How to complete laundry renovation on a budget?

[Louise88]

Hi, 

I need a little help please. I am about to start a DIY renovation of this bathroom/laundry on a budget. Right now I am struggling with the lack of laundry storage and the small gap between the washing machine and the shower. 

I am thinking to save money I will paint the walls and tiles and install a new vanity of the same size. I thought installing a narrower laundry sink and then having a benchtop over the washing machine would be good but I can't find any cabinet on Kaboodle or anywhere else that is designed for a washing machine? 

I'm happy to pay for a plumber/electrivian to change the position of the taps/outlet to streamline the laundry section and make every look neater. I'm happy to replace the tiles above the laundry sink as well. 

Happy to hear any advice or ideas on how I can transform this space! I'm also wondering what is the best order to do all of this?

Thanks!

Thank you

[MitchellMc]

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @Louise88. It's fantastic to have you join us, and many thanks for your question about renovating your laundry.

You might like to start by reading through this helpful guide on How to plan a laundry renovation.

Renovating on a budget is a great way to improve the functionality and appearance of your space without overspending. Your plan to paint the walls and tiles is an excellent cost-saving idea that can freshen up the area significantly. I recommend you check out the Dulux Renovation range of paints. 

Replacing the vanity with one of the same size is also a smart move to keep expenses down. 

Installing a narrower laundry sink and adding a benchtop over the washing machine is a clever solution to create a more usable workspace while streamlining the look of the room. You’re correct that most standard cabinetry ranges, like Kaboodle, don’t include cabinets designed for washing machines. Typically, the washing machine sits on the floor next to the cabinet, with the benchtop extending over it. A side panel can be used to support the benchtop where the washing machine is placed. This setup is both practical and visually appealing.

If you’re planning to replace the tiles above the laundry sink, it’s worth considering the order of your renovations. Start with repositioning the taps and outlets if needed, as this will require professional help and may disrupt the walls. Next, you can replace the tiles and prep the walls for painting. Afterwards, install the new cabinetry, sink, and benchtop to complete the transformation.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell
 

[Louise88]

Hi Mitchell, 

Thanks so much for the response and the guidance!

I'm just wondering what material I should buy for the side panel. Is it mdf? And how would you recommend that is attached to the benchtop? 

Is the sink cabinet in the image about 45cm across? 

Thanks again, 

Louise 

[EricL]

Hi @Louise88 

It appears that Mitchell has used a 450mm kaboodle cabinet for your laundry tub. As for the side panel, you can use a Kaboodle side panel in gloss white and anchor it to the benchtop and floor using small angle brackets. 

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

[EricL]

Hi @Louise88 

Here is another version of Mitchell's proposal but with a timber benchtop and shelf. The benchtop is the Specrite 2200 x 600 x 26mm Timber Multi Use Pine Panel. If you are using the Kaboodle 450mm White Base Cabinet the length of the panel should be more than enough to create a waterfall feature. If you purchase another panel, you should be able to create an open cabinet to mount on the wall. The sink is the Estilo Stainless Steel Single Bowl Square Sink.

If you have any other questions we can help with, please let us know.

Eric

[Louise88]

Hi Eric, 

Thanks for the second design idea!

Yes I am thinking to put a wall-mounted cupboard above the sink and then maybe two open/floating shelves off to the right of the cupboard which extend to the same point as the end of the washing machine/benchtop to make everything look neat and equal. 

Do you think it's better to have the shelves to the left or the right of the wall-mounted cupboard given that there is a wall on the left-hand side?

Thanks again!

Louise 

[EricL]

Hello @Louise88 

I think both of them look pretty good, I've placed an image below to help you decide.

If you need further assistance, please let me know.

Eric

[Louise88]

Hi everyone, 

Thanks for the design inspiration, it was a massive help. 

I have just started this renovation and will take the existing vanity and laundry sink out soon. I plan on doing this myself and getting a plumber to install the new sinks and taps. I have replaced my shower taps and head myself recently so feeling confident about removing the laundry sink tap and capping that off, but am a bit worried about the vanity sink. 

Has anyone removed tap connectors like this before - any idea if I will be able to remove and cap myself? Looks like it could be simple but  worried about not being able to use a spanner if they're tight/stuck on. 

I also took the mirror off the wall today and underneath it looks like this. Any ideas on how I can level this so I can paint it? 

Also wondering what I should do with the pipes that go into the floor when I remove the vanity and laundry cupboard - do I just cap them off as well?This is the wall which was behind a large mirror

Thanks so much! 
Louise 

[EricL]

Hello @Louise88 

I highly suspect that the fittings you have under your sink are non-standard and could cause you issues when you take them apart. It might not use standard brass cover caps; I've not seen these types of fittings before. I suggest engaging the services of a licensed plumber just to be safe. In regards to the pipework, I recommend leaving them alone and just covering the exit with a plastic bag and a rubber band to prevent sewer gasses from entering the room.  

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric