Laundry Rooms: Home Value Booster?

Adding a laundry room to your home can make your living space more practical and appealing to potential buyers. While it may not significantly increase your home's resale value, it can be a deciding factor for buyers. The impact on resale value depends on factors such as the timing of the remodel, buyer preferences in your area, space, and quality. A well-designed laundry room with ample storage, a sink, and updated appliances can enhance your daily life and make your home more desirable when it's time to sell.

A laundry room can make a property more attractive to buyers

If you're looking to sell your home, it's worth investing in some upgrades to your laundry room. This could include adding more lighting to make the space appear brighter and larger, or installing a washer and dryer on the wall to save floor space. You could also consider adding a bench for sorting and folding clothes, and installing cabinets and drawers to create more storage space.

Another important consideration is the location of your laundry room. Potential buyers prefer laundry rooms on the first floor, near a secondary entry to the house, such as off an attached garage. If your laundry room is in the basement or on an upper level, you may want to consider moving it to a more desirable location.

Upgrading your laundry appliances to newer, energy-efficient models can also be a selling point. According to the NAHB, homebuyers are willing to spend more upfront if it means saving on utility bills. So, if you're looking to make your property more attractive to buyers, a well-designed and functional laundry room can definitely help.

A first-floor laundry room is often preferred

Another advantage of a first-floor laundry room is that it minimises noise disturbance. Modern washing machines and dryers may be designed to reduce vibration and noise, but they cannot eliminate it entirely. By having the laundry room on the first floor, away from bedrooms and quiet areas, you can do laundry at any time without disturbing others. This is especially beneficial for households with light sleepers or nappers.

In addition, a first-floor laundry room can help to contain laundry in a designated area. This can make it easier to sort and organise clothes, and it keeps dirty laundry out of sight. Some homeowners also choose to incorporate a laundry chute, making it even more convenient to transport laundry from the upper floors.

Furthermore, a first-floor laundry room can be more cost-effective. Placing the laundry room on the second floor may incur additional plumbing costs to bring water and drain lines upstairs, as well as insulation costs to mitigate noise and structural reinforcement for the floors. By keeping the laundry room on the main floor, you can avoid these extra expenses.

Lastly, a first-floor laundry room can be designed to serve multiple purposes. For example, it can be combined with a mudroom, home office, or craft room, maximising the functionality of the space when laundry chores are not being performed. This makes the first-floor laundry room a versatile and efficient use of space.

Energy-efficient appliances can increase a home's value

Energy-efficient appliances can be a great way to increase a home's value. In fact, according to Consumer Reports, making changes to your kitchen, such as installing new appliances, flooring, or countertops, can increase its value by 3-7%. Energy-efficient appliances are becoming increasingly desirable for buyers, and they can help draw in potential buyers.

There are a few reasons why energy-efficient appliances can increase a home's value. Firstly, they are more likely to be long-lasting, so buyers won't have to worry about repairs or replacements as soon after buying the home. Secondly, they are cheaper to run, so they will save the new homeowners money in the long run.

When considering which energy-efficient appliances to choose, look for those with the ENERGY STAR® certification. These appliances can save the homeowner money and, in turn, increase value for energy-conscious buyers. Refrigerators, for example, are one of the most commonly bought appliances when moving, and an energy-efficient model with features like water and ice dispensers is sure to be a selling point.

Another thing to consider is the overall aesthetic of your home. When appliances are in the same room, try to match their colour and materials. A cohesive look is more appealing to buyers, and a mismatched aesthetic could detract from the overall impression of the room. Neutral colours are typically better, and stainless steel or black appliances can help keep things looking modern and neutral.

It's also worth noting that the value added by energy-efficient appliances depends on the housing market, region, and price range of properties in your surrounding area. Research comparable houses in your neighbourhood to get an idea of what buyers are looking for. Additionally, consider your budget and the potential return on your investment. Consulting a realtor can be helpful in making these decisions.

Storage solutions can increase the value of a laundry room

Adding a laundry room to your home can make your living space more practical and desirable. A well-designed laundry room with ample storage can significantly increase the value of your home and make it more attractive to potential buyers.

A laundry room with good storage solutions can enhance the functionality and aesthetics of the space. Here are some ways storage solutions can increase the value of a laundry room:

Maximising Space

Laundry rooms come in various sizes, and maximising space is crucial. Creative storage solutions can help utilise every inch of available space, making the laundry room more efficient and appealing. For instance, installing shelves or cabinets above the washer and dryer provides extra storage without taking up floor space.

Organisation and Accessibility

Well-designed storage solutions enable better organisation of laundry supplies, detergents, and other essentials. Sorting items based on frequency of use and placing them in designated areas improves accessibility. This makes doing laundry more convenient and efficient, enhancing the overall value of the laundry room.

Aesthetics and Clutter Control

Adequate storage helps create a calm and clutter-free laundry room. Coordinated containers, clear labels, and attractive bins contribute to a neat and stylish space. A well-organised laundry room with thoughtful storage solutions can enhance the visual appeal and overall value of the home.

Versatility and Multipurpose Use

Laundry rooms with versatile storage options can double as hobby or craft spaces. For example, upper cabinets can store both cleaning products and craft supplies, making the room more adaptable to different needs. This versatility adds value by providing a multi-functional area.

Convenience and Efficiency

Storage solutions like pull-out drawers, sliding storage cabinets, and laundry carts improve convenience and efficiency. These features ensure that laundry essentials are easily accessible and organised, making the laundry process smoother and more enjoyable.

By incorporating storage solutions that maximise space, improve organisation, enhance aesthetics, provide versatility, and increase convenience, you can significantly increase the value of your laundry room and, by extension, your home.

A laundry room with a sink is more valuable

Adding a laundry room to your home can make your living space more practical and keep your laundry contained in a designated area. A laundry room can make your property significantly more attractive to potential buyers and can make it easier to sell. According to a survey by the National Association of Home Builders, 87% of respondents said a separate laundry room would be ideal, and 47% said it was essential, and they would discount homes without one.

The type of sink is also a factor. A laundry sink, or utility sink, is a versatile and deep basin designed for tasks that go beyond standard handwashing. They are purpose-built fixtures designed to handle tough laundry tasks with ease. Stainless steel and granite composite sinks are popular choices.

The location of the laundry room is also important. A first-floor laundry room is preferred by 67% of respondents in the survey. A laundry room that is far enough away from the main living areas to reduce noise disturbance from the washer and dryer will also be more valuable.

Frequently asked questions