Homeowners planning a serious renovation in South Florida may be wondering: is it worth it to create a wellness-style laundry room? The answer is yes--provided you prioritize both an interesting design and a reasonable budget that meets regulations without missing resale value.
The 2026 Houzz Emerging Summer Trends Report shows a lot more people are searching for a "wellness room" than they previously were--around 164% more to be exact. Still, the returns from installing a laundry room that's beautiful and serene may not be as great as owners expect.
HouseDigest, which reported in April 2024, estimates that an attractive laundry space can offer an uptick of 5% to your actual home value. Gardenspace's June 2026 estimates go higher, stating a potential increase in value comes out to around 60%-80% return on investment when used for laundry. Generally speaking, a simple basic renovation that costs around $3,000 will typically yield much lower returns than a full-fledged wellness room would.
Each city in South Florida comes with unique vibes around what buyers are looking for, too. Still, designs that mirror kitchens and bathrooms seem to do much better than those made on their own accord.
When it comes to upgrades, it's a good idea to establish our budget range before starting. A basic renovation could cost about $1k-3k, a moderate reno about $15k-30k, or a premium suite about $45k-80k.
Check the code requirement on your city or municipality for all South Florida regions, but count on needing waterproof finishes, proper ventilation, and rated cabinetry and fixtures if you're installing an utility area. Almost all structural changes are going to require you to secure a building permit.
Since timeliness with some of these permits can vary, consider getting your permits squared away before you swing hammer to nail. The preparation might take some time, too, so really--be ready in advance!
Focus on making the wellness area functionally ergonomic though it should be beautiful as well. Items like folding counters at either end, added storage, or both might just minimize straining or lifting during laundry day, but plants and nice finishes will help complete the feel of being in a sanctuary at home.
Putting together a solid checklist can also keep things on track. Use sections such as: design concept and material selection, code compliance, permit status, contractor coordination, and final inspection for efficiency.
Taking a phased approach could keep you going:
Establish a design that meets code.
Get your building permit
Start out with any structural work
Add whatever electrical upgrades are needed
Tie up with fixtures and finishes
Call scientists to arrange for your final inspection!
Integrating the laundry into a larger remodel, if you’re doing one, might keep from needing to spend again on the same complexion on laundry day.
You can check with your local Florida building department for their requirements and timeframes. Then make sure you've picked a contractor familiar with hurricane-proof building and remodeling!
