Adding a laundry room to your home can provide much-needed convenience and free up space in other areas. However, installing a laundry room requires careful planning and a significant financial investment. Here is a comprehensive guide on how much it typically costs to add a laundry room.
Key Factors That Influence Laundry Room Costs
Several variables affect the total cost of adding a laundry room. The main factors that impact the pricing include:
Size and Layout
The overall size of the new laundry room is a major cost determinant. A larger room that can accommodate full-size appliances and cabinets will be pricier than a basic closet layout. Complex designs with customized shelving, counters, and storage options also increase costs.
Appliances
The washer and dryer are significant laundry room expenses. Top-load appliance sets range from $800 to $1500. More advanced front-load washer and dryer sets cost $1200 to $3000+. Installation and delivery fees add to the total appliance costs.
Plumbing
Installing new plumbing for water supply and drainage lines is labor-intensive. Simple connections to existing lines start around $200. Extensive drainage and venting systems for ground-level or basement rooms can cost thousands.
Electrical Work
An electrician must install new circuits to power the washer, dryer, and lighting. This typically costs $200 to $500 but is higher if the electrical panel needs upgrades. Electrical costs are lower for rooms near existing appliance circuits.
Venting
Dryers require venting to the outdoors. Short, straight ductwork costs around $100 to install. Longer or exterior venting with ductwork can range from $200 to $500 in labor and materials.
Gas Lines
For gas dryers, installing new gas lines and hookups typically ranges from $300 to $1000 based on the complexity. The costs are higher if gas lines need to be routed from the main line to the room.
Flooring
Durable laundry room flooring like tile, luxury vinyl, or sealed concrete is prudent for handling spills. Material and labor costs for floor installation range from $3 to $15 per square foot.
Construction and Labor
For new rooms, costs range from $1000 to $5000 for framing walls, finishing drywall, trim, doors, and modifying ventilation/ductwork. Converting existing spaces may cost less but still requires construction labor.
Permits and Fees
Most laundry room additions require building permits, which average $800 but can exceed $1000. Plan review and inspection fees add a few hundred dollars in most cases.
Laundry Room Cost by Type
The total cost to add a laundry room ranges widely based on the room’s specifications:
Basic Closet Laundry
Converting a small existing closet to a laundry space with a stacked washer/dryer costs $1500 to $3500 on average. This includes minimal plumbing and electrical, venting, adding an exterior vent, and flooring. Appliance costs are extra.
Standalone Laundry Addition
Building a 60 to 100 square foot laundry room addition to an existing home costs $4000 to $10,000 on average. This includes framing, drywall, finishes, lighting, appliances, plumbing, electrical, ventilation, floors, trim, doors, and labor.
Full-Size Laundry Room
For a sizable 150+ square foot laundry with high-end appliances, cabinetry, utility sink, custom trim, tile floors and finishes, expect costs from $10,000 to $25,000. Gas line and electrical upgrades may be needed, increasing costs in older homes.
Basement Laundry Room
Finishing a part of a basement into a laundry area typically ranges from $3000 to $7000. Simple designs in open basement spaces cost less. High-end laundry rooms with ventilation, storage, and custom finishes can cost up to $15,000.
Cost Breakdown by Laundry Room Component
The following details typical price ranges for individual elements of a new laundry room:
Washer and Dryer
- Basic top load washer/dryer set – $800 to $1500
- High-efficiency front load washer and dryer – $1200 to $3000+
- Pedestals for elevated installation – $350 to $700
- Delivery and installation – $50 to $250
Sink and Plumbing
- Utility sink – $100 to $300
- Faucet and fittings – $50 to $200
- Drain and venting – $200 to $500
- Water supply lines – $50 to $150
- Drain pan – $50 to $100
Electrical and Venting
- New circuit and outlet for laundry – $200 to $500
- Electrical panel upgrade – $1000+
- Dryer vent to exterior – $100 to $500
Gas Lines
- New gas line for dryer – $300 to $1000
- Gas pipe and fittings – $2 to $10 per linear foot
Flooring
- Vinyl flooring – $2 to $8 per square foot
- Ceramic tile – $5 to $15 per square foot
- Concrete sealing – $2 to $8 per square foot
Cabinets and Shelving
- Base cabinets – $100 to $300 per linear foot
- Upper cabinets – $75 to $200 per linear foot
- Wire shelving – $50 to $150 per unit
- Custom built-ins – $500 to $3000+
Doors and Trim
- Pre-hung interior door – $75 to $200
- Door trim – $1 to $5 per linear foot
- Baseboard trim – $1 to $5 per linear foot
- Ceiling trim – $1 to $5 per linear foot
Drywall and Paint
- New drywall installation – $2 to $4 per square foot
- Drywall finishing/mudding – $1 to $3 per square foot
- Primer and paint – $1 to $2 per square foot
Permits and Fees
- Building permits – $800 to $1000+
- Plan review and inspection fees – $150 to $500
Saving on Laundry Room Costs
There are several ways to reduce the overall expenditure of adding a laundry area:
- Choose a smaller room size to minimize construction and material costs. Focus on essential function rather than expansive storage and custom features.
- Purchase base model appliances without advanced features to save hundreds of dollars. Look for deals on clearance or lightly used units.
- Use simple wire shelving rather than custom cabinetry, which is usually cheaper. Repurpose existing storage pieces if possible.
- Install laundry during other planned remodeling to share costs like demolition, construction, and new flooring.
- Choose DIY-friendly materials like snap-together vinyl plank flooring to reduce labor fees.
- Vent the dryer through the roof instead of building an exterior wall vent for lower ductwork costs.
- Work with experienced professionals that can provide cost-saving ideas, like reusing existing plumbing lines.
- Only run gas lines if you have gas appliances. An electric dryer avoids the need for gas line installation.
- Get multiple quotes to find the best value contractors for each project component.
- Apply for any available rebates on energy-efficient washers and dryers.
Laundry Room Addition Cost by Location
Laundry room installation costs vary across the United States based on regional labor and material rates:
Northeast – Due to higher wages and property values, expect laundry room additions to cost $5000 to $15,000+ on average in states like New York, Massachusetts, and Connecticut.
Midwest – The mid-range for most laundry rooms in the Midwest is $3000 to $8000 with lower rates in cities like Chicago, Columbus, and Detroit.
South – Labor and construction rates are generally lower in the South, with typical laundry room addition costs ranging from $2000 to $7000 in states like Florida, Texas, or Georgia.
West Coast – Higher real estate values and wages result in laundry room installation costs between $5000 and $12,000+ on average in states like California, Oregon, and Washington.
Laundry Room Additions: DIY vs Hiring a Contractor
You can potentially save thousands by taking on laundry room construction as a DIY project. However, extensive plumbing, electrical, ventilation, gas line, and construction work involved make professional installation the wise choice for most homeowners.
Hiring experienced contractors ensures the room is correctly sized for appliances, zoning setbacks are met, and all systems are properly configured according to building codes. Attempting complex structural renovations, electrical updates, or gas line installations as a DIY project also poses safety risks.
That said, some homeowners with construction experience may choose to do their own framing, drywall, painting, shelving, cabinetry, and flooring installation to reduce labor fees if permitted. Venting, electrical, plumbing, and gas line work should always be left to licensed tradespeople, except for the simplest connections.
Working with qualified laundry room contractors provides peace of mind and ensures optimal performance, safety, compliance, and resale value. Be sure to get multiple bids and verify licensing, insurance, and references when hiring contractors.
5 Key Steps to Adding a Laundry Room
Installing a laundry area involves careful planning, permits, construction, and system hookups. Here are key phases of professionally building a new laundry room:
1. Design and Layout
Create a detailed floorplan with exact dimensions, doorways, appliance locations, plumbing, electrical, venting, cabinets, and finishes. Consider ease of appliance access and door swing clearance.
2. Permits and Approvals
Apply for all required local building permits for the laundry room addition or renovation. Make any changes needed to gain permit approval before starting work.
3. Construction and Renovations
Build new walls or convert existing space to accommodate the laundry area based on the approved plans. Complete all structural modifications.
4. Systems Installation
Rough-in new plumbing, electrical, gas lines, and venting according to code specifications and laundry appliance requirements.
5. Finishing Touches
Install flooring, cabinetry, trim, paint, lighting, and the washer and dryer. Complete the laundry hookups and test all functions.
FAQs About Adding a Laundry Room:
How much does it cost to convert a closet to a laundry room?
Converting a standard 3 to 4 foot wide closet into a functional laundry space typically costs $1500 to $3500. This includes installing ventilation, electrical, plumbing hookups, and new flooring for a stacked washer/dryer unit.
Do you need a permit to add a laundry room?
Yes, in most cases you need a permit to add or renovate a laundry room because it involves structural, electrical, and plumbing work. Building codes also regulate laundry room size, ventilation, and fire separation.
Can you put a laundry room on the second floor?
Yes, you can install a laundry room on a home’s upper level. Proper containment, ventilation, floor drainage, and leak pans are especially important for second floor laundry installations. The washer will also need to be carried upstairs.
What size should a laundry room be?
Ideally a laundry room should be at least 60 to 80 square feet to provide adequate space for side-by-side or stacked full-size appliances, an average size utility sink, and some storage/counters. For just a washer and dryer with minimal extras, a room as small as 36 square feet can work.
Is it cheaper to add a laundry room or buy a new house?
Adding a basic laundry room to an existing home starts around $4000, while upgrading to a larger home with a laundry room may cost tens of thousands more in down payment and mortgage costs. For the laundry room alone, an addition is often cheaper than buying a new house.
How long does it take to add on a laundry room?
The project timeline can range from 2 to 8 weeks depending on scope. Simple laundry conversions may take 2 to 3 weeks. Fully building a large laundry addition with structural changes, custom finishes and extensive systems work often takes 6 to 8 weeks or longer.
Conclusion
Installing a laundry room provides daily convenience and adds value to a home. But transforming unused space or building an addition requires significant financial investment, with costs typically ranging from $1500 for a basic closet laundry up to $25,000 or more for a sizable, high-end laundry room.
Careful planning of the layout, features, appliances, and finishing choices can help keep your laundry room project economical. Getting professional installation of all structural, electrical, plumbing, gas, and ventilation work is also advised. With smart planning and design decisions, you can add the dream laundry room your household needs within a reasonable budget.