Doing the laundry might not be the most glamorous or enjoyable of tasks, but it could definitely be made a whole lot more pleasant by renovating the space in which it is carried out. Transforming a laundry room isn’t a small job and there is alot to consider, so it can be hard to estimate just what is involved and how much it will all cost.
We’ve compiled a handy laundry renovation checklist including how to renovate a laundry room and a laundry renovation cost guide. We hope this will help you to plan your laundry renovation and ensure that the project is up to code and runs as smoothly as possible.
Photo: Getty Images/imaginima
Important preparations when considering a laundry renovation
Contact your local council
Request information from your local Development Control Plan (DCP) regarding what kind of licenses and permits you will need for a laundry room renovation. Permits may differ between apartments and houses, or, depending upon the project’s scope, there may be no permit required at all. If you are extending your home’s footprint it’s likely you will require a permit, whilst renovating an existing space may not need one. If you do require a permit, it may take up to 15 business days to obtain.
Review your home insurance
It’s a good idea to regularly review your home insurance policy to ensure that your property is adequately protected. While it may not be necessary to inform your insurer of your intended project, it’s important to check the policy to make sure you are appropriately covered.
Test for hazardous materials
If you are planning to handle insulation or remove a drywall and your property was built before 1980, it’s important to engage the help of a hazardous materials expert. Materials such as asbestos and lead are hazardous to our health and need to be removed and discarded professionally and safely.
Organise a structural test
If your project involves moving or removing any walls, you may need to consult with a framing specialist who can assess whether the plan is structurally sound.
Communicate with your neighbours
If you live in an apartment building or similar, it may require you to give your neighbours notification as to your project’s timeline and any key disruptions.
Disconnect services
It is especially important if you plan to carry out any plumbing work, that you disconnect electricity, water and any other services. Ensure that everything is safely disconnected before you commence works to avoid disaster.
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Laundry renovation cost: Budgeting for your project
Permits
If your project requires a permit, it will cost between $500 and $2,000
Hazardous materials
If you have potentially hazardous materials that need to be tested and possibly removed, the cost will vary depending on what the materials are, so consult with a local professional on this.
Structural testing
Again, consult with a local tradesman for a quote on this if you need a framing specialist
Plumbing
A plumber’s hourly working rate typically ranges between $100 and $150 depending on the area you live and the extent of the plumber’s experience. Replacing and fitting basin taps may cost between $80 and $250 and installing a sink or basin could be anywhere from $150 to $550.
Carpentry
A carpenter’s hourly rate ranges from $40 to $80, depending on location. These rates will also depend upon the task at hand – bespoke cabinetry or custom installations require a highly skilled carpenter that may charge $80 or more per hour.
Painting
Painters typically charge based on square meterage. In Australia, the average rate is usually between $12 and $30 per square metre.
Tiling
Tilers charge anywhere between $45 and $150 per square metre, including the cost of preparing the floor and waterproofing. This rate will vary depending on the materials used. For example, vinyl tiles are easier to work with and cost less to lay than quarry or ceramic tiles that are a bit more cumbersome and therefore more expensive.
Appliances
The primary appliances for a laundry room are a washer and dryer, or a combo unit. The costs of these appliances can vary greatly and will depend upon your individual needs and preferences.
- Washer – Depending on the brand and its energy star rating, washers cost between $300 – $1,500
- Dryer – Depending on the brand and its energy star rating, dryers cost between $500 – $2,000
- Washer/Dryer Combo – These are a great option if you have a limited budget and/or limited space, costing between $500 – $2,000
Materials
- Exhaust fan – these can be a wise investment if you have a dryer, as it will reduce the humid moisture in the room. They typically cost between $30 – $150
- Cabinetry – depending on whether you need to have them custom built and the type of material you choose, this can cost anywhere from $300 to $2,000
- Flooring – Laundry rooms often have either vinyl or tile flooring for easy cleaning. Depending on the quality and supplier, tiles typically cost from $35 to $55 per square metre, or as much as $100 per square metre for natural, high quality stone tiles.
- Basin/sink – Again, the cost will, of course, depend upon quality and brand. Custom ceramic, stone or marble basins can cost thousands, but a standard sink is more in the region of between $100 and $500. A laundry trough unit combines a cabinet and a tub and costs between $250 and $1,250
- Tapware – The amount you spend on tapware will largely depend upon your design preferences and budgetary constraints, as they can range from as little as $50 to over $500.
What tradespeople do you need?
If you are attempting to renovate your laundry to a tight budget, it may be tempting to opt to carry out as much of the work yourself as you can. However, here are some considerations regarding how much professional assistance you may require.
Hazardous materials specialist
If asbestos or lead is present and you need to work with it, around it, or remove it, it’s essential that you engage a professional. These materials are dangerous to your health and it simply isn’t worth the risk of handling them unsafely.
Structural specialist
Again, not worth the risk of saving a few bucks when the structural integrity of your property is at stake.
Electricians and plumbers
Depending upon the extent of your renovations, you may want to engage an electrician and/or plumber. Moving electrical points is dangerous to carry out without proper training, and attempting to do your own plumbing could result in flooding down the track if not done properly.
Carpenters
Cabinetry and benchtop installation can be harder than it looks and certainly you’ll want to engage with a carpenter if you are having anything custom built. If you really need to cut corners, are handy with tools and are ordering easy-to-install cabinetry, then it’s possible you could save on the cost of a carpenter. You can always call one in if things aren’t going smoothly.
Painters
Professional painters certainly get the job done to a very high standard, but this certainly an area that you can save money on by opting to do the job for yourself. Your local hardware or paint store can assist you with the materials you need.
Tilers
It’s not beyond the realms of possibility to successfully lay your own tiles, but again, there’s a lot more to it than meets the eye. Between surface preparation, waterproofing and cutting and laying the tiles accurately, there’s a lot to get right to ensure a quality finish.
Houseace can help!
If you are feeling overwhelmed by the laundry renovation process or simply don’t have the time or inclination to manage the project yourself, then let us help! Here at Houseace, we streamline the process to make it hassle-free and convenient, matching you to an experienced project planner to make renovating your laundry room an enjoyable experience. For an accurate laundry renovation cost quote, or get in touch today on 1300304367 or hello@houseace.com.au for more information or renovation advice.
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