Why Renovate Your Laundry?
A functional laundry adds measurable value at sale time, particularly in family homes. A dated or poorly laid out laundry is a common inspection complaint. Renovation costs are relatively low (typically $5,000–$15,000) compared to bathroom or kitchen projects.
Planning Your Layout
- 1 Washer and dryer stacked or side-by-side — stacking saves floor space
- 2 Tub positioned for easy access (not crammed in a corner)
- 3 Overhead cabinets above appliances for cleaning products
- 4 Broom cupboard: 450mm wide × 600mm deep minimum
- 5 Bench height: 900mm standard — useful for folding clothes
Waterproofing Requirements
Laundries with floor drains and tubs are wet areas under AS 3740 and require waterproofing. Even a 'dry' laundry with a floor drain should be waterproofed — a flooding washing machine is not uncommon. Use the same licensed waterproofer standards as a bathroom.
⚠️ Watch out: Ensure your dryer vents externally through the wall or roof — never into a ceiling cavity. Lint build-up in ceiling cavities is a fire hazard.
Choosing Materials
- 1 Flooring: large format tile or waterproof hybrid — easy to clean, durable
- 2 Splashback: tile or glass behind the tub
- 3 Cabinetry: polyurethane or melamine — both moisture-resistant
- 4 Tapware: choose taps with separate hot and cold for laundry tubs (standard) or mixer for bench tubs
Pro tip: Install a small exhaust fan in your laundry — it's a wet area and needs ventilation to prevent condensation and mould, especially in enclosed laundries.
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