How Much Does a Laundry Room Remodel Cost?

Highlights

• The national average cost to remodel a laundry room is $8,100, though the cost can range anywhere from $1,300 to $15,000.
• The exact cost for this project will depend on factors such as the room size and location, the cost of labor, the required electrical and plumbing work, and the addition of ventilation.
• Remodeling a laundry room can offer improved functionality, increased energy efficiency and home value, and additional aesthetic appeal.
• A homeowner may be able to complete a minor laundry room remodel as a DIY project; however, if electrical and plumbing work is required, homeowners are advised to hire a professional.

Many people find laundry to be a never-ending task made worse by a disorganized and cramped laundry room. For this reason, remodeling a laundry room or adding a laundry room to a home can have lots of benefits for the homeowner, including improved functionality and higher home value. But how much can a homeowner expect to pay for this home improvement project?

According to Angi, the average laundry room remodel cost is $8,100, but the costs can range from $1,300 to $15,000 depending on the complexity of the remodel, the materials used, the appliances, and more. Regardless of the cost, remodeling the laundry room can make doing the laundry a lot less unpleasant for the homeowner.

Factors in Calculating Laundry Room Remodel Cost

Modern laundry room ideas include lots of storage and space to set laundry baskets and fold clothes. When homeowners are planning a laundry room design, there are many factors to take into account before beginning. These include the size and location of the room, the labor costs of laundry room remodel contractors, the need for plumbing or electrical work, and the addition of ventilation to the room.

Room Size

Laundry rooms serve a very specific purpose and, regardless of the size, generally require the same essentials: a washer and dryer, some cabinets, and a countertop. Therefore, the size of the room won’t affect the cost as much as it might for other remodeling projects. Laundry rooms are typically about 35 square feet but may be as large as 70 square feet or bigger. The cost per square foot is around $230; while this may seem high, homeowners will want to keep in mind that this price generally includes the cost of the laundry room flooring, cabinets, lighting, drying ventilation, and the appliances themselves.

Room Location

If the new laundry room will be in the same location as the old one, there can be significant savings because all of the existing wiring and plumbing can be used. If the laundry room is going to be moved, the location that it’s moving to can impact the price.

For instance, the cost of moving a laundry room upstairs can be as high as $15,000 or more, because new hookups and pipes will have to be installed. A basement laundry room remodel can cost around $7,500. If the existing laundry room is being remodeled, however, the cost can be significantly lower—possibly as low as $1,300 for flooring upgrades, new cabinets, or countertop installation.

Labor

Labor costs charged by contractors can vary depending on the type of contractor, the type of work they do, and their geographic location. Small remodels may cost between $40 and $200 per hour in labor, while a larger, more complicated job can cost as much as $350 per hour.

Electrical and Plumbing

If the laundry room is part of a remodel project, the homeowner or contractor may be able to use the existing electrical and plumbing, which can mean significant savings. But if the laundry room is an addition to an existing home or part of a new build, the homeowner will need to consider electrical and plumbing work in the total project cost. Outlets and light fixtures can each cost around $500 to install, while the wiring for the appliances costs around $160.

The cost of the electrical work will also depend on the type of dryer that’s installed. Because electric dryers use a 240-volt, 30-amp circuit, the existing panel may need to be upgraded, which will add to the total cost.

New washer and dryer connections cost an average of $1,175, while the drain line can cost $1,100. If a professional completes the actual washer and dryer installation, it can cost around $125.

Ventilation

When a dryer’s running, all the hot air needs to be released and go somewhere, which is why proper dryer ventilation is important. Dryer vents typically cost around $400 for installation. This isn’t a place to skimp either, because vents clog easily, creating a potential fire hazard, and some areas may have regulations for what type of dryer vent can be installed.

Additional Costs and Considerations

The cost of a laundry room remodel or addition can vary greatly depending on additional factors such as necessary permits, the type of flooring and countertops, the amount of storage that is installed, and the appliances themselves.

Permits

Depending on where the home is located, the local municipality may require permits for the project. The only way for a homeowner to know for sure is to contact their local government’s permitting office and explain the project to them. If the laundry remodel is small, just some cabinets or new flooring, a permit likely won’t be needed. But for larger projects that require moving walls or building an entirely new space, permits can cost between $500 and $2,000.

Flooring

The cost of flooring depends on the type of flooring that the homeowner chooses. Laundry room flooring needs to be durable and water-resistant as well as stain-resistant. If the laundry room is used frequently, a more durable floor material will perform better for longer. Flooring can run between $280 and $840, and this is in addition to the $155 to $495 that the subflooring will cost. Flooring will be one of the last parts of the project, so it’s possible for the homeowner to decide which flooring is right based on the cost and the budget toward the end of the laundry room remodel or addition.

Storage

One of the best advantages of a new laundry room is the storage. But cabinets can be costly—around $250 at the low end and as high as $2,000 on the upper end. The more customized the cabinets are, the more expensive they will be. Other factors, such as the type of wood they’re made from and their hardware, can impact the price. Homeowners can also include laundry room shelves, cubbies, or wall organizers, which are priced as follows.

Countertops

Regardless of the laundry room size, countertops provide a place to set laundry baskets down and sort or fold a few loads before delivering them to their hangers or drawers. Countertops can help with laundry room organization and cost as little as $300 and run as high as $1,400 depending on the material they’re made from, with higher-end materials costing more.

Lighting

The cost of lighting can be very low, around $30, if all that’s needed is a new light fixture. To rewire the room or run new electricity, the cost can jump to around $500. The cost to install new electrical wiring will also depend on the difficulty of installation and the location of the room. The following table shows the different types of lighting options and their average costs.

Sink

While a sink isn’t required, it can make certain tasks, such as rinsing out stains, much easier and more convenient. Adding a sink typically costs between $350 and $3,000 and will depend on the type of sink chosen, its location, and the difficulty of installation. Drop-in sinks generally have the lowest costs, while farmhouse sinks can easily reach the high end of the price range. Luxury sinks can cost more depending on the materials and features. The table below shows the average costs for different types of utility room sinks.

Washer and Dryer

Buying a new washer and dryer can significantly add to the cost of a laundry room remodel or addition, but they may be worth it in the long run if they make the job easier and are more energy-efficient than the old ones. New appliances can cost between $550 and $2,600, while refinished appliances can cost a little less—between $380 and $1,420. Higher-end appliances with unique features will cost more than basic ones.

Paint

Because laundry rooms are typically small, the cost of paint won’t be a huge factor in the overall cost of the project, but homeowners will still want to consider putting on a new coat. A few gallons of paint, depending on the brand, can cost between $35 and $150. Paint and primer in one is a good way for homeowners to save a step, because it can often cover the area in one coat, but homeowners will want to compare the cost of buying them separately if the budget is tight.

Add-Ons and Accessories

While a laundry room really needs only a washer and dryer to be functional, where’s the fun in that? Adding accessories (such as a Laundry Jet, which costs $800 to $15,000) can make the process of doing laundry easier and more enjoyable and can make the room even more functional. Included below are a few add-ons and accessories for homeowners to consider as part of their laundry room remodel.

Types of Laundry Room Remodels

Choosing the location of the laundry room remodel can affect not only the cost but also the homeowner’s experience. Making the laundry room as convenient and user-friendly as possible can make a huge impact on the laundering experience. Placing the laundry room in a location that’s both out of the way and easily accessible is tricky. Here are some popular places to build a laundry room and their corresponding costs.

Addition

A laundry room addition will likely be the most pricey option because it requires the additional cost of building a room, adding washer and dryer hookups, running electrical wiring, installing plumbing, and more. The cost of a laundry room addition can be $20,000 or more to account for actually adding space to the house.

Basement

A basement laundry room can keep laundry out of sight, but it can also make doing the laundry more difficult because of the need to travel up and down the stairs. It also may not be the most aesthetically pleasing space, depending on the state of the basement. A basement laundry room remodel can cost around $7,500.

Garage

The garage presents another opportunity to keep laundry out of the main living area, but before moving the laundry room to the garage, homeowners are advised to consider the local weather and heat options in the garage (garage heater installation costs range from $150 to $4,000). Often, garage laundry rooms just have the washer and dryer, with installation costing between $1,100 and $4,500, but if the area needs to be otherwise spruced up, cabinets and countertops will add to the final cost.

Laundry Closet

A laundry closet is essentially a miniature version of a laundry room. Small laundry room ideas are perfect for small homes or condos where space is at a premium. And because the space is smaller, the cost is typically lower than it would be for a full-size laundry room. A laundry closet remodel costs between $4,500 and $8,000. Homeowners can save even more space, and possibly money, by learning how to stack their washer and dryer or opting for an all-in-one model.

Mudroom

Mudrooms often act as a catchall space where kids can drop their backpacks after school, dirty boots can sit out of the way, and laundry can be kept out of sight. A mudroom laundry room remodel costs between $4,025 and $8,750.

Upstairs

Moving the laundry room upstairs can increase the cost of the laundry room remodel significantly, but it can also make doing laundry more convenient if that’s where the bedrooms are located. Doing so requires installing new washer and dryer hookups and pipes that will likely have to go farther to reach the washer and dryer than if they were on the first floor or in the basement, which adds to the cost. Extra measures may need to be taken to make sure the washer and dryer don’t vibrate too much and rattle the house when they’re running. The cost to complete an upstairs laundry room remodel can cost as much as $15,000.

Benefits of Opting for a Laundry Room Remodel

Making laundry room remodel ideas come to life is no small task and may leave homeowners without a washer and dryer while the project is completed. But in the long run, opting for a laundry room remodel comes with a host of benefits, including improved functionality, that can make a dreaded chore less daunting. A laundry room remodel can also lead to increased energy efficiency, an increased home value, and better aesthetic appeal.

Improved Functionality

Laundry rooms can get cluttered quickly with incoming and outgoing laundry, baskets, detergent, and more, so improved functionality can make a difficult task a little easier. Installing the right configuration of laundry room cabinets, cubbies, folding tables, and maybe even a laundry jet can streamline the laundry process for all involved.

Increased Energy Efficiency

If the washer and dryer are old and outdated, they may be contributing to increased energy costs. Buying new, energy-efficient appliances can help reduce energy costs and improve the environment—homeowners will just want to make sure to avoid the laundry mistake of using regular detergent. Other ways to improve energy efficiency in a laundry room remodel are to install energy-efficient light bulbs and a touchless faucet and to do laundry at the right time.

Increased Home Value

According to the 2021 What Home Buyers Really Want study conducted by the National Association of Home Builders, 87 percent of buyers rated a laundry room as essential or desirable, and renovating or adding a laundry room can increase home value and give homeowners a good return on their investment. Choosing high-quality materials and planning a thoughtful layout can also help to increase the amount of value that a laundry room remodel will add to the home.

Aesthetic Appeal

Laundry rooms often see piles of dirty (and clean) laundry and accumulate miscellaneous items that have no real home. But adding cupboards, cabinets, and shelves can help wrangle some of the mess and create an aesthetically appealing space that may make doing laundry more enjoyable. Just updating the light fixtures and flooring can make the space more pleasant to be in. It may even become the favorite room in the house.

Laundry Room Remodeling: DIY vs. Hiring a Professional 

There are aspects of a laundry room remodel that are perfect for an experienced DIYer. Changing out light fixtures, replacing old flooring, or installing a few shelves can typically be weekend projects that spruce up the space and don’t break the bank. Other jobs such as installing new electrical wiring and plumbing are more difficult and require specialized knowledge to complete properly. Plumbing can be especially tricky, and making sure that everything is plumbed correctly is essential for avoiding costly leaks and water damage down the road.

One benefit of hiring one of the best home renovation contractors to complete the laundry room remodel or renovation is that they will likely have go-to subcontractors for jobs they don’t do, such as an electrician, plumber, or drywall installer. They can also handle scheduling when the work will be done, allowing the homeowner to go about their daily life with a little less inconvenience than if they were to complete the work themselves.

How to Save Money on Laundry Room Remodel Cost

Laundry room remodel costs can add up quickly, but there are a few things that can be done to help homeowners save some money on the overall cost of the project.

• Leave the washer and dryer where they are. Moving the hookups requires plumbing and can cost between $200 and $800.
• Choose to refinish current appliances rather than buy new ones. This choice can save homeowners between $170 and $1,180.
• Change out fixtures and hardware, or add a fresh coat of paint. These projects are DIY-friendly and can save money while giving the space a refreshed look.
• Keep it simple. Install simple shelves for extra storage, and add baskets or totes to help with organization.
• Freshen it up. For a budget-friendly refresh, install a backsplash or shiplap.

Questions to Ask About Laundry Room Remodeling

Much as with any other home improvement project, homeowners will want to ask their contractor questions that will help them understand the size, scope, and cost of the project. This may involve asking follow-up questions to make sure the answers are clear and the homeowner knows what they’re getting into. Asking questions such as those listed here can also help clarify what the homeowner wants and help their vision come to life.

• Are you properly licensed and insured?
• Who will be completing the actual work?
• Do I need to be present when the work is taking place?
• How will you communicate with me and coordinate with the subcontractors?
• How will you protect the area and any of my belongings when you’re completing the work?
• How long will the project take?
• Can I get a written quote?
• How close are the quote and final cost, typically?
• What are the payment terms?

FAQs

Tackling a home improvement project can be exciting and scary at the same time. And with a laundry room remodel, the homeowner will likely want to have it completed as quickly as possible to minimize the time they are without a washer and dryer. But completing a laundry room remodel can offer rewards such as providing homeowners a nicer place to tackle mountains of laundry and increasing your home value. Listed here are some frequently asked questions that homeowners may be asking themselves.

Q. Is a laundry room a good investment?

A laundry room can be a good investment for you and your life, as it can make doing laundry more enjoyable and efficient. It can also increase the home value and be an appealing feature when it’s time to sell your home. Choosing high-quality, durable materials can make this an even better investment, as you won’t have to worry about fixing or replacing things as frequently.

Q. How hard is it to add a washer-dryer hookup?

Adding a washer-dryer hookup is relatively straightforward for a plumbing professional. But it does come at a cost—typically between $200 and $800. Along with installing new plumbing, you’ll need an emergency water shutoff valve, which costs around $20, and depending on the electrical panel you have, you may need an upgrade to meet the dryer’s power needs.

Q. Do laundry rooms require a floor drain?

According to the International Residential Code (IRC) and the International Plumbing Code (IPC), laundry rooms don’t require a floor drain. Installing a floor drain can be time-consuming and labor intensive, so not including one in the laundry room renovation can help save you time and money. In some cases, homeowners may choose to include a laundry room floor drain, which would be handy if the washer were to overflow or leak, but the drain isn’t required.

Q. What is the average size of a laundry room?

Laundry rooms are typically one of the smaller rooms in the home, with the average laundry room measuring 5 feet by 7 feet for a total of 35 square feet. Some homeowners include a laundry room as part of a larger mudroom, bathroom, or utility room, which can double or even triple the amount of square feet of the room.

Q. Can I convert a laundry room into a bathroom?

Yes, you can convert a laundry room into a bathroom if you need an extra bathroom and are moving your laundry room elsewhere. One of the larger tasks that come with converting a laundry room to a bathroom is changing the outlets designed for a washer and dryer to ones that are standard to a bathroom, though this project can be completed by an electrician. Other considerations include adding plumbing for the toilet and shower.

Sources: Angi, HomeAdvisor, Fixr, 

 

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