How Much Does a Laundry Renovation Cost in Auckland?
Planning a laundry renovation in Auckland and wondering about the cost? You’re not alone. This is one of the most common questions we get from homeowners budgeting for a makeover of their laundry room. The truth is, laundry renovation costs in Auckland can range widely – typically from around NZ$10,000 up to $40,000 for a mid to high-end project, depending on what you want to achieve. While it’s possible to do a minor DIY refresh for less, most people searching “How much does a laundry renovation cost in Auckland?” are looking for clarity on a full renovation budget – and that’s exactly what we’ll explain here. In this article, we’ll break down the key cost factors, typical price ranges in 2025, and some insider tips for designing a functional, beautiful laundry. (Pro Tip: if you’d like a quick ballpark figure tailored to your space, try our online cost estimator – get a free quote in 60 seconds!)
A high-end laundry we completed recently in Point Chevalier, in Auckland
Factors Influencing the Cost of a Laundry Renovation
Several factors will determine whether your laundry renovation ends up at the lower or higher end of the budget range. Here are the main considerations that impact cost:
Size of the Space & Layout Changes: The square footage of your laundry and how much you reconfigure the layout play a big role in cost. Enlarging the laundry room or moving walls/plumbing will add to the expense. A simple like-for-like replacement in a small space costs less than a full redesign where you, say, relocate the washer, add a sink, or knock through to create a combined laundry-mudroom. More complex layout changes mean more labour and potentially council consent if plumbing is significantly moved (in Auckland, moving plumbing or making structural changes may require building consent).
Scope of Work (Cosmetic vs. Full Remodel): Are you just giving the space a facelift, or doing a full gut-and-renovation? A basic cosmetic update – like repainting walls, swapping out an old laundry tub, and maybe installing flat-pack cabinets – can be done relatively cheaply. However, a full renovation (what we specialize in) involves replacing cabinetry, flooring, splashback, lighting, and possibly improving the layout with custom carpentry. Full remodels naturally cost more but deliver a dramatic improvement in functionality and aesthetics. (We’ve found that tiny patch-up jobs often aren’t worth it in the long run – a comprehensive renovation provides far better value and longevity.)
Materials and Finishes: The quality of materials and finishes has a major impact on cost. For example, laminate benchtops and melamine cabinetry are budget-friendly, whereas stone or solid wood benchtops and custom-made cabinetry cost more. High-end tiles or natural stone for flooring and splashbacks will also raise the price. As a rule, premium finishes can elevate a mid-range renovation into a luxury one, both in looks and budget. New Zealand renovation guides show that even within a given budget range, your choices (laminate vs quartz countertop, basic vinyl flooring vs porcelain tiles, etc.) will influence where you land in the cost spectrum.
Fixtures & Appliances: Don’t forget to factor in appliances and plumbing fixtures. Many Auckland laundry renovations include upgrading to a new washing machine and dryer (especially if stacking or integrating them into cabinetry), a new laundry sink/tub, and tapware. High-quality or luxury-brand appliances will increase costs upfront – for instance, opting for a premium brand heat-pump dryer and front-loading washer can add a few thousand dollars. The same goes for fixtures like a stainless steel or ceramic butler’s sink and designer faucet versus a basic freestanding tub. However, investing in reliable appliances and fixtures can pay off in performance and longevity. (We’ll talk more about brands in the next section.)
Labour and Project Complexity: Professional labour is a significant part of the budget. This includes builders/carpenters, plumbers, electricians, tilers, painters, and project management. In Auckland, labour rates tend to be higher than the New Zealand average, which means renovations here will cost a bit more than elsewhere in the country. Working in a tight laundry space can also be fiddly, and if your project involves complex tasks (e.g. rerouting plumbing lines, extensive tiling, or custom cabinetry fabrication), the labour time and cost will increase. We always use qualified, licensed tradespeople – ensuring the job is done right and complies with local building codes – but quality workmanship does come at a price. Additionally, factor in any permit or consent costs if required (generally, like-for-like replacements won’t need council consent, but adding new plumbing connections or structural changes might – we can advise and handle permits for you if needed).
By considering these factors, you can start to see where your renovation might fall on the cost spectrum. Next, let’s look at some typical price ranges for laundry renovations in Auckland and what you get for those budgets.
Another stunning laundry project we completed in Ponsonby, Auckland
Typical Laundry Renovation Cost Ranges in 2025
So, how much should you budget for your laundry makeover? While every project is unique, here are some ballpark cost ranges for laundry renovations in Auckland (including design, materials, and labor). These estimates reflect the 2025 market and assume using a professional renovation service (like us) for a high-quality result:
Basic Refresh (Under $10,000): This is the low end of the scale – often in the $5,000 to $10,000 bracket, and sometimes even as low as ~$3,000 if you DIY heavily. A budget like this might cover cosmetic updates only. For example, painting existing walls, installing an inexpensive pre-fabricated laundry tub/cabinet, and maybe some open shelving. You might keep your existing appliances and simply rearrange or tidy the space. Note: We typically find such minimal makeovers have limited impact – they’re fine for a quick spruce-up, but they won’t address bigger issues like lack of storage or poor layout. Homeowners who want a true transformation usually look to the next tier of budget.
Mid-Range Upgrade (NZ$10,000 – $20,000): This is the most common budget range for a proper laundry renovation in Auckland. For about $10k to $20k, you can expect a full upgrade of a standard-sized laundryusing good-quality (but not ultra-luxury) materials. This typically includes installing new cabinetry and a benchtop, a new sink and modern tapware, updated flooring (for example, tile or high-quality vinyl) and splashback, improved lighting, and possibly new mid-range appliances. Essentially, the laundry room is completely refreshed with durable, stylish finishes – often custom-designed cabinetry is achievable in this range, using materials like laminate or MDF with thermofoil wrap, and mid-tier countertops (engineered stone or high-end laminate). Industry examples in NZ show that a small-to-medium laundry reno with some cabinetry, benchtop, and fittings falls in this $10–20k range. This investment gives you a functionally like-new laundry with greatly improved storage and appearance. (For instance, a mid-range project might include building cabinetry to hide your washer/dryer, adding a decent laminate benchtop for folding, a tiled backsplash, and storage cabinets – all professionally installed.)
High-End Luxury Renovation ($20,000 – $40,000+): Once you get above ~$20k, you’re looking at higher-end or larger laundry renovations. Budgets in the $20k–$40k range allow for premium materials and bespoke features. In this category, you can afford custom cabinetry built by specialist joiners (perhaps using hardwood, plywood, or lacquered finishes), stone or composite stone benchtops, designer sinks and faucets, high-end tiles or even natural stone surfaces, and top-of-the-line appliances (think brands like Miele or high-spec Bosch). You may also undertake minor building work, such as altering the room layout, adding a window or external door, or combining the laundry with a mudroom or extra storage room. Essentially, this is a complete overhaul – you’re paying for quality craftsmanship and a tailor-made laundry. According to renovation guides, a medium-to-large laundry project with structural tweaks and luxury finishes will start around $20k and up. For example, with a ~$30,000 budget a client could get floor-to-ceiling cabinetry, a stone countertop and splashback, under-cabinet lighting, a built-in ironing board, heating/ventilation upgrades, and premium appliances installed. High-end projects may also involve interior designers or specialist design input (which we provide in-house as part of our service). The result is a truly premium laundry space that wouldn’t be out of place in an architectural magazine.
Keep in mind these ranges are general guidelines. The lower end of a bracket might assume you’re retaining some elements (perhaps reusing your existing washer/dryer or keeping the layout the same), whereas the upper end means a fuller scope of work. Auckland homeowners should also remember that renovation costs here run about 10–20% higher than the New Zealand average due to higher local labor and material costs. In other words, a $15k laundry reno in another town might be $18k in Auckland. Budgeting a bit extra as a contingency (say 10% of the project cost) is wise, as surprises can happen once work begins (like discovering plumbing issues or timber rot behind an old tub)
CTA: Get an instant estimate. If you’d like to get a personalized estimate for your laundry renovation, we offer a free online Cost Estimator tool – get a free quote in 60 seconds by answering a few quick questions about your space! (Or feel free to call us for a no-obligation consultation.)
Quality Materials and Trusted Brands Matter
When renovating a laundry, it’s not just about the dollars – how you spend that budget is crucial. We believe in using high-quality materials and trusted brands so that your new laundry not only looks great but also performs well for years to come. Here are some ways we incorporate quality into every project:
Durable Cabinetry & Benchtops: Laundry rooms see a lot of wear and tear (think moisture, heat from dryers, and heavy detergent containers scraping surfaces). We therefore recommend materials that can handle it. For cabinetry, we often use moisture-resistant MDF or plywood bases with hard-wearing finishes like thermofoil or laminate for mid-range projects, and upgraded options like solid timber veneers or 2-pot lacquer finishes for high-end projects All our cabinets are made by experienced joiners to fit your space perfectly. For benchtops, we ensure you get something waterproof and tough – popular choices include high-pressure laminates for budget-conscious renovations, and engineered stone (quartz) or stainless steel for a premium touch. A solid benchtop is key in a laundry, since it’s your work surface for folding, treating stains, etc. We suggest at least a 600 mm depth countertop for plenty of workspace. Cutting corners on cheap materials might save a few dollars now, but can lead to swelling cabinets or chipped counters down the line – so we steer our clients towards quality that lasts.
Top-Tier Hardware & Fixtures: Even the “small” details like hinges, drawer slides, and tap mixers should be good quality in a new laundry. We use trusted hardware brands (for example, BLUM or Hafele soft-close hinges and drawer runners) to ensure your cabinet doors won’t sag and your drawers glide smoothly. For plumbing fixtures, reliability is key – laundry taps and connectors should be leak-free and robust. We often install NZ-favorite brands for tapware and sinks that have proven performance. And if you’re upgrading from an old plastic “SuperTub” to a proper built-in sink, you’ll appreciate the difference in both function and appearance! Quality fixtures might cost a bit more upfront, but they prevent headaches (no one wants a faucet that fails in two years). We also advise on proper ventilation solutions – for instance, a good extractor fan to whisk away moisture and prevent mould growth in our humid Auckland climate (an often overlooked but critical component of a well-performing laundry).
Reputable Appliance Brands: Your washing machine and dryer are the heart of the laundry. We can work with any appliances you choose, but we’ll definitely guide you towards brands with a strong track record. In New Zealand, Fisher & Paykel and Bosch are popular choices – in fact, they earned the Consumer NZ “People’s Choice” award for customer satisfaction in washing machines. These brands offer a range from mid-level to high-end models. For clients seeking the ultimate laundry appliances, we often recommend looking at Miele or ASKO – while they come at a premium price, they are renowned for quality and longevity (many consider Miele the gold standard for laundry machines). Ultimately, we want your appliances to last as long as your new cabinetry, so investing in a reliable washer/dryer is wise. We’ll help ensure the units fit perfectly into your new layout – whether side by side under a bench or stacked in a cabinet enclosure. And yes, we handle the installation and can coordinate any specialty appliance needs (like venting a dryer or setting up a drainage for a condensing dryer).
By using good brands and materials, your laundry will not only look “luxury” but will also stand up to daily use. We’ve seen too many renovations elsewhere where cheap particleboard cabinets puff up from a bit of moisture, or bargain appliances give out early. That won’t happen on our watch. Our goal is a laundry that feels high-quality – solid doors, smooth hardware, and appliances you can trust. It’s part of why our renovations skew towards mid-range and higher; we want to deliver lasting value, not just the lowest cost quick fix.
A render we completed for a client for a Herne Bay Laundry
Custom Design and Layout Planning (We Do It All)
One thing that sets us apart is that we handle both the design and the build of your laundry renovation in-house. In other words, we are a full-service team: we’ll work with you to design the optimal layout for your laundry, and then our skilled tradespeople will bring that design to life. This “design-build” approach ensures you get a cohesive experience and a result that suits your needs perfectly. Let’s talk about the design aspect first – because a smart layout can make even a small laundry so much better:
When you engage us for a laundry renovation, we start by understanding how you use your laundry and what wishlist items you have (e.g. “I need more storage” or “I want room to hang delicates” or “Can we fit a laundry in this nook?”). We then generate a custom laundry layout that maximizes your space. Often clients are amazed by how much more functional their laundry becomes with a few clever design tweaks. Here are some design elements we often include:
Efficient Use of Space: Many Auckland homes have compact laundries, so every centimeter counts. We design cabinetry to fit your room dimensions exactly – no wasted gaps. This could mean overhead cabinets above machines, a tall broom cupboard in the corner, or even creating space for a built-in laundry basket. One popular feature is a pull-out hamper or hidden laundry basket built into the cabinetry, which keeps dirty clothes off the floor and out of sight. We can also build open shelving or racks for easy access to everyday items. If your washer and dryer are separate units, we’ll discuss stacking them to save floor space (provided it’s practical for you). Every layout is unique to the client’s needs – for example, pet owners might want a little cubby for pet towels or a dog-wash station, whereas others might prioritize a hanging rail for shirts straight out of the wash.
Ergonomics & Workflow: A well-designed laundry should make laundry day easier, not a chore. We pay attention to workflow: for instance, placing the hamper near the washing machine, ensuring there’s counter space right next to the machines for sorting/folding, and aligning the height of appliances with benchtops for a seamless surface. We also ensure there’s enough room to move – you won’t have to do that awkward sidestep around an open dryer door because we plan sufficient clearance into the design. Additionally, we think about bench height and depth – our designs aim for a comfortable bench height (around kitchen counter height) and recommend a deep bench (around 600mm) so you can fold large items without things constantly falling off the edge. Little touches like a built-in ironing board or a hanging rod for drip-dry clothes can make a big difference in usability, so we’ll incorporate those if they suit your routine.
Lighting and Ventilation: Often, original laundry rooms are dingy or stuffy. We make sure to improve that by adding proper lighting (ceiling lights, under-cabinet lights, or even a skylight if budget permits) and addressing ventilation. As mentioned earlier, Auckland’s climate means moisture can lead to mold, so if your laundry lacks a window or good airflow, we’ll install a quality exhaust fan to vent damp air outside. Good lighting, both natural and artificial, will make the space more pleasant and safe to work in (no more mismatched socks in dim light!). We’ve transformed many dark, neglected laundries into bright, inviting spaces you won’t mind spending time in.
And the best part? We provide detailed drawings and even 3D design previews as part of our service. After our initial consultation and measure-up, our designer will create a plan and renderings of your new laundry so you can visualize how it will look and function – before any construction begins. This way, you can give input and make tweaks to the layout or style. We find this design phase crucial to get right, especially in a small space where every decision counts. (It’s also fun for homeowners to see their “dream laundry” in a realistic image – it makes the renovation feel real and exciting!)
Once the design is approved, our build team swings into action. We handle everything: demolition of the old laundry, arranging plumbers and electricians to do the necessary fittings (e.g. moving water outlets, adding power points for your dryer/washer), installing cabinetry, laying new flooring or tiles, painting, and finishing touches. Because our designers and builders work together closely, the handoff from design to construction is smooth – everyone is on the same page about the plan. You don’t have to juggle separate contractors or worry about details falling through the cracks. Our project manager will coordinate the timeline so that the whole renovation is as efficient as possible, minimizing the time your laundry is out of action. In many cases, a standard laundry renovation can be completed in a matter of a few weeks (typically a 2-4 week timeframe for an average project). Of course, more extensive projects (especially those involving construction or waiting on stone countertop fabrication, etc.) can stretch longer – a truly major laundry overhaul might take 4-6 weeks. We will give you a clear schedule before we start, so you know exactly what to expect. And we always strive to stick to deadlines, because we know having your laundry out of commission can be disruptive – we’ll even help set up a temporary solution if needed (for example, moving your washer to a garage temporarily) so you’re not stuck without facilities during the renovation.
To sum up this section: we offer end-to-end service, from concept to completion. You’ll get a custom-designed laundry layout that checks all your boxes, plus quality construction and installation by our experienced team. The result is a laundry that isn’t just an afterthought, but a well-integrated, highly functional part of your home. Our Auckland clients often tell us they can’t believe the difference – laundry chores become easier and the room actually becomes one of their favorite small spaces after a makeover!
How Long Does a Laundry Renovation Take?
We touched on timeline above, but let’s address it clearly because it’s another common question. A laundry renovation is generally quicker than a kitchen or full bathroom reno, but it still involves multiple trades and steps. For a basic laundry update (no structural changes), work on-site might be as short as 1 to 2 weeks. This would cover removal of old fixtures, installation of new cabinetry and fittings, and finishing surfaces. On the other hand, a more extensive renovation – say you’re rebuilding the laundry from scratch, installing lots of cabinetry, new flooring, maybe relocating plumbing – can take around 4 to 6 weeks of work. Why the range? Factors include the availability of custom-made components (cabinetry lead times can be a couple of weeks), the drying/curing time for things like tiling and painting, and scheduling of different trades in sequence. We also account for any Auckland Council inspections or sign-offs if those are needed (for instance, if we had to get consent for something, that can add a little time).
Rest assured, we will give you a project timeline and keep you updated at each stage. We pride ourselves on efficient project management – ordering all materials in advance and having the plan locked in – so that downtime is minimized. Many of our laundry renovations are completed swiftly and smoothly, allowing you to get back to washing clothes without much disruption. And if you’re renovating an existing laundry, we know you might be worried about being without a washing machine for long – we can often arrange to have the new machine installed and operational even if cabinetry is still being finished, or find other creative solutions to keep the inconvenience minimal. Your comfort and satisfaction are important to us throughout the process.
Ready to Transform Your Laundry? Get Your Free Quote
If you’re considering a laundry renovation in Auckland, now is a great time to do it – material costs have stabilized compared to the volatile years of 2021-22, and modern design ideas can truly elevate your laundry’s utility. Whether you need a mid-range upgrade to improve storage and look, or a complete luxury overhaul, our team is here to help you every step of the way.
Get started by reaching out for a free consultation or try our quick online cost estimator. In just 60 seconds, you can get an initial quote for your dream laundry – Get a free quote in 60 seconds and see how affordable your renovation could be! We’ll then follow up to arrange a detailed in-home assessment, where we’ll firm up the design, budget, and timeline to suit your needs.
Don’t settle for a poky, uninspiring laundry that barely serves its purpose. With the right design and quality renovation, your laundry room can become a pleasure to use – imagine actually enjoying the process of doing laundry in a space that is organized, efficient, and easy on the eyes. Plus, a revamped laundry with plenty of storage and modern conveniences will add value and appeal to your home (it’s one of those small quality-of-life improvements that future buyers love to see).
Ready to take the next step? Contact us today to discuss your laundry renovation in Auckland. We’re happy to answer any questions, provide guidance, and of course, offer a free, no-obligation quote. Let’s work together to turn your laundry into a space you’ll love!