Yes, you can prepare a basic materials takeoff for a new laundry room yourself — and doing so can help you budget more accurately, get like-for-like quotes from tradespeople, and avoid nasty cost surprises mid-project. That said, a DIY takeoff has real limitations, and for anything involving structural work, consents, or complex finishes, a professional quantity surveyor (QS) will save you money in the long run.
What Is a Materials Takeoff?
A materials takeoff (sometimes called a material schedule or quantity takeoff) is a detailed list of every material needed to complete a building project — including quantities, sizes, and sometimes estimated costs. For a laundry room, this typically covers framing timber, plasterboard, waterproofing, tiling, cabinetry, fixtures, and more. It forms the backbone of any accurate budget or builder's quote.
Do You Need a Building Consent?
Before you start measuring anything, check whether your laundry room project requires a building consent. In New Zealand, some work is exempt under Schedule 1 of the Building Act 2004 — but this depends on the scope. Adding a new laundry room that involves relocating plumbing, altering drainage, or removing walls is very likely to require consent. Always confirm with your local council before proceeding. MBIE Building Performance has clear guidance on what triggers a consent requirement.
Step 1 — Draw Up a Simple Floor Plan
Start with a rough sketch of the laundry room to scale (even hand-drawn is fine). Note all dimensions in millimetres — wall lengths, ceiling height, door and window openings, and the location of planned fixtures like the tub, washing machine, and dryer. Accurate measurements are the foundation of any reliable takeoff.
Step 2 — Break the Project Into Trade Packages
Organise your takeoff by trade or material category. A typical laundry room takeoff might include:
- Framing — wall studs, top and bottom plates, noggings (usually 90×45 mm H1.2 treated timber to NZS 3604 for interior non-structural walls)
- Plasterboard — GIB standard board for dry areas, GIB Aqualine or equivalent for wet areas near the tub
- Waterproofing membrane — required under NZ Building Code clause E3 in wet areas
- Floor and wall tiles — calculate area in m², add 10–15% for cuts and wastage
- Tile adhesive and grout — check coverage rates on the product data sheet (brands like Ardex or Mapei are widely used in NZ)
- Cabinetry and shelving
- Paint — Resene and Dulux both offer moisture-resistant interior paints suited to laundries
- Fixtures and fittings — laundry tub, tapware, waste fittings
- Electrical fittings — power points, lighting (quantities only; installation is restricted work)
- Plumbing rough-in materials — pipe runs, valves (quantities only; installation is restricted work)
Step 3 — Calculate Quantities
Use a simple spreadsheet. For each item, record:
| Item | Unit | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 90×45 H1.2 framing | lineal metre | e.g. 24 lm | Measure all wall runs |
| GIB Aqualine 10 mm | m² | e.g. 18 m² | Add 10% wastage |
| Floor tiles 300×300 | m² | e.g. 5 m² | Add 15% for cuts |
| Waterproofing membrane | m² | e.g. 6 m² | Wet zone only |
| Tile adhesive | kg | Per coverage rate | Check product data sheet |
Always add a wastage allowance — typically 10% for plasterboard and paint, 10–15% for tiles, and 5–10% for timber.
Step 4 — Estimate Costs (Broad Ranges Only)
Once you have quantities, you can get supplier pricing from Bunnings, Mitre 10, or PlaceMakers. Keep in mind that trade pricing through a builder or tiler is often lower than retail. Your takeoff gives tradespeople a clear scope to quote against, which helps you compare apples with apples.
Common DIY Takeoff Mistakes to Avoid
- Forgetting wastage — always add it
- Missing hidden items — backing blocks for wall-mounted cabinets, stopping compounds, primer coats, fixings and screws
- Underestimating wet area requirements — NZ Building Code clause E3 sets strict standards for internal moisture management; BRANZ has excellent guidance on wet area construction
- Ignoring consent-related documentation — if a consent is required, your QS or designer may need to produce a formal schedule
When to Call a Professional
A DIY takeoff is a useful starting point, but consider engaging a licensed quantity surveyor or experienced building estimator if:
- The project is large or involves structural alterations
- You need a formal cost plan for finance or insurance purposes
- You want to tender the work to multiple builders competitively
- You're unsure about consent requirements or compliance costs
For the plumbing and drainage side of a laundry (connecting water supply, waste pipes, and any drainage work) must be carried out by a licensed tradesperson under the Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Act. Note that plumbing and drainage work is not classified as "restricted building work" under the Building Act — it is restricted work under the Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Act. Only a licensed tradesperson registered with the Plumbers Gasfitters & Drainlayers Board can legally carry out this work. Similarly, any new electrical circuits or moving of wiring must be done by a registered electrician — check the Electrical Workers Registration Board for details.
Safety note: Never attempt to connect or modify plumbing, drainage, or electrical wiring yourself. Unlicensed work is illegal, may void your insurance, and can create serious safety hazards.
You can find qualified quantity surveyors, builders, plumbers, and tilers in your area on tradedirectory.co.nz.
Site Safe
Licensed Building Practitioner (LBP)
ISO 9001 / 45001 / 14001
NZ Institute of Building (NZIOB)
