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By Alex Diaz · How we calculate this
A cosmetic refresh - new paint, flooring, maybe a folding counter - is the cheap version of this project. The expensive version starts as soon as a water line, drain, or vent has to move, since that means opening up a wall or floor instead of just covering what's already there.
These key factors affect laundry room remodel affordability
Plumbing and venting changes
Moving a washer's water supply or drain line means cutting into a wall or floor, and that single change can add $1,000 to $3,000 to a project that would otherwise just be paint and flooring. Switching from a gas dryer to electric, or the reverse, adds its own cost too: an electric dryer needs a dedicated 240-volt outlet, while a gas dryer needs its own gas line run to the space, and neither is a job most homeowners take on themselves.
Cabinetry and countertops
Upper cabinets, a folding counter, and a utility sink together typically run $2,000 to $5,000 depending on materials, and this is usually the line item that turns a basic laundry closet into something closer to a small kitchen. Stock cabinetry keeps that number down considerably compared to custom built-ins.
Ventilation and moisture control
Dryer vents that are too long, too narrow, or clogged with lint are a well-documented cause of house fires, so a remodel is a reasonable time to fix one rather than leave it for later. Moisture-resistant drywall is a small add during construction and a much bigger one to retrofit afterward, which is the usual argument for doing it now instead of waiting.
How to use your results
- Separate plumbing and venting work from cosmetic upgrades in your estimate, since relocating hookups is usually the most expensive part of the project.
- If your dryer vent is old or undersized, prioritize that fix even if you scale back cabinetry, since it's a safety issue as well as a comfort one.
- Compare the cost against simply refreshing paint and flooring without moving plumbing, which can deliver a lot of the improvement for a fraction of the price.
Ways to make a laundry room remodel more affordable
- Keep existing plumbing and electrical in place if possible, since relocating hookups is typically the single biggest cost in a laundry remodel.
- Choose stock cabinetry instead of custom built-ins for storage, which can cut that portion of the budget significantly.
- Do demo and painting yourself, and hire out only the licensed plumbing and electrical work.
- Phase the project, doing flooring and paint now and adding a folding counter or cabinets in a later round.
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