How much does a laundry room remodel cost on average?

A basic laundry room refresh — new paint, flooring, and updated fixtures — runs $1,500 to $4,000. A mid-range remodel adding cabinets, a utility sink, and new appliances runs $6,000 to $12,000. A full custom laundry room with high-end cabinetry, custom counters, tile, and premium appliances runs $15,000 to $25,000 or more.

Does adding a utility sink require a permit?

Yes, in most jurisdictions. Any new plumbing connection — including a utility sink where one didn't exist before — requires a plumbing permit. Relocating existing drain or supply lines also requires a permit. The permit itself typically costs $75 to $250, but failing to pull it can create title issues when you sell the home.

What is the ROI on a laundry room remodel?

Laundry rooms are considered a 'necessitated space' by most real estate appraisers, meaning upgrades add comfort and function but don't typically generate dollar-for-dollar returns at resale. Industry surveys suggest homeowners recover 50–70 cents on the dollar for laundry room upgrades, compared to 60–80 cents for kitchen and bathroom remodels. The primary value is daily-use quality of life, not resale.

Can I convert a closet into a laundry room?

Closet-to-laundry conversions are feasible if you can route plumbing supply and drain lines plus a dedicated 240V electrical circuit to the space. Proximity to existing plumbing stacks is the biggest cost driver — the closer the closet is to existing lines, the lower the conversion cost. Budget $4,000 to $10,000 for a basic closet conversion, more if plumbing must travel more than 10 feet.

How long does a laundry room remodel take?

A basic cosmetic refresh takes 1 to 3 days. A mid-range remodel with cabinetry, a utility sink, and flooring replacement typically takes 1 to 2 weeks including rough-in plumbing and electrical. A full custom laundry room runs 2 to 4 weeks. Permit processing adds 1 to 4 weeks in most jurisdictions before work can begin.

Laundry Room Remodel Cost Guide 2026: What Homeowners Actually Pay

May 13, 2026 · Cost Guide · 4 min read

Laundry room remodels cost $1,500 to $25,000 depending on scope, and most homeowners underestimate the final price until bids come in. A cosmetic refresh — new paint, flooring, and an updated light fixture — lands at the low end. Installing a utility sink, adding built-in cabinetry, and replacing appliances pushes into the $8,000–$15,000 range. A full gut remodel with custom cabinetry, tile, and premium appliances routinely exceeds $20,000 in competitive markets. The two biggest cost variables are plumbing changes and electrical service capacity.

Cost by Project Tier

Basic Refresh: $1,500–$4,000

A basic refresh updates aesthetics without touching plumbing or structural elements. Typical scope:

Paint (walls and ceiling, professional): $200–$600
Flooring replacement (vinyl or LVP) for a 60–80 sq ft room: $600–$1,500
New light fixture installed: $150–$400
Freestanding shelving units: $100–$400
Hardware and trim updates: $100–$300

Mid-Range Remodel: $5,000–$12,000

A mid-range remodel adds meaningful storage and function to an underperforming space:

Stock or semi-custom cabinetry installed: $2,000–$5,000
Utility sink with faucet (materials): $300–$800; installation if new plumbing connections required: $500–$1,200
Countertop (laminate or butcher block, installed): $400–$900
Tile or quality LVP flooring: $800–$2,000
Mid-range washer/dryer pair: $1,200–$3,000
New dedicated electrical circuit if needed: $400–$900

Full Custom: $15,000–$25,000+

A high-end laundry room competes with kitchen build quality and prices accordingly:

Custom or semi-custom cabinetry: $6,000–$14,000
Quartz or stone countertops: $1,200–$2,500
Full tile work (floor-to-ceiling or feature wall): $2,000–$5,000
Built-in ironing board, drying racks, or pull-out hampers: $500–$2,000
Premium front-load appliances (washer/dryer set): $2,500–$5,000
Radiant heated floor (small room): $500–$1,500

Plumbing: The Biggest Cost Variable

Plumbing work drives more cost variance than any other laundry room element. If your room already has a utility sink rough-in — supply and drain lines stubbed out and capped — adding a sink runs $300–$600. If no rough-in exists, running new lines from the nearest stack can cost $800–$2,500 depending on distance and whether floors or walls must be opened. Moving the washer drain connection to accommodate a new cabinetry layout adds $400–$1,200 in most markets.

Before finalizing your layout, confirm the location of existing supply and drain lines with a licensed plumber before demolition begins. Discovering during demolition that the drain run is on the opposite wall from your planned sink location is an expensive and avoidable surprise.

Electrical Considerations

Electric dryers require a dedicated 240V/30A circuit. Gas dryers require a dedicated 120V/20A circuit plus a gas line. If you're switching fuel types, factor in conversion costs:

New 240V dryer circuit from the panel: $400–$900
Gas line stub-out where none exists: $300–$800
Electrical panel upgrade if existing panel lacks capacity: $1,500–$4,000

Front-load washer/dryer pedestals require outlets at a specific height — verify your electrician places any new outlets at the correct elevation for pedestal-mounted machines if that's your plan. Outlets added at floor level for standard stacked machines will be in the wrong position for pedestal machines.

Flooring Options and Costs

Laundry rooms are high-moisture environments, and flooring choice matters more than in dry rooms. Cost ranges for a typical 60–80 sq ft space:

Sheet vinyl: $250–$600 installed. Completely waterproof, low maintenance, limited aesthetic range.
Luxury vinyl plank (LVP): $450–$1,100 installed. Waterproof core, better aesthetics, click-lock installation is DIY-accessible.
Ceramic or porcelain tile: $700–$1,800 installed. Most durable, fully waterproof, highest-end look. Cold underfoot without radiant heat; grout requires periodic maintenance.
Epoxy: $400–$900 installed. Extremely durable, seamless, requires professional application for lasting results.

Cabinets and Storage

Most laundry rooms are undersupplied with storage, and well-designed cabinetry has an outsized effect on how functional the space feels. Options by tier:

Stock cabinets (IKEA, Home Depot): $800–$2,000 for materials in a typical layout; $400–$800 for installation. Available immediately or with up to a 2-week lead time.
Semi-custom cabinets: $2,000–$4,500 installed. More size and finish options than stock; 3–6 week lead time.
Custom cabinets: $5,000–$10,000+ installed. Built to exact dimensions; 8–16 week lead time. Usually justified only in rooms with non-standard dimensions or when matching cabinetry elsewhere in the home is a priority.

A wall-mounted or fold-down ironing board runs $150–$400 for hardware; installation in a cabinet or wall adds $100–$250 if not part of a broader cabinetry project.

How to Prioritize When Budget Is Limited

If you can't do everything in one phase, this sequencing delivers the most value per dollar spent:

Cabinetry and storage first: The functional improvement from closed storage versus open shelving or no storage is immediate and daily.
Waterproof flooring second: Protects the subfloor from long-term moisture damage; addressing this early prevents expensive structural repairs later.
Utility sink third: Only if you regularly hand-wash items or need a pre-treatment station. Skip if it would require extensive new plumbing runs that push you significantly over budget.
Appliances last: Defer unless current machines are failing. Energy Star models save $50–$150/year in utilities, but the payback period on new appliances alone is long.

For setting a realistic total home improvement budget and prioritizing across competing projects, the remodeling budget guide covers how to allocate dollars when everything needs attention. When it comes time to hire a contractor, the contractor hiring checklist explains what to verify before signing any agreement. For a full breakdown of remodeling costs across every room in the house, the whole-home remodel cost breakdown places laundry room costs in context with kitchens, bathrooms, and additions. Browse home remodeling contractors by city or find remodelers near you with verified laundry room and utility space experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a laundry room remodel cost on average?: A basic laundry room refresh — new paint, flooring, and updated fixtures — runs $1,500 to $4,000. A mid-range remodel adding cabinets, a utility sink, and new appliances runs $6,000 to $12,000. A full custom laundry room with high-end cabinetry, custom counters, tile, and premium appliances runs $15,000 to $25,000 or more.
Does adding a utility sink require a permit?: Yes, in most jurisdictions. Any new plumbing connection — including a utility sink where one didn't exist before — requires a plumbing permit. Relocating existing drain or supply lines also requires a permit. The permit itself typically costs $75 to $250, but failing to pull it can create title issues when you sell the home.
What is the ROI on a laundry room remodel?: Laundry rooms are considered a 'necessitated space' by most real estate appraisers, meaning upgrades add comfort and function but don't typically generate dollar-for-dollar returns at resale. Industry surveys suggest homeowners recover 50–70 cents on the dollar for laundry room upgrades, compared to 60–80 cents for kitchen and bathroom remodels. The primary value is daily-use quality of life, not resale.
Can I convert a closet into a laundry room?: Closet-to-laundry conversions are feasible if you can route plumbing supply and drain lines plus a dedicated 240V electrical circuit to the space. Proximity to existing plumbing stacks is the biggest cost driver — the closer the closet is to existing lines, the lower the conversion cost. Budget $4,000 to $10,000 for a basic closet conversion, more if plumbing must travel more than 10 feet.
How long does a laundry room remodel take?: A basic cosmetic refresh takes 1 to 3 days. A mid-range remodel with cabinetry, a utility sink, and flooring replacement typically takes 1 to 2 weeks including rough-in plumbing and electrical. A full custom laundry room runs 2 to 4 weeks. Permit processing adds 1 to 4 weeks in most jurisdictions before work can begin.