The Quick Answer
A Chicago laundry room renovation averages $8,000–$12,000 for mid-range updates including new cabinets, countertops, flooring, and lighting. Moving laundry from the basement to second floor costs $5,000–$15,000 depending on plumbing complexity. High-end renovations with custom cabinetry, luxury appliances, and premium finishes can reach $25,000–$40,000. ROI averages 50–70% at resale.
Key Cost Factors for Chicago Laundry Rooms
- Keeping existing plumbing: Staying on current wet walls saves $2,000–$5,000 in plumbing costs
- Relocating to different floor: Moving upstairs requires new water lines, drains, venting, and electrical—adds $3,000–$12,000
- Cabinet & storage quality: Stock cabinets $1,500–$3,000 vs. custom cabinetry $5,000–$12,000
- Appliance upgrades: Standard washer/dryer $1,200–$2,500 vs. premium smart appliances $3,500–$6,000+
- Chicago permit requirements: Plumbing and electrical permits required for most relocations ($200–$600)
Your laundry room might be the hardest-working space in your Chicago home—yet it's often the most neglected. Whether you're tired of hauling baskets up and down narrow basement stairs, or your current setup is cramped, dated, and inefficient, a laundry room renovation can transform this everyday necessity into a functional, even enjoyable space.
At Assembly Squad, we've renovated laundry rooms across Chicago—from converting dark basement corners into bright, organized spaces to relocating laundry to second-floor closets near the bedrooms where dirty clothes actually accumulate. Here's everything you need to know about costs, options, and what actually works for Chicago homes.
What Does a Laundry Room Renovation Cost in Chicago?
Laundry room costs vary dramatically based on whether you're updating in place or relocating plumbing. Here's what Chicago homeowners actually pay:
Cost by Project Scope
| Project Type | Cost Range | What's Included |
|---|---|---|
| Cosmetic Refresh | $2,000–$5,000 | Paint, new lighting, shelving, organization systems |
| Basic Remodel | $5,000–$10,000 | New flooring, cabinets, countertop, fixtures (same location) |
| Mid-Range Renovation | $10,000–$18,000 | Custom cabinets, utility sink, upgraded appliances, tile flooring |
| Luxury Renovation | $20,000–$40,000 | Premium finishes, smart appliances, custom storage, dog wash station |
| Relocation (Same Floor) | $3,000–$8,000 | Moving hookups within same level, new venting |
| Relocation (Different Floor) | $8,000–$20,000 | Basement to second floor, all new plumbing/electrical |
Individual Component Costs
| Component | Cost Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cabinets & Storage | $1,500–$8,000 | Stock to custom; includes installation |
| Countertops | $500–$2,500 | Laminate to quartz; folding space essential |
| Flooring | $800–$2,500 | Luxury vinyl, tile, or porcelain (35–50 sq ft typical) |
| Utility Sink | $350–$1,500 | Drop-in to farmhouse style; plus installation |
| Lighting | $300–$1,200 | Overhead + under-cabinet task lighting |
| Plumbing (relocate hookups) | $500–$3,000 | Moving washer connections; $75–$150/hour labor |
| Electrical | $400–$1,500 | 240V dryer circuit, GFCI outlets |
| Dryer Venting | $150–$600 | New vent run to exterior |
| Washer/Dryer (pair) | $1,200–$6,000+ | Standard to premium smart appliances |
Assembly Squad Budget Tips
- Keep plumbing where it is: Staying on existing wet walls can save $2,000–$5,000
- Stock cabinets work great: Semi-custom cabinets at $100–$200/linear foot deliver excellent value
- Vinyl plank flooring: Waterproof luxury vinyl ($4–$8/sq ft installed) outperforms tile for less
- Skip the pedestal washer/dryer stands: Counter-height folding space above front-loaders is more functional
Relocating Your Laundry Room: Is It Worth It?
Moving laundry from a dark Chicago basement to a convenient second-floor location is one of the most requested renovations we do. It's also one of the most complex. Here's what's actually involved:
Relocation Cost Breakdown
| Relocation Type | Cost Range | Complexity |
|---|---|---|
| Same Room Reconfiguration | $500–$2,000 | Moving hookups to opposite wall |
| Adjacent Room (Same Floor) | $1,500–$4,000 | Short plumbing runs, usually straightforward |
| Basement to First Floor | $3,000–$8,000 | Moderate—often near existing plumbing stacks |
| Basement to Second Floor | $5,000–$15,000 | Complex—long pipe runs, structural considerations |
| Garage Conversion | $4,000–$10,000 | Insulation, waterproofing, climate control needed |
⚠️ Second-Floor Laundry Considerations
Flood protection is essential. A washing machine on an upper floor can cause catastrophic damage if it leaks. We always recommend: (1) washer drain pan with floor drain, (2) automatic water shutoff valve, (3) braided stainless steel hoses, and (4) overflow alarm. These add $300–$800 but provide crucial protection. Also consider structural load—washing machines weigh 150–200 lbs dry, 300+ lbs full of water. Older Chicago homes may need floor reinforcement.
Why Chicago Homeowners Relocate Laundry
Convenience Factor
Laundry near bedrooms means no more hauling baskets up and down stairs. Second-floor laundry is especially valuable for families with children—dirty clothes go in, clean clothes come out, all on the same floor where bedrooms are.
Basement Issues
Damp basements can transfer musty smells to clean laundry. Flooding risk threatens appliances. Moving upstairs eliminates moisture concerns and protects your investment in quality appliances.
Space Reclamation
Relocating laundry from a main-floor closet or kitchen corner to a dedicated second-floor space frees up valuable real estate for mudroom, pantry, or expanded living areas.
Best Locations for Chicago Laundry Rooms
Where should your laundry room go? Each location has pros, cons, and cost implications:
Second Floor
Near bedrooms
Most convenient
Flood risk requires protection
Mudroom/Entry
Catch dirty clothes at door
Great for kids/pets
Requires space
Primary Closet
Ultimate convenience
Compact footprint
Premium option
Basement
Traditional location
No flood risk to living space
Inconvenient
Kitchen Adjacent
Near existing plumbing
Cost-effective
Noise may be issue
Bathroom Combo
Shares plumbing
Space-efficient
Privacy concern
□ The Sweet Spot for Chicago Homes
For most Chicago homes, the ideal laundry location is a second-floor hallway closet or dedicated room near bedrooms. Position it above a first-floor bathroom or kitchen to minimize plumbing costs—you can often tap into existing vent stacks and water lines. A 5' x 7' space (35 sq ft) accommodates side-by-side washer/dryer with folding counter and storage. Add $8,000–$12,000 to create this convenience if relocating from basement.
Luxury Laundry Room Features Worth the Investment
If you're renovating anyway, these upgrades deliver real daily value:
High-Value Upgrades
| Feature | Cost | Why It's Worth It |
|---|---|---|
| Counter-Height Folding Surface | $500–$1,500 | No more back pain from folding on beds; 36" counter over front-loaders is ideal |
| Utility/Soaking Sink | $600–$2,000 | Hand-wash delicates, pre-treat stains, rinse mops—essential for families |
| Pull-Out Drying Rack | $150–$400 | Air-dry delicates without cluttering shower rods |
| Built-In Hamper Cabinet | $300–$800 | Hidden dirty laundry, sorted by color/person |
| Hanging Rod | $50–$200 | Hang shirts directly from dryer, prevents wrinkles |
| Under-Cabinet Lighting | $200–$500 | See stains clearly when pre-treating |
| Smart Washer/Dryer | $2,500–$5,000 pair | Remote notifications, auto-dispense detergent, energy monitoring |
| Pet Wash Station | $1,500–$4,000 | Raised tub with sprayer—Chicago winters make this invaluable |
2026 Laundry Room Design Trends
- Color: Moving beyond white—soft greens, serene blues, warm taupes creating calm, inviting spaces
- Materials: Quartz countertops, matte cabinet finishes, natural wood accents, patterned tile floors
- Smart tech: Wi-Fi connected appliances, automatic detergent dispensers, water leak sensors
- Multi-function: Laundry + mudroom combos, craft room integration, home office nook adjacent
- Pet features: Built-in dog wash stations, pet food storage, dedicated pet towel hooks
- Hidden integration: Washer/dryer behind cabinet doors, laundry closets that disappear when closed
Chicago-Specific Considerations
Renovating laundry rooms in Chicago homes comes with unique considerations:
Older Home Challenges
- Greystone/brownstone plumbing: Cast iron stacks may need replacement when adding connections ($2,000–$5,000)
- Electrical capacity: Older homes may need panel upgrade for 240V dryer circuit ($1,500–$3,000)
- Floor loads: Verify floor joists can support washer weight when full (300+ lbs)
- Venting routes: Multi-story buildings require creative dryer vent solutions—sometimes through roof
- Historic homes: Landmark districts may restrict exterior venting locations
Permits Required
Chicago requires permits for most laundry room work involving plumbing or electrical changes:
- Plumbing permit: Required for new water lines, drain connections, gas lines ($150–$300)
- Electrical permit: Required for new circuits, panel work, 240V installations ($100–$250)
- Inspection: Rough-in and final inspections required for permitted work
Chicago Winter Laundry Tips
- Insulate exterior walls: Prevent pipes from freezing in basement or garage laundry rooms
- Heated floors: Radiant heat under tile ($8–$15/sq ft) makes standing comfortable during long folding sessions
- Boot/glove drying: Wall-mounted boot dryers or dedicated rack near laundry saves winter gear
- Dehumidifier hookup: Plumb drain line for basement dehumidifier to reduce dampness
Assembly Squad Laundry Room Projects
Lincoln Park Second-Floor Laundry Creation
Assembly Squad Project | Investment: $14,800
Scope: Converted unused second-floor closet (5' x 8') into full laundry room in 1920s greystone. Installed stacked washer/dryer, custom cabinetry, quartz countertop with folding space, utility sink, and pull-out drying rack. Ran new plumbing from first-floor bathroom below, added 240V circuit, and vented dryer through roof.
Timeline: 2.5 weeks
Result: Homeowners no longer carry laundry to basement. Space includes hidden hamper system and hanging rod for air-dry items. Original basement laundry area converted to home gym.
Bucktown Mudroom + Laundry Combo
Assembly Squad Project | Investment: $22,500
Scope: Expanded existing first-floor laundry closet into 8' x 10' mudroom/laundry combination. Installed side-by-side washer/dryer with counter, farmhouse sink, custom lockers for family of four, bench with shoe storage, and dog wash station with hand-held sprayer. Heated tile floor throughout.
Timeline: 3 weeks
Result: Multi-functional space handles laundry, mudroom duties, and pet cleaning. Clients report it's the most-used room in the house during Chicago winters.
Gold Coast Condo Laundry Renovation
Assembly Squad Project | Investment: $9,200
Scope: Renovated existing in-unit laundry closet in high-rise condo. Replaced stacked units with new LG smart washer/dryer, added custom cabinet doors to conceal appliances when closed, installed quartz counter above for folding, LED lighting, and organizational systems. No plumbing relocation needed.
Timeline: 1 week
Result: Laundry closet now looks like built-in cabinetry when closed. Smart appliances send phone notifications when cycles complete—essential in high-rise where laundry isn't visible from living space.
Chicago Laundry Room FAQs
How much does it cost to move laundry from basement to second floor?
Moving laundry from a Chicago basement to the second floor typically costs $5,000–$15,000, depending on complexity. The major cost factors are: distance from existing plumbing (longer pipe runs = higher cost), electrical requirements (may need new 240V circuit and panel capacity), dryer venting route (through walls vs. roof), and floor reinforcement if needed. Positioning the new laundry room above a first-floor bathroom minimizes costs by utilizing existing vent stacks. Budget toward the higher end ($12,000–$15,000) if extensive plumbing work is needed, or lower ($5,000–$8,000) if you can tap into nearby wet walls.
Is a second-floor laundry room a good idea?
Yes, for most Chicago families, second-floor laundry is worth the investment. The convenience of having laundry on the same floor as bedrooms saves countless trips up and down stairs. However, flood protection is essential—always install a drain pan, automatic water shutoff valve, and quality braided hoses. The main downside is potential noise in bedrooms if you run laundry at night, which can be mitigated with vibration pads and quality appliances. For resale, second-floor laundry is increasingly expected in higher-end Chicago homes.
What size laundry room do I need?
The minimum functional laundry room is about 20–25 sq ft (a closet with stacked washer/dryer). A comfortable laundry room with side-by-side machines, folding counter, and storage requires 35–50 sq ft (roughly 5' x 7' to 5' x 10'). Luxury laundry rooms with utility sink, hanging space, and extensive storage typically run 50–80 sq ft. For combination mudroom/laundry spaces, plan for 80–120 sq ft. Remember that front-loading machines need door swing clearance, and you'll want at least 36" of clear floor space in front of appliances.
Do I need a permit for laundry room renovation in Chicago?
Permits are required in Chicago for any work involving plumbing changes (new water lines, drain connections, gas lines) or electrical work (new circuits, 240V dryer outlets, panel modifications). Cosmetic updates like paint, cabinets, countertops, and flooring don't require permits if no plumbing or electrical is involved. Relocating a laundry room always requires permits. Assembly Squad handles all permit applications and inspections as part of our project management—you don't need to worry about the paperwork.
Should I get a utility sink in my laundry room?
A utility sink is one of the most-used features in a well-designed laundry room. It's essential for: pre-treating stains, hand-washing delicates, soaking items, filling mop buckets, rinsing paintbrushes, bathing small pets, and watering plants. If you have kids, pets, or do any crafts/projects, you'll use it constantly. Budget $600–$2,000 installed depending on style (drop-in vs. farmhouse). The only reason to skip it is if space is extremely tight—even then, consider a small bar sink. In our experience, clients who didn't include a sink almost always wish they had.
What's the ROI on a laundry room renovation?
Laundry room renovations typically return 50–70% of investment at resale. While that's lower than kitchen or bathroom ROI, the daily convenience value is significant—you'll use your laundry room 4–8 times per week for years. Second-floor laundry can command premium pricing in Chicago, especially in family neighborhoods like Lincoln Park, Lakeview, and North Shore suburbs. The real return is in quality of life: a well-designed laundry room makes a tedious chore more efficient and even enjoyable.
Ready to Upgrade Your Chicago Laundry Room?
Whether you're dreaming of a convenient second-floor laundry, a mudroom combo that handles Chicago winters, or simply want to transform your cramped basement setup into an organized, functional space, we can help.
Contact Assembly Squad for a laundry room consultation. We'll assess your current setup, discuss the best location options for your home's layout and plumbing, and provide detailed pricing for your specific project. From simple cabinet upgrades to complete basement-to-second-floor relocations, we've handled laundry rooms of every size and complexity across Chicago.
Stop dreading laundry day. Let's create a space that actually works for how you live.