98-year-old laundry makeover

[olimpiacalleja]

Built in 1926, this laundry was impractical and lacked storage before a comprehensive renovation including new insulation, plasterboard, mezzanine and flat-pack cabinetry. It was the winner of best kitchen makeover in our 2024 search for Australia's best D.I.Y. projects.

• The project
• Steps
• Tools and materials
• Before and after
• How to plan a laundry renovation
• More inspiration for your laundry renovation project

The project

Originally built in 1926, our little laundry was in desperate need of a makeover. Before we started this project, the layout was impractical, it had very limited storage space, and became home to many creepy crawlies over the years. But with patience, dedication, teamwork, and some help from power tools, we have transformed our little laundry into a functional, stylish, and inviting space.

Steps

Step 1

Preparation: Removed free standing cupboards, washing machine, and dryer - ready for renovations. Kept existing floor tiles and double-cement trough.

Step 2

Electrical: Downlights were installed, as well as several new power outlets which, along with the extra space we planned on creating, would allow us to do the washing, drying, ironing, and steaming all inside the new laundry.

Step 3

Mezzanine: Built a mezzanine on either side of the ceiling cavity for extra storage, and to allow natural light to shine through the existing skylight.

Step 4

Insulation: As our laundry is detached from the house, it is exposed to the elements all year round. So we added insulation to the roof and walls. In this photo the wall insulation was too thick, so it was removed and refitted, as can be seen in the next step.

Step 5

Walls: Plasterboards were measured, cut, and installed. They were then skimmed to create a smooth base finish.

Step 6

Painting: A few coats of fresh paint on the ceiling and walls. We opted for a cooler white, as opposed to the existing cream/beige, to give the space a more modern look.

Step 7

Plumbing: In addition to our existing hot and cold taps, we added a third tap connecting to our rainwater tank. We chose brass hardware to match the handles of our flatpack cupboards.

Step 8

Cupboards and benchtops: With the renovations completed, we setup the flat-pack cupboards which gave us plenty of storage space, and the benchtops which we would use as a sorting station. Then we added our own finishing touches.

Step 9

Finished laundry.

Tools and materials

Materials used in the project:

• Double power point
  
• Four outlet power point 
• Downlights
• Paint
• Gyprock
• Silicone
• Plasterboard 
• Screws
• Tape
• Skirting boards
• Spare timber (offcuts from a past project)
• Insulation.

Tools used in the project:

• Compound mitre saw
• Brushless hammer drill
• Corded circular saw 
• Spirit level
• Caulking gun
• Measuring tape
• Hammer
• Screwdriver
• Spanner.

Before and after

How to plan a laundry renovation

With research and planning, you can turn your laundry into an efficient and even welcoming space. Experienced Bunnings Workshop community member Adam shows you How to plan a laundry renovation in his comprehensive guide. 

More inspiration for your laundry renovation project

Experienced Bunnings Workshop community member Nham had limited space to work with in his narrow laundry renovation project.

Raising the washer and dryer and adding deep drawers underneath created more practical storage in community member housetohome's rustic farmhouse laundry renovation.

Get more inspiration for your home from our community's Top 10 most popular laundry projects.

[Nailbag]

Wow this is so impressive, and what a transformation @olimpiacalleja The best feature by far is easily the use of the old concrete troughs to support the new timber bench top keeping that bit of history within the space. very clever.

Regards, Nailbag

[Dave-1]

Howdy @olimpiacalleja 

Wow! Somehow I missed your project but really I can see why you have won! Congratulations!

That space looks so modern now.

Dave

[bendom01]

Stunning work. Love this so much. 

[JacobZ]

Hi @bendom01,

A warm welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community and thank you for your kind words.

Allow me to tag @olimpiacalleja so they are notified of your comment.

Jacob