How much does a utility room cost? A guide to budgeting for this practical space

utility room with green walls and freestanding low level open storage units with small dog stood on rug
Our utility room cost guides takes you the the process of pricing up this practical space (Image credit: Garden Trading)

Whether you need a more dedicated laundry room, a place for the pet to sleep or simply somewhere to store the paraphernalia that goes hand in hand with family life, utility rooms are generally considered a valuable addition to your home.

But when it comes to budgeting for one, how much does a utility room cost and what do you need to plan for? 

tim phillips
Tim Phillips

Tim Phillips is an experienced senior quantity surveyor and estimator and has worked in the construction industry for over 35 years. He has extensive experience of undertaking his own full-scale house renovations. He is also a speaker and expert at the Homebuilding & Renovating Shows.

Swipe to scroll horizontally
ItemIncludesCost
FoundationsExcavations, skip, concrete£3400
DrainageNew pipework, manhole and connection to existing drainage£3100
Concrete slabSub-base, concrete and insulation£4200
WallsBlockwork walls and insulation£11,900
Windows & doorsOne double uPVC window and external uPVC back door£1000
Flat roofInsulated roof finished with membrane£4100
ScaffoldingHire for duration of project£1100
Swipe to scroll horizontally
ItemIncludesCost
ElectricsSockets, lighting circuits, smoke detector, ceiling spot lights, fused socket spurs, extractor (extending to existing circuit)£1000-£1500
PlasteringBoard and skim walls & ceilings£900
Painting & decoratingTwo coats to walls and ceilings plus supply and paint coving£700
RenderingPrepare and render external walls and finish with masonry paint£4200
Underfloor heatingSupply and install of wet underfloor heating£850-£1000
Swipe to scroll horizontally
Architect fees3-7% of total build cost
Planning permissionUpwards of £200 for full permission
Permitted developmentUpwards of £100 for a certificate of lawfulness
Building regulation feesAllocate £200
Party wall agreementsBudget a minimum of £1500 - £2000
Swipe to scroll horizontally
Day rate or overall costAllow
Builder£240 - £300
Electrician£400
Plumber£347.50
Decorator£325
Costs to plaster a 9m2 room£1100
Swipe to scroll horizontally
ItemIncludesCost
Remove existing unitsRemoval and skip hire/disposalAllow £500
New sink & tapsMid-range sink, taps and installationAllow £500
ElectricsSupply & install for 2 new double sockets and replacement of extractor fanAllow £500
Swipe to scroll horizontally
Header Cell - Column 0 BudgetMid-rangePremium
Freestanding washing machine£233£579£1283
Heat pump tumble dryer£321£549£2227
Semi-integrated dishwasher£329£579£1299
Swipe to scroll horizontally
Worktop costs per m2
BudgetMid-rangePremium
£20 - £40£150 - £400£225 - £500
Sarah Harley
Assistant Editor

Sarah is Homebuilding & Renovating’s Assistant Editor and joined the team in 2024. An established homes and interiors writer, Sarah has renovated and extended a number of properties, including a listing building and renovation project that featured on Grand Designs. Although she said she would never buy a listed property again, she has recently purchased a Grade II listed apartment. As it had already been professionally renovated, she has instead set her sights on tackling some changes to improve the building’s energy efficiency, as well as adding some personal touches to the interior.

Read more
kitchen extension with large picture window and pale pink fitted kitchen with large central island
How much will a kitchen extension cost? Here's how to work out your budget when planning your new space
contemporary glass extension to Georgian house
How much does an extension cost in 2025? Work out what budget you'll need with our handy guide
large open plan kitchen with central island, seating area and colour palette of brown, light stone and black and white veined marble
How much will a new kitchen cost you in 2025?
Scaffolding around a red brick extension being built to the side of a house
How much does a side extension cost? A quantity surveyor lays it out
Kitchen in large room with high ceilings, large sash windows, corniced ceiling, wooden marble topped kitchen island, large pendant lighting with small round dining table and four chairs in corner
Moving a kitchen to another room isn't a task for the faint-hearted. Here's what to consider before you start
bathroom with wooden slatted screen to side of freestanding bath, green tiled arch recess with wooden wall mounted vanity unit, white sink, wall mounted black tp and mirror, black french doors with white floor to ceiling voile in front
Renovating a bathroom? Here's how to get the best results
Latest in
Britain's Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves leaves 11 Downing Street, in central London, on March 26, 2025, to present her Spring Budget Statement at the House of Commons
Spring Budget brings major boost for homebuilders, homeowners and housing market
Aerial view, Bourton on the Hill, Cotswold Hills, Cotswolds, UK
The 'Best Places to Live' in the UK in 2025 has been revealed
Sarah Beeny with her husband Gareth and their 4 sons sat un front of their white self build property and greenhouse in a large front garden
Sarah Beeny faces demolition order for £3million home after faltering in her latest planning application submission
A tudor-style home with newly fitted windows
Clement Windows Group
A stone church with gated walkway to the front door and surrounding garden lawn
What kind of home could you create out of a former church? Here's your chance to find out
kitchen with sage green units, part marble effect tiled splashback, forest inspired wallpaper mural above, brass wall lights, black pendant lights, hob on worktop and kitchen accessories
Kitchen wallpaper ideas will change the way you view your walls. Here's 14 ideas to whet your appetite
Latest in Advice
Red brick detached house with double glazing and for sale sign in hedge
Selling and buying a house without a FENSA certificate — understand the rules on replacement windows and doors
A bright green septic tank emptying lorry in front of a house with solar panels on the roof
8 things to check when buying a house with a septic tank
workman working on boiler mounted on wall
Can you put a boiler in a loft? We take a look at the pros, cons, costs and more
Small grey decking area in garden on top of patio
Can you lay decking straight on concrete? When you shouldn't and when you can
A bright conservatory with sage green-framed windows and a glass roof lantern. Two striped wingback chairs with red-striped cushions face the open double doors, leading to a lush garden with purple flowers and rolling green fields.
The secret to keeping a conservatory cool — 7 simple fixes most people overlook
A white rendered detached house with a clay tiled roof and a green timber lean-to garage to the side
What is Passivhaus certification? Everything you need to know for your project