Laundry Room Addition: A Step-By-Step Guide

Adding a laundry room to your home can be a great investment, saving you time and effort and potentially increasing your property's value. The first step is deciding where to put it and how big it should be. You'll need to consider convenience, access to plumbing and vents, and noise issues. If your chosen spot isn't close to existing water pipes, you'll need to plan for a plumbing extension. The minimum size for a laundry room is typically 9 feet wide by 11 feet long, but you may want to go bigger depending on your needs.

Location: Consider convenience, plumbing, vents, and noise

When adding a laundry room, location is key. You'll want to consider convenience, plumbing, vents, and noise when deciding where to put your laundry room.

Convenience

A laundry room's location should be convenient for the tasks you'll be doing. For example, you might want to put it near where dirty clothes are shed, such as in a mudroom or near bedrooms, to lessen the distance you need to carry hampers. A laundry room near the kitchen can also be convenient, as it is often the epicenter of the home.

Plumbing

Access to plumbing is another important consideration when choosing a location for your laundry room. If your ideal location isn't close to existing water pipes, you'll need to plan for a plumbing extension. Being near existing plumbing lines, such as in or near a bathroom, can make this easier.

Vents

Laundry rooms require proper ventilation to prevent moisture buildup and ensure the space remains fresh and dry. Vented doors and additional space around stacked machines are necessary to dissipate dryer heat.

Noise

The noise and vibration of laundry machines may require extra insulation and a motion-arresting pad, especially if the laundry room is located near living areas.

Overall, there are many factors to consider when choosing a location for your laundry room. By taking into account convenience, plumbing, vents, and noise, you can select the best location for your needs and create a functional and efficient space.

Size: Minimum 9ft x 11ft, but depends on needs

When adding a laundry room, it's important to consider the size of the space. The minimum size for a laundry room is typically 9 feet wide by 11 feet long. However, the specific dimensions can vary depending on your needs and circumstances. If you require additional space for storage or other purposes, a larger room may be more suitable.

When planning the layout of your laundry room, consider the size and style of your washer and dryer. Decide whether you prefer a front loader or a top loader, and determine if you will use pedestals or purchase a stackable unit. Ensure you have sufficient clearance in front of and above each machine for easy access and operation. Additionally, consider adding a laundry sink to enhance the functionality of the space.

Another factor to consider is the proximity of your laundry room to existing plumbing and vents. If your desired location is not close to water pipes, you may need to plan for a plumbing extension. This can impact the overall size and layout of your laundry room.

When choosing a location for your laundry room, think about convenience and accessibility. You may want to place it near bedrooms or the kitchen to reduce the distance for transporting laundry baskets. Additionally, consider the noise level of the washer and dryer and take necessary measures to minimise any disturbance.

In terms of design, opt for light colours to create a bright and spacious feel, especially if your laundry room is on the smaller side. Consider using paint with a satin finish to absorb moisture and maintain a fresh appearance. Don't forget to add storage options such as cabinets, cubbies, or open shelving to keep your laundry supplies organised and within easy reach.

Interior design: Light colours work best, with satin finish to absorb moisture

When designing the interior of your laundry room, it's important to consider both the colour and finish of the paint you'll be using. Lighter colours are often the best choice, especially if your laundry room is on the smaller side. This is because light colours reflect light, making the space feel more open and airy. However, it's also essential to remember that laundry rooms are often exposed to moisture. To prevent the growth of mould and mildew, opt for a paint with a satin finish, as this will help to absorb moisture and keep your walls looking fresh for longer.

Satin paint is a great choice for laundry rooms as it strikes the perfect balance between shine and matte. It has a subtle sheen that reflects light, adding a touch of elegance to the space. At the same time, it's not too glossy, so it won't make your walls look overly shiny. Satin paint is also known for its durability and ease of cleaning, making it a practical choice for high-traffic areas like laundry rooms.

Compared to other finishes, satin paint retains its colour pigments well. It can be used on walls, as well as trim such as window frames, doors, baseboards, and stair rails. If you're using satin paint on the walls of your laundry room, keep in mind that it will have a higher sheen than matte paint, resulting in a slightly shiny finish.

When selecting a paint colour for your laundry room, consider opting for light neutrals or pastel shades. These colours will help to create a bright and airy atmosphere. Shades of white, cream, light grey, or soft blue can be excellent choices. These colours also pair well with the satin finish, as they will reflect a subtle amount of light while still appearing delicate and refined.

In addition to its functional benefits, satin paint can also enhance the aesthetic of your laundry room. The subtle sheen of satin paint can add depth and dimension to the space, making it feel more inviting and luxurious. It's the perfect choice for those who want a sophisticated and elegant laundry room without sacrificing practicality and durability.

Overall, when designing the interior of your laundry room, opting for light colours with a satin finish is a wise decision. Not only will it make your space feel larger and more welcoming, but it will also help to absorb moisture and keep your walls looking fresh and mould-free. So, if you're looking to create a beautiful and functional laundry room, satin paint is definitely the way to go!

Appliances: Stack or side-by-side? Front or top loader?

When adding a laundry room, there are several factors to consider when choosing between stacking or placing your washer and dryer side by side. The most important factor is often space. If you have limited space, such as a small laundry closet or a narrow room, a stacked washer and dryer can be a space-saving solution. On the other hand, if you have ample space, side-by-side placement may be more suitable.

Stacked washers and dryers are ideal for small apartments or tight laundry rooms as they are generally more compact and save valuable floor space. However, one of the main drawbacks of stacking is accessibility. The vertical arrangement can make it challenging to move clothes between the washer and dryer, and the controls may be harder to reach, especially for individuals of shorter stature. Additionally, you will need a stacking kit to secure the machines safely, and you will be limited to choosing compatible appliances that can be stacked together.

Side-by-side washer and dryer setups, on the other hand, offer easier access to both machines and typically have larger capacities, allowing you to wash and dry more clothes at once. This arrangement is generally more flexible in terms of installation and provides better access to controls on top-loading models. However, it requires more floor space, which may not be ideal for smaller laundry rooms.

Another option to consider is the use of pedestals or a stackable unit. Pedestals can raise the machines to a more comfortable height and provide additional storage space but are not suitable for stacked washers and dryers. Stackable units, on the other hand, can be a good choice if you want to maximise vertical space, especially in small rooms. However, they may limit your options in terms of installing a countertop above the machines and will require sufficient space to open and close the lid.

When deciding between stacking or side-by-side placement, it is important to consider your specific needs, the size of your laundry area, and your personal preferences. Additionally, you should ensure that your washer and dryer are properly maintained to keep them running efficiently and prolong their lifespan.

Extras: A sink is useful for soaking clothes and other tasks

A sink is a valuable addition to a laundry room. It is useful for a variety of tasks beyond just washing clothes by hand. Firstly, it is ideal for stain treatment and soaking stained clothes, which would otherwise require a trip to the kitchen sink. It also allows you to hand-wash delicate items and rinse swimsuits to remove excess salt or chlorine.

A sink in the laundry room is also beneficial for washing items unrelated to clothing, such as paintbrushes, or for bathing the dog. It can help prevent excess mess in your washing machine by providing a space to rinse off mud, pet hair, and other everyday messes before placing items into the washer.

Additionally, a sink can make it easier to maintain your washing machine. Over time, detergent and fabric softener dispensers can become dirty, and a nearby sink encourages routine clean-up without having to travel to another room. You can easily rinse attachments and wipe down surfaces, improving the longevity of your washing machine and the overall cleanliness of your laundry room.

When choosing a sink for your laundry room, there are several factors to consider. Firstly, decide on the type of sink, such as freestanding, wall-mounted, base cabinet-mounted, drop-in, or undermount. Then, select a suitable material like stainless steel, polypropylene, or cast iron. Ensure you also consider the size, orientation, and durability of the sink to meet your specific needs.

Frequently asked questions