slug: laundry-room-renovation-guide

Laundry Room Renovation Guide: Costs, Layout & Design Ideas 2026

A well-designed laundry room transforms one of the most frequently used spaces in your home from a purely functional area into an efficient, organized, and even enjoyable space. Whether you're updating a cramped closet laundry or renovating a dedicated room, this guide will help you plan a laundry room that works hard and looks great.

Average Laundry Room Renovation Costs

Laundry room renovation costs vary based on the scope of work, size of the space, and quality of finishes.

National Average: $8,000 - $15,000 Typical Range: $3,000 - $30,000+ Cost per Square Foot: $100 - $200

Cost by Project Scope

Cosmetic Update (Paint & Accessories): $1,000 - $3,000

• Fresh paint
• New lighting fixtures
• Storage accessories
• Hardware updates

Moderate Renovation: $5,000 - $12,000

• New flooring
• Cabinet installation
• Countertop addition
• Updated lighting
• Paint and accessories

Major Renovation: $12,000 - $25,000

• Layout reconfiguration
• Plumbing relocation
• New electrical
• Custom cabinetry
• Premium finishes
• Appliance upgrades

Complete Gut Renovation: $20,000 - $40,000+

• Full demolition
• New plumbing and electrical
• Wall relocation
• High-end cabinetry
• Luxury finishes
• Smart home integration

Detailed Cost Breakdown

Appliances: $1,500 - $6,000

Washer and Dryer:

• Basic top-load washer: $500 - $900
• Front-load washer: $800 - $2,000
• High-efficiency washer: $1,000 - $2,500
• Basic dryer: $500 - $900
• Steam dryer: $800 - $1,800
• Ventless dryer: $1,200 - $2,500

Premium Options:

• Stackable units: $1,500 - $3,500
• Extra-large capacity: $2,000 - $4,000
• Smart appliances: $2,500 - $5,000+
• Commercial-grade: $3,000 - $6,000

Installation Costs:

• Standard installation: $150 - $300
• Stacking kit and installation: $200 - $400
• Gas line connection: $300 - $800
• Dryer vent installation: $200 - $500

Cabinets and Storage: $1,500 - $12,000

Stock Cabinets: $1,500 - $3,500

• Standard sizes and finishes
• Limited customization
• Basic hardware
• 6-8 week lead time

Semi-Custom Cabinets: $3,000 - $7,000

• More size options
• Various finishes
• Better hardware
• 8-12 week lead time

Custom Cabinets: $6,000 - $15,000+

• Fully customized to space
• Premium materials
• High-end hardware
• 12-16 week lead time

Built-in Features:

• Upper cabinets: $300 - $800 per linear foot
• Base cabinets: $400 - $1,000 per linear foot
• Tall utility cabinets: $600 - $2,000 each
• Pull-out hampers: $200 - $600 each
• Drying racks: $100 - $400
• Ironing board cabinet: $300 - $800

Countertops: $500 - $3,000

Laminate: $20 - $50 per sq ft installed

• Most affordable
• Many colors and patterns
• Easy to clean
• 10-15 year lifespan

Butcher Block: $40 - $80 per sq ft installed

• Warm, natural look
• Requires sealing
• Can be refinished
• Great for folding area

Quartz: $60 - $120 per sq ft installed

• Very durable
• Non-porous
• Low maintenance
• Wide variety of colors

Solid Surface: $50 - $90 per sq ft installed

• Seamless appearance
• Repairable
• Non-porous
• Good value

Flooring: $500 - $3,000

Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP): $5 - $12 per sq ft installed

• Waterproof
• Comfortable underfoot
• Easy installation
• Durable

Ceramic/Porcelain Tile: $8 - $20 per sq ft installed

• Extremely durable
• Water-resistant
• Easy to clean
• Many design options

Natural Stone: $15 - $35 per sq ft installed

• Premium appearance
• Very durable
• Requires sealing
• Higher maintenance

Epoxy Coating: $8 - $18 per sq ft

• Seamless surface
• Easy to clean
• Industrial look
• Very durable

Plumbing: $500 - $3,000

Basic Updates: $500 - $1,200

• Washer hookup installation
• Supply line replacement
• Drain modifications
• Shut-off valves

Moderate Changes: $1,200 - $2,500

• Sink installation: $400 - $1,200
• Faucet installation: $200 - $600
• Moving washer location: $500 - $1,500
• Adding utility sink: $600 - $2,000

Major Plumbing Work: $2,500 - $5,000+

• Complete replumbing
• Moving laundry to new location
• Adding multiple sinks
• Drain relocation

Electrical: $500 - $2,500

Basic Electrical: $500 - $1,000

• New outlets (220V for dryer): $150 - $300
• Additional circuits: $200 - $500
• Light fixture installation: $150 - $400

Moderate Electrical: $1,000 - $1,800

• Panel upgrade: $500 - $1,500
• Recessed lighting (4-6 lights): $400 - $1,000
• GFCI outlets: $100 - $200

Extensive Electrical: $1,800 - $3,000+

• Complete rewiring
• Smart home integration
• Multiple new circuits
• Extensive lighting systems

Doors and Windows: $500 - $3,000

Interior Door: $200 - $800 installed

• Hollow core: $200 - $400
• Solid core: $400 - $800
• Pocket door: $600 - $1,500

Windows: $300 - $1,000 each installed

• Standard vinyl window
• Casement for ventilation
• Awning window option

Barn Door: $400 - $1,500 installed

• Saves space
• Modern farmhouse look
• Hardware and installation

Paint and Walls: $500 - $2,000

Paint: $400 - $1,200

• Walls and trim
• 2-3 coats
• Semi-gloss or satin finish
• Moisture-resistant paint

Wall Treatments: $500 - $2,500

• Beadboard wainscoting: $8 - $15 per sq ft
• Tile backsplash: $10 - $30 per sq ft
• Shiplap accent wall: $5 - $12 per sq ft
• Wallpaper: $3 - $10 per sq ft

Ventilation: $300 - $1,500

Exhaust Fan: $300 - $800 installed

• Remove moisture and odors
• Required in windowless rooms
• Timer or humidity sensor options

Dryer Vent: $200 - $600

• Proper venting critical
• Exterior vent cover
• Rigid metal ducting preferred

Layout Configurations

Side-by-Side Layout (Most Common)

Best For: Standard laundry rooms, 6+ feet wide Space Required: 60" wide minimum

Advantages:

• Easy appliance access
• Allows for countertop above
• Cabinet space on sides
• Traditional setup

Design Tips:

• Add countertop above for folding
• Upper cabinets for storage
• Pull-out hamper between machines

Stacked Layout

Best For: Small spaces, closets, bathrooms Space Required: 30" wide x 75" tall minimum

Advantages:

• Minimal floor space
• Fits in closets
• Leaves room for storage

Design Tips:

• Ensure easy access to controls
• Consider front-loading machines only
• Add pull-out surfaces nearby

L-Shaped Layout

Best For: Corner spaces, larger rooms Space Required: 8' x 8' minimum

Advantages:

• Separate zones
• Counter workspace
• Storage flexibility

Design Tips:

• Sink in corner possible
• Folding counter along one wall
• Appliances on separate walls

U-Shaped Layout

Best For: Dedicated laundry rooms, 8+ feet wide Space Required: 8' x 10' minimum

Advantages:

• Maximum storage
• Ample workspace
• Efficient workflow

Design Tips:

• Appliances on one wall
• Folding counter opposite
• Storage on third wall

Galley Layout

Best For: Narrow rooms, 5-6 feet wide Space Required: 5' x 10' minimum

Advantages:

• Efficient use of narrow spaces
• Counter space both sides
• Good workflow

Design Tips:

• Appliances on one side
• Storage and counter opposite
• Proper lighting critical

Essential Laundry Room Features

1. Folding Surface: $300 - $2,000

Options:

• Countertop over appliances: Most space-efficient
• Separate folding counter: 24-30" deep ideal
• Pull-out surface: Space-saving alternative
• Wall-mounted fold-down table: $150 - $600

Materials:

• Quartz or solid surface: Durable and attractive
• Butcher block: Warm and practical
• Laminate: Budget-friendly

2. Sink Installation: $600 - $2,500

Sink Types:

• Utility sink: $200 - $600
• Deep basin: Best for soaking
• Farmhouse style: $400 - $1,200
• Undermount: $300 - $800

Benefits:

• Hand-wash delicates
• Stain treatment
• Pet bathing
• General cleaning

3. Storage Solutions: $500 - $5,000

Upper Cabinets: $1,000 - $4,000

• Detergent storage
• Cleaning supplies
• Seasonal items
• Towels and linens

Pull-out Features: $200 - $800 each

• Hamper drawers
• Detergent organizers
• Ironing board storage
• Trash/recycling bins

Open Shelving: $300 - $1,500

• Frequently used items
• Decorative storage
• Basket organization
• Display space

4. Hanging Solutions: $200 - $1,000

Drying Rod: $100 - $400

• Wall-mounted or ceiling
• Retractable options
• Pull-down systems
• Multiple rod installations

Clothing Rack: $150 - $600

• On wheels for flexibility
• Built-in options
• Commercial-grade durability

5. Lighting: $300 - $2,000

Task Lighting:

• Overhead ceiling light: $100 - $400
• Recessed can lights: $80 - $150 each
• Under-cabinet lighting: $50 - $150 per foot

Natural Light:

• Windows: Ideal for drying
• Light tube/skylight: $500 - $2,000
• Glass door: $800 - $2,000

6. Organization Accessories: $200 - $1,000

Must-Haves:

• Sorting hampers (3-section): $50 - $200
• Detergent dispensers: $30 - $100
• Drying rack: $30 - $150
• Lint bin: $20 - $60
• Ironing board holder: $30 - $100

Design Styles

Modern Farmhouse: $8,000 - $18,000

Characteristics:

• Shiplap or beadboard walls
• Open shelving
• Farmhouse sink
• Mixed metals

Color Palette:

• White or light gray cabinets
• Natural wood accents
• Black or bronze hardware

Contemporary: $10,000 - $25,000

Characteristics:

• Clean lines
• Handleless cabinets
• Integrated appliances
• Minimalist design

Color Palette:

• White, gray, or navy
• Sleek hardware
• Monochromatic scheme

Traditional: $7,000 - $16,000

Characteristics:

• Raised panel cabinets
• Classic hardware
• Neutral colors
• Timeless design

Color Palette:

• White or cream
• Brushed nickel hardware
• Soft color accents

Industrial: $8,000 - $20,000

Characteristics:

• Exposed elements
• Metal accents
• Open storage
• Edison bulb lighting

Color Palette:

• Gray, black, white
• Raw materials
• Concrete or metal finishes

Smart Laundry Room Features

Smart Appliances: $2,500 - $5,000

Features:

• Remote start via phone
• Cycle notifications
• Energy monitoring
• Automatic detergent dispensing
• Voice control integration

Benefits:

• Start laundry from anywhere
• Receive alerts when done
• Optimize energy usage
• Never forget laundry again

Smart Organization: $500 - $2,000

Digital Integration:

• Tablet mount for tracking: $100 - $300
• USB charging stations: $50 - $150
• Smart lighting controls: $100 - $400
• Automated closet rods: $300 - $1,000

Space-Specific Considerations

Closet Laundry: $3,000 - $8,000

Challenges:

• Very limited space
• Poor ventilation often
• Difficult access

Solutions:

• Stackable appliances essential
• Bifold or pocket door
• Ventilation fan required
• Pull-out features

Basement Laundry: $5,000 - $15,000

Challenges:

• Moisture concerns
• Lower ceilings sometimes
• Concrete floors

Solutions:

• Dehumidifier integration
• Waterproof flooring
• Proper drainage
• Bright lighting essential

Main Floor Laundry: $8,000 - $20,000

Challenges:

• Need attractive finishes
• Noise concerns
• Visual integration with home

Solutions:

• Sound-dampening materials
• High-end finishes
• Pocket or barn doors
• Decorative design

Second Floor Laundry: $10,000 - $25,000

Challenges:

• Plumbing to upper level
• Structural support for weight
• Leak prevention critical

Solutions:

• Leak detection system: $300 - $800
• Reinforced floors
• Water shut-off valves
• Drain pan under machines: $100 - $300

Return on Investment

Laundry room renovations typically return 60-75% of their cost at resale, with higher returns for main floor locations.

Value Factors

High ROI Elements:

• Main floor location (+20-30%)
• Functional layout (+15-20%)
• Adequate storage (+10-15%)
• Quality finishes (+10-15%)
• Sink installation (+10-15%)

Market Performance:

• Family-oriented suburbs: 70-80% ROI
• Urban condos/townhomes: 55-65% ROI
• Luxury homes: 50-60% ROI

Lifestyle Benefits

Daily Improvements:

• Efficient laundry workflow
• Better organization
• Pleasant space to work in
• Reduced stress
• More storage

Home Appeal:

• Modern convenience
• Shows well to buyers
• Demonstrates updated home
• Practical amenity

Planning Your Renovation

1. Assess Current Space

Measure Carefully:

• Room dimensions
• Door width/swing
• Ceiling height
• Window placement
• Utility locations

Identify Pain Points:

• Insufficient storage
• Poor workflow
• Inadequate lighting
• Lack of folding space
• Appliance issues

2. Establish Priority Features

Must-Haves:

• Adequate storage
• Folding surface
• Good lighting
• Efficient layout

Nice-to-Haves:

• Utility sink
• Built-in ironing board
• Pet washing station
• Extra countertop

3. Set Realistic Budget

Budget Allocation:

• Appliances: 25-35%
• Cabinets: 25-30%
• Countertops: 10-15%
• Flooring: 10-15%
• Other finishes: 15-20%
• Contingency: 10-15%

4. Consider Timeline

Phases:

• Planning and design: 2-4 weeks
• Ordering materials: 4-8 weeks
• Demolition: 1-3 days
• Rough-in work: 3-5 days
• Installation: 5-10 days
• Final touches: 2-3 days

Total Timeline: 6-12 weeks

Financing Your Renovation

Home Equity (HELOC)

A HELOC provides flexible financing for laundry room projects:

• Competitive rates: Lower than credit cards or personal loans
• Borrow as needed: Draw funds as project progresses
• Tax benefits: Interest may be deductible for home improvements
• Flexible terms: Pay down and re-borrow during draw period

Alternative Financing

• Home equity loan: Fixed rate, predictable payments
• Personal loan: Unsecured, faster approval
• Credit card: Only for small purchases
• Store financing: Sometimes offered on appliances

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Insufficient storage: Plan for all supplies and linens
2. Poor ventilation: Leads to moisture and odor issues
3. No folding space: Makes laundry tasks frustrating
4. Wrong appliance size: Measure openings carefully
5. Inadequate lighting: Makes space feel cramped
6. Forgetting electrical needs: Plan outlets for all appliances
7. Skipping the sink: Very useful feature worth the cost
8. Poor quality flooring: High-traffic, high-moisture area needs durability

Maximizing Your Investment

1. Prioritize Function

The most beautiful laundry room is useless if it doesn't work well. Focus on efficient workflow first, aesthetics second.

2. Invest in Quality Appliances

Reliable machines are the foundation of your laundry room. Buy the best you can afford.

3. Maximize Storage

You can never have too much storage in a laundry room. Build in as much as your budget and space allow.

4. Choose Durable Materials

This is a hardworking space. Select finishes that can withstand moisture, heavy use, and cleaning products.

5. Plan for Flexibility

Include adjustable shelving and moveable elements that can adapt as your needs change.

Conclusion

A well-designed laundry room renovation transforms a mundane chore into a more efficient and pleasant experience. With costs ranging from $3,000 for cosmetic updates to $30,000+ for complete renovations, most homeowners invest $8,000-$15,000 to create a functional, attractive space that adds 60-75% of its cost to home value.

Whether you're working with a small closet or a dedicated room, thoughtful planning and quality materials will create a laundry space that serves your family efficiently for years to come. By focusing on workflow, storage, and durable finishes, you can design a renovation that delivers both immediate satisfaction and long-term value.

Ready to upgrade your laundry room? Explore financing options like a HELOC that offer competitive rates and flexible borrowing for home improvement projects, allowing you to create the efficient, organized space you deserve.

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