How much does it cost to add a laundry room with plumbing in a New Brunswick home?

Adding a dedicated laundry room with plumbing in a New Brunswick home typically costs $15,000–$35,000, depending on location, plumbing complexity, and finishes. If you're converting an existing space (like a closet or part of a basement), you'll sit closer to the lower end. If the project involves moving walls, running new plumbing supply and drain lines a significant distance, or adding electrical circuits, expect to land in the middle to upper range.

The biggest cost driver is plumbing rough-in. A laundry room needs a cold water supply line (hot is optional but common), a dedicated drain line tied into your home's drain-waste-vent (DWV) system, and a proper standpipe and trap for the washing machine. If your new laundry room is close to an existing bathroom or utility room, the plumber has a short run and the cost stays manageable — typically $2,500–$5,000 for plumbing rough-in alone. Move that laundry room to the opposite end of the house from your existing stack, and that number can climb to $6,000–$10,000 just for the plumbing. All plumbing work in NB must be performed by a TSANB-licensed plumber and inspected — no exceptions.

Electrical is the other major trade cost. A washing machine needs a dedicated 20-amp, 120-volt circuit. An electric dryer needs a dedicated 240-volt, 30-amp circuit. If your panel has capacity, adding these two circuits typically runs $800–$1,800. If your panel is already full or undersized — common in older NB homes — a panel upgrade adds $3,000–$6,000 to the project. A gas dryer requires a TSANB-licensed gas fitter to run a gas line, typically $500–$1,500 depending on distance from the meter.

NB-Specific Considerations

NB's climate makes laundry room placement and construction details matter more than in milder provinces. Basement laundry rooms are the most common choice in NB homes, and they work well — but basement moisture is a real concern here. Spring snowmelt raises the water table across the province from April through June, and a laundry room built over a damp concrete floor without proper waterproofing will develop mould problems within a few years. Before framing any basement laundry space, confirm the foundation is dry and address any moisture issues first. Interior drainage and a sump pump may be needed, adding $5,000–$12,000 if not already in place.

If you're placing the laundry room on the main floor or in a closet, make sure the floor structure can handle the dynamic load of a spinning washer — older NB homes with 2x8 or 2x6 floor joists may need blocking or reinforcement under the machine. An anti-vibration pad is a cheap but worthwhile addition.

A building permit is required for this project — you're adding new plumbing, new electrical circuits, and potentially modifying walls. In Moncton, Saint John, Fredericton, or any incorporated NB municipality, apply through the city building department. In rural NB, go through your Rural Service Commission.

Practical Tips

Get quotes from at least three contractors who can coordinate the full scope — framing, plumbing, electrical, and finishing. A general contractor who manages the trades is worth the coordination fee on a project like this. Budget a 15–20% contingency on top of your quote, especially in older homes where opening walls reveals surprises like outdated knob-and-tube wiring or cast iron drain lines that need replacement.

For finishes, keep it practical: luxury vinyl plank flooring handles the humidity and occasional splash better than hardwood or laminate, a utility sink adds real functionality for $400–$900 installed, and proper ventilation (either an exterior-vented exhaust fan or an HRV connection) prevents the moisture buildup that causes mould in NB's humid summers.

Need help finding an experienced local contractor for your laundry room project? New Brunswick Renovations can connect you with renovation professionals in your area for free.