Before and After Laundry Renovations: Perth Ideas, Costs and Real Makeovers

What makes the biggest difference in a laundry “before and after”

The best before and after laundry renovations don’t just look fresher — they function better every day. Here’s what moves the needle for Australian homes:

• Layout and workflow: Place the washer, dryer and laundry trough in a practical sequence. Add a folding zone and a tall storage zone for brooms, vacuums and baskets.
• Light and ventilation: Task lighting under overhead cupboards, an extraction fan and, where possible, a skylight to manage Perth heat and humidity.
• Hard-wearing benchtops: Moisture-tolerant surfaces and sealed splashbacks. See our materials comparison below.
• Custom cabinetry WA: Soft-close drawers, pull-out hampers and adjustable shelving to suit Aussie appliance sizes (most 600 mm wide front-loaders).
• Drying and ironing: Ceiling airers, heated towel rails or a fold-down ironing centre to save floor space in compact European laundries.
• Style consistency: Flow your kitchen aesthetic through the laundry — think Shaker profile for Hamptons laundry, or handleless matte doors for a minimalist look.

Real Perth “before and after” snapshots

Floreat family refresh: A dark room with a top-loader and no bench became a bright, U-shaped laundry with a 20 mm porcelain benchtop, overhead cupboards and a hanging rail. The folding zone and pull-out hampers cut clutter and morning stress.

Fremantle apartment European laundry: Behind bifold doors, we stacked a dryer over a front-loader, added custom made shelves, LED strip lighting and a compact 45 L drop-in trough. The before-and-after difference is all in organisation, lighting and smart storage.

Our step-by-step renovation process

1. Brief and measure: We confirm appliance sizes, existing services and access. Front loaders are typically ~600 mm wide x ~850 mm high; allow ventilation and service clearances.
2. Concept design: Practical layouts (galley, L or U), door styles (e.g., Shaker or flat), splashback options and integrated storage (pull-outs, broom cupboards, open shelves).
3. Selections: Benchtops, cabinetry finishes, tapware, sink, splashback tiles, handles, lighting. We’ll guide choices for Perth conditions and maintenance.
4. Technical checks: Plumbing and electrical locations, ventilation plan, and compliance to AS/NZS 3500 (plumbing and drainage) and AS/NZS 3000 (electrical). Use licensed trades.
5. Build and install: Custom cabinetry is manufactured locally in WA. Site works are scheduled to minimise downtime — typical installs 2–5 days once cabinetry is ready.
6. Handover: Doors/drawers aligned, silicone sealed, splashbacks cleaned and appliances tested. You get product care guides and warranty info.

Materials and finishes (WA-ready)

The laundry is a wet, high-use zone. Choose materials that handle moisture, heat from dryers and regular cleaning. Below is a quick comparison to help planning.

Benchtops: comparison at a glance

Important compliance note (Australia 2024): Engineered stone containing crystalline silica is banned for new supply and installation in Australia. For the look and performance people used to seek from “engineered stone”, consider porcelain or sintered stone alternatives. See guidance from Safe Work Australia.

Cabinetry and doors

• Moisture-resistant board: MR MDF or HMR particleboard for carcasses and doors in wet zones.
• Finishes: 2-pack paint in Shaker kitchen style for Hamptons laundry; or matte flat-panel for a modern, handleless look.
• Hardware: Soft-close hinges, full-extension drawers, pull-out baskets and integrated laundry hampers.

Sinks, taps, splashbacks

• Laundry troughs: 45–70 L capacity; undermount or inset. Butler’s sinks suit coastal and heritage homes.
• Tapware: Gooseneck mixers with pull-out spray. Choose durable finishes (chrome, brushed nickel, brass, matte black).
• Splashbacks: Glazed subway tiles, large-format porcelain or acrylic panels for fast wipe-downs. Seal edges against Perth’s coastal humidity.

Lighting and power

• LED task strips under overheads, and a central LED panel. Consider a motion sensor in mudroom entries.
• Power planning: Dedicated GPOs for washer/dryer, ironing centre and a bench appliance. Observe clearances and IP ratings near sinks to AS/NZS 3000.

For building and contracts guidance, visit the Housing Industry Association (HIA) or Master Builders WA. See the national engineered stone ban information for compliance.

Layouts and styles that work in Australia

Common laundry layouts

• Galley: Best for narrow rooms; keep appliances on one run with a continuous benchtop.
• L-shaped: Adds a folding corner and space for a tall broom cupboard.
• U-shaped: Maximum storage, ideal for family homes; include a hanging rail and overhead cupboards.
• European (behind doors): Stack a heat-pump dryer over a front-loader; add slim pull-outs and LED lighting.
• Mudroom-laundry combo: Add bench seating, shoe drawers, hooks and washable VJ panelling near the entry.

Style ideas

• Hamptons/coastal: Shaker doors, porcelain benchtop, white or pastel cabinetry, subway tile splashback.
• Modern minimalist: Handleless cabinetry, integrated pulls, matte finishes and continuous kickboards.
• Industrial: Concrete-look porcelain, black tapware and open steel shelves.
• Warm contemporary: Timber-look laminates, brass tapware and soft neutrals that echo kitchen renovations Perth trends.

For cohesive design across your home, we can align laundry finishes with your kitchen and bathroom renovations and even coordinate wardrobe design Perth for a complete whole‑home look.

Practical pre-renovation checklist

• [ ] Confirm appliance models and dimensions (allow ventilation and service access).
• [ ] Decide on layout (galley, L, U, European) and door swing directions.
• [ ] Select benchtop material (laminate or porcelain/sintered) and splashback.
• [ ] Choose sink size, tap finish and accessories (pull-out spray, soap dispenser).
• [ ] Plan storage: pull-out hampers, broom cupboard, ironing centre, overheads.
• [ ] Map power and lighting: GPOs, under-cabinet LEDs, exhaust fan location.
• [ ] Consider drying options: rail, ceiling airer, heated ladder, or drying cabinet.
• [ ] Confirm compliance: licensed plumber/electrician, AS/NZS standards, IP ratings.
• [ ] Discuss timeline, site access and waste removal before install.
• [ ] Arrange temporary washing setup during works (2–6 weeks depending on scope).

Perth costs, allowances and timelines

Budgets vary with scope, materials and whether services move. Typical ranges in WA (incl. GST, indicative only):

• Cosmetic refresh: $6,000–$12,000 (laminate benchtop, new sink/tap, repaint, minor tiling).
• Mid-range remodel: $12,000–$22,000 (custom cabinetry, porcelain or laminate benchtop, new splashback, lighting, some service tweaks).
• Premium renovation: $22,000–$40,000+ (full reconfiguration, high-spec porcelain/sintered benchtops, extensive storage, ventilation upgrades).

Line-item cues

• Cabinetry: ~$900–$1,800 per linear metre (finish/hardware dependent).
• Benchtops: Laminate ~$150–$450/m²; porcelain/sintered ~$700–$1,500/m².
• Sinks/tapware: $350–$1,200+ depending on brand and finish.
• Tiling: Tiles $40–$120/m² plus laying $60–$120/m².
• Plumbing and electrical: $1,400–$4,700 combined for typical relocations and new GPOs (licensed trades).
• Ventilation: $300–$900 for an exhaust fan or ducted solution.

Timeframes

• Design and selections: 1–3 weeks
• Manufacture (custom cabinetry WA): 3–6 weeks
• On-site installation: 2–5 days for install, plus trade days for plumbing, electrical and tiling

Approvals: Most internal laundry renovations don’t require council planning approval if you’re not altering structure or drainage to the street. Always confirm with your local council and ensure work is by licensed trades under AS/NZS standards.

Ready to see your own before and after?

From compact European laundries to spacious mudroom-laundry combos, Joyce Kitchens designs, manufactures and installs custom solutions across Perth and WA. Book a design consult to explore finishes, storage and compliant layouts that suit your home and budget.

FAQ

What is the average cost of a laundry renovation in Perth?

Most Perth laundry remodels fall between $12,000 and $22,000, with cosmetic refreshes from around $6,000 and premium projects from $22,000–$40,000+. Final costs depend on cabinetry length, benchtop choice, tiling and whether services move.

How long does a laundry room remodel take in WA?

Allow 1–3 weeks for design/selections, 3–6 weeks for local manufacture, and 2–5 install days on site, plus trade days for plumbing, electrical and tiling. Plan a temporary washing setup for 2–6 weeks total.

Can I fit a washer and dryer under a 600mm-deep benchtop?

Yes, most front-load washers are ~600 mm wide x ~600–650 mm deep and ~850 mm high. Use a benchtop height of ~900 mm and confirm appliance ventilation and service clearances from the manufacturer.

Is engineered stone still allowed for laundry benchtops in Australia?

No. Engineered stone containing crystalline silica is banned for new supply and install in Australia. Choose compliant alternatives such as porcelain or sintered stone for similar looks and durability.

Do I need council approval for a laundry renovation in Perth?

Usually not for internal, like-for-like updates. If you alter structure, external walls, or drainage, approvals may be required. Always check with your local council and use licensed trades to AS/NZS standards.