Laundry Room Remodel Cost (2026)

A well-designed laundry room turns a chore zone into one of the most-used and most-appreciated spaces in the house. In 2026, a laundry room remodel typically costs $3,000–$12,000, with simple refreshes at the low end and full build-outs — new plumbing, cabinetry, and relocation — at the top.

Here’s how laundry room pricing works, what drives it, and where you can save.

Laundry room remodel cost ranges (2026)

Scope	Typical cost	What it includes
Cosmetic refresh	$1,500–$4,000	Paint, shelving, countertop, sink, lighting
Mid-range remodel	$4,000–$8,000	Cabinets, counters, flooring, sink, hookups
Full remodel	$8,000–$12,000	New layout, plumbing, electrical, custom storage
New room / relocation	$8,000–$20,000+	Adding or moving a laundry to a new space

The biggest cost fork is whether you’re working with existing plumbing and electrical hookups or adding new ones. Refreshing a room that already has a washer/dryer connection is affordable. Creating a laundry room where none existed — or moving it upstairs — means running water, drain, gas or 240V electrical, and venting, which drives cost up fast.

What drives the price

Plumbing and electrical. Existing hookups keep costs low. New supply lines, a drain, a dryer vent, and a 240V or gas connection for the dryer are the priciest additions, especially if walls or floors must open up.

Cabinetry and storage. Cabinets are usually the largest material line. Stock cabinets are affordable; semi-custom and custom cost more. Open shelving is the budget alternative.

Countertops. A folding counter over front-load machines adds function. Laminate is cheap; quartz and butcher block cost more.

Sink. Adding a utility or farmhouse sink means plumbing plus the fixture — handy but an added cost.

Flooring. Laundry rooms need water-resistant flooring. Vinyl and tile are common; tile costs more to install.

Appliances. New machines aren’t always part of a remodel, but if included, a washer/dryer pair adds $1,200–$3,000+ depending on features.

Where the laundry budget goes

A typical mid-range laundry remodel splits its cost roughly like this:

• Cabinets and storage: 25–35% — the biggest single category.
• Labor: 25–35% — plumbing, electrical, and installation.
• Countertops and sink: 10–20%
• Flooring: 10–15%
• Lighting, fixtures, and paint: 5–15%

Relocating or adding a laundry shifts far more weight toward labor and plumbing, which is why those projects jump into a higher range.

Ways to save

• Keep the location. Working with existing hookups avoids the most expensive plumbing and electrical work by far.
• Use open shelving. Floating shelves and wall-mounted racks cost a fraction of full cabinetry and look clean.
• Choose stock cabinets. Stock or ready-to-assemble cabinets deliver most of the storage for far less than custom.
• Pick vinyl flooring. Luxury vinyl is water-resistant, durable, and cheaper to install than tile.
• DIY the cosmetics. Painting, shelving, and hardware are homeowner-friendly, leaving plumbing and electrical to pros.
• Reuse working appliances. If your machines are fine, skip new ones and put the budget into storage and surfaces.

Small room, big everyday payoff

Laundry rooms are small, which works in your favor: even a modest budget goes a long way because there’s so little square footage to cover. A few hundred dollars of paint, shelving, and better lighting can transform a cramped closet. The upgrades people value most are practical ones — a folding counter, a hanging rod, a utility sink, and enough storage to hide detergent and supplies. Because it’s a daily-use space, a laundry remodel delivers outsized quality-of-life return per dollar compared to rooms you use less. Buyers notice a thoughtful laundry room too, even if it isn’t a headline resale feature.

Features that deliver the most per dollar

Because laundry rooms are small, a modest budget stretches surprisingly far — the trick is spending it on the features you’ll actually use every wash day. A folding counter over front-load machines is consistently rated the most useful upgrade, turning wasted space into a work surface. A hanging rod for air-drying and steaming saves clothes and dryer runs. A utility sink handles hand-washing, soaking, and messy cleanup. Enough closed storage to hide detergent, supplies, and cleaning gear keeps the room from feeling cluttered. Good lighting and a durable, water-resistant floor round out the essentials. Beyond those, extras like custom cabinetry, a second sink, or designer tile add cost without adding much daily function. If your budget is tight, nail the folding counter, storage, and lighting first — they deliver the biggest quality-of-life return in the smallest footprint of any room in the house.

FAQ

How long does a laundry room remodel take? A cosmetic refresh takes a few days. A mid-range remodel with cabinets and flooring runs 1–2 weeks. Adding or relocating a laundry with new plumbing can take 2–4 weeks.

Do I need a permit for a laundry room remodel? Cosmetic work usually doesn’t. Adding or moving plumbing, running new electrical, or installing a gas line for a dryer typically requires permits. Your contractor should handle them.

How much does it cost to add a laundry room where there isn’t one? Expect $8,000–$20,000 or more, since you’re running water supply, a drain, a dryer vent, and a gas or 240V connection, plus finishes. Cost depends heavily on how far those utilities have to travel.

Is it worth adding a second-floor laundry? Many homeowners love the convenience of laundry near bedrooms, and it can appeal to buyers. It costs more due to plumbing runs and requires a drain pan and leak protection, but the daily convenience is significant.

What flooring is best for a laundry room? Water-resistant options: luxury vinyl plank or tile. Both handle spills and humidity well. Avoid hardwood and carpet, which don’t tolerate moisture.

Can I save by keeping my existing appliances? Yes. If your washer and dryer work well, reusing them frees budget for storage, counters, and finishes — the elements that most improve the room’s daily use.

How can I make a small laundry room feel bigger? Light paint colors, good lighting, a large mirror, and vertical storage that draws the eye upward all make a compact laundry room feel more open. Stacking a front-load washer and dryer frees floor space for a counter or storage in tight rooms.

Estimate your laundry room project

Laundry room cost depends heavily on whether you keep the existing hookups, so a quick estimate helps you set a realistic budget. Use our free renovation cost calculator to get a ballpark.

Related guides: Bathroom Remodel Cost in 2026 · Kitchen Cabinets Cost in 2026 · Flooring Installation Cost in 2026