The national average laundry room remodel cost is around $7,000, but it can range from $4,000 to $12,000 depending on various factors such as room size, materials, and labor costs. The cost per square foot for a laundry room remodel typically averages about $230, which includes everything from flooring and cabinetry to plumbing and appliances.
Of course, different factors like fixtures, finishes, space expansion and building materials will raise or lower the renovation price. Minimal DIY jobs can cost as low as $1300 while a full-blown remodel with expansion can set you back upwards of $17,000. It may seem like a hefty cost to remodel a laundry room, but consider it an investment for such a utilitarian space.
So much time is spent doing laundry, storing odd items and keeping cleaning supplies accessible yet away from view. Remodeling a laundry room into a perfectly organized washing and storage space can make everyday tasks more enjoyable. If you’re going to remodel your laundry room, you may as well combine style and function to create a space you enjoy working in.
Small Renovations That Make A Big Difference
When working on a tight budget for a laundry room remodel, aim to complete the following work. It will make a big difference in the design and function of your laundry room without breaking the bank.
Add A Fresh Coat of Paint
A quality paint job for a laundry room will instantly elevate the entire look while also protecting your walls from the inevitable moisture exposure in this space.
Consider using light and subtle colors to promote a sense of calm in a busy area. Neutrals like cream, sandy beiges, vanilla with yellow undertones, and light grays are excellent choices. Alternatively, colorful pastels like yellow, green, or blue can also add a refreshing touch.
Depending on whether you’re painting just the walls, ceiling, floors, or all of the above, painting a laundry room usually costs between $30 and $500 on average.
Fix The Floor
Laundry room flooring should be water-resistant to handle spills, floods, and leaks. Durability and ease of maintenance are essential. We recommend vinyl or epoxy flooring, as these materials are easy to clean, highly durable, and water-resistant while also looking great. Concrete and tile, finished with a waterproof sealant, are also excellent options.
Depending on the flooring material you choose, here are the average costs for purchasing and installing them in 2024:
- Vinyl: $260 to $900 for a 10′ x 10′ room (approximately $2 to $9 per square foot)
- Concrete with sealant: $350 to $1,400 for a 10′ x 10′ room (approximately $4 to $14 per square foot)
- Tile: $360 to $2,500 for a 10′ x 10′ room (approximately $7 to $25 per square foot)
- Epoxy: $460 to $1,400 for a 10′ x 10′ room (approximately $4 to $10 per square foot)
The great thing about remodeling laundry room floors is that you’re covering a relatively small area, making this a cost-effective renovation that can significantly enhance both the look and function of your laundry room.
Install Shelves
The best way to maximize a laundry room’s storage potential is by installing shelves. In 2024, the cost of basic open shelving ranges from $18.30 to $28.27 per linear foot. If you’re looking for more intricate storage solutions, such as a closet or custom cabinet, be prepared to spend $135 to $500 per linear foot for closet installations and $500 to $1,200 per linear foot for custom cabinets.
The great thing about built-in shelving is that it utilizes wall space without sacrificing the openness of your floor space. When done right, shelves not only serve as practical storage solutions but also add to the aesthetic appeal of your laundry room.
Plumbing And Appliances
A significant portion of a laundry room remodel budget will be dedicated to plumbing and appliances. It’s crucial not to cut corners here if you want to avoid future issues.
Plumbing for your washing machine is essential. Installing drain lines for your washing machine costs $450 to $1,100. If you plan to install a sink, running a line and connecting it to a faucet will cost $300 to $1,000.
For sinks and their countertops, expect to pay anywhere from $600 to $3,500 on average. This range covers everything from a simple undermount sink to a farmhouse-style sink.
When it comes to your laundry appliances, such as the washer and dryer, prepare to spend upwards of $3,000. Depending on how you want to set up your appliances, the cost will vary. Here are some 2024 price estimates to guide you:
- Stackable washer dryer setup: $400 to $1,800
- Side-by-side setup: $800 to $4,000
- Fixed stacked setup: $600 to $3,500
- Washer & Dryer combo: $1,200 to $3,000
Several factors can influence the overall cost of a laundry room remodel. To get a realistic budget, you need to consider the square footage of your laundry room and consult with a contractor to decide on the fixtures and renovations you want to include.
Designing Your Laundry Room
To make a laundry room remodel process as efficient and worthwhile as possible, determine what purpose your laundry room will serve. This will help you and your contractors know how to best design the space for maximum utility.
You need to consider what you’ll be doing in the laundry room so you can match the space with the function. Tasks like the following will require space and fixtures you’ll need to consider when designing the laundry room.
- Ironing will need space for an ironing board.
- Steam-cleaning will need space for steam cleaning.
- A drying rack for air-drying.
- A folding station for clothes and linens.
- Space for hampers, baskets and laundry products.
Apart from the purpose of doing laundry, laundry rooms are excellent spaces for storage. Consider what other functions you want your laundry room to have. Instead of treating it like a hodge-podge storage space amidst your laundry, allocate space for specific items to keep things organized. For instance, a laundry room is a great space for:
- Storing cleaning items such mops, brooms, bleach, vinegar, baking soda, multipurpose cleaners etc. This is on top of laundry items such as laundry detergent, dryer sheets, hampers etc.
- Keeping poisons like roach gel accessible yet safely tucked away from pets and children.
- Storing baby clothes that no longer fit.
- Storing seasonal items like holiday decorations and chunky winter apparel.
- Keeping clean linens
- Storing Sewing supplies
At the end of the day, a laundry room remodel should be designed to make your life easier and make the regular chore of doing laundry more pleasant and efficient.
