here voids your warranty and risks long-term structural damage. Budget at least $600 to $1,400 for proper waterproofing, depending on the floor area and number of penetrations.

Cabinetry and Benchtop Choices

Laminate cabinetry with a postform benchtop is the most affordable option and performs well in most laundries. Step up to engineered stone benchtops or custom joinery with soft-close drawers and pull-out accessories, and the cabinetry portion alone can exceed $5,000. Consider a durable engineered stone benchtop if you want longevity and stain resistance without the top-tier price tag of natural stone.

Electrical Upgrades

Older Perth homes in Morley, Wanneroo, and Balcatta often have outdated electrical systems. If your laundry needs a new circuit, additional power points for modern appliances, or LED lighting upgrades, electrical costs can increase by $300 to $800 above the base estimate. Homes without a safety switch (RCD) on the laundry circuit will need one installed, which is both a safety requirement and an additional cost item.

Where Perth Homeowners Can Save

Keep your existing plumbing points wherever possible. Moving a washing machine outlet by even one metre involves cutting into walls and floors, which adds both plumbing and patching costs. Choose standard-sized cabinetry modules rather than fully custom builds, as off-the-shelf units from local suppliers are significantly cheaper. If your focus is purely on surface updates, consider a laundry benchtop replacement to refresh the look without a full rebuild. And if your floor is in good condition, tiling over existing tiles (where structurally sound and height permits) can reduce demolition and waste removal costs.

Suburbs with older housing stock, such as Morley, Balcatta, and Armadale, often have laundries with outdated concrete troughs and exposed copper pipes. These typically need more plumbing work than a home built in the last 20 years, so budget accordingly and get a detailed inspection before committing to a price.

Getting an Accurate Quote

The best way to nail down your budget is to get a detailed, itemised quote from a renovator who inspects the space in person. A phone estimate rarely accounts for hidden plumbing issues, asbestos in older homes, or non-standard wall framing. At Perth Property Improver, we provide obligation-free renovation quotes that break down every line item so you know exactly where your money is going.

If you are comparing quotes from different renovators, make sure each one includes waterproofing, waste removal, and a final clean. Some quotes leave these out deliberately, making the headline figure look lower but costing more once the project is underway. Ask what is included and what is excluded, and get it in writing before you sign.

James Officer

James Officer, has been renovating homes for more than 20 years. Over a decade ago, James founded Perth Property Improver with a clear vision — to create a reliable, professional service where homeowners could feel confident that their project was in safe hands. Over the years, he has built strong relationships with trusted local contractors, carefully weeding out the average from the excellent, so only the most skilled, dependable tradespeople work on your home.