BuildersUpdated March 2026 · 3 min read

How to Quote a Laundry Renovation in Australia

Master laundry renovation quotes for Australian tradies. Learn about costs, materials, labour, and avoiding common mistakes to win more jobs.

What to Include in Your Laundry Renovation Quote

A comprehensive laundry renovation quote starts with a detailed scope of work. Itemise everything from demolition and waste removal to new plumbing rough-in, electrical alterations, plastering, tiling, cabinetry installation, and final fixture fittings. Clearly separate labour costs, material costs, and any subcontractor expenses. Importantly, your quote should also detail your payment schedule, warranty information, and explicit exclusions to manage client expectations and prevent disputes down the track. Always reference adherence to relevant Australian standards like AS/NZS 3500 for plumbing and AS/NZS 3000 for electrical work.

Typical Costs for Australian Laundry Renovations

Laundry renovation costs in Australia can vary significantly. For a basic refresh, expect to quote between $5,000 - $10,000, which usually covers new paint, a basic tub, tapware, and a laminate benchtop. A mid-range renovation, involving new custom cabinetry, a tiled splashback, and some plumbing/electrical relocations, typically falls between $10,000 - $20,000. High-end or luxury laundries, featuring stone benchtops, premium appliances, and extensive layout changes, can range from $20,000 to $40,000+, with labour generally making up 40-50% and materials 40-50% of the total project cost. Always factor in a contingency for unforeseen issues, typically around 10-15% of the total cost.

Materials Pricing: What to Factor In

Material costs are a significant component of any laundry renovation. Cabinetry options vary widely: laminate flat-pack units from suppliers like Bunnings might cost $150-$300 per lineal metre, while custom-built melamine or two-pack cabinetry from local suppliers can range from $400-$800+ per lineal metre. Benchtops range from basic laminate ($80-$150/lm) to engineered stone ($300-$600/lm) or natural stone ($400-$1000+/lm). Tiling costs depend on the tile type, from budget ceramics ($20-$60/sqm) at Beaumont Tiles or Amber, to premium porcelain or feature tiles ($60-$150+/sqm). Don't forget fixture pricing for tubs ($200-$700), tapware (Reece, Tradelink $100-$500), and any appliance provisions.

Smart Labour Quoting and Scheduling Tips

When quoting labour, break down each task into specific hours or days for your team and any subcontractors. Clearly define roles for demolition, plumbing (licensed plumber required for AS/NZS 3500 compliance), electrical (licensed electrician for AS/NZS 3000 compliance), carpentry, plastering, and tiling. Standard hourly rates for skilled tradies in Australia typically range from $60-$100. Effective scheduling is crucial; coordinate trades to minimise downtime between stages and ensure a smooth workflow. Always factor in preparation and clean-up time, and consider a slightly higher rate for urgent or complex jobs to account for increased effort and potential overtime.

Common Quoting Mistakes to Avoid

One of the biggest mistakes is underquoting, which can lead to financial losses and client dissatisfaction. Always conduct a thorough site inspection to identify potential issues like existing water damage, asbestos, or complex plumbing/electrical relocations before finalising your quote. Poor communication regarding the scope, inclusions, and exclusions can also create major headaches, so get everything in writing. Failing to account for potential variations or not including a contingency buffer will leave you exposed. Lastly, relying on manual calculations can introduce errors; using a professional quoting app like QuoteMate can streamline the process, ensure accuracy, and present a polished quote to your clients.

Pro Tips

Always perform a detailed on-site assessment before quoting to identify hidden issues and accurately scope the project.
Get all agreements in writing, clearly outlining the scope, materials, payment terms, and project timeline.
Educate your clients on potential variations and hidden costs, like asbestos removal or unexpected plumbing repairs, upfront.
Include a 10-15% contingency in your quote to cover unforeseen challenges or minor adjustments without impacting your profit.
Utilise a professional quoting app like QuoteMate to create consistent, detailed, and visually appealing quotes quickly.
Clarify who is responsible for waste disposal and include this cost in your quote to avoid last-minute disputes.