Laundry Room Conversion: Bedroom Makeover

Converting a bedroom into a laundry room is a great way to make use of extra space in your home. It can be a convenient solution for those who want a dedicated space for laundry without taking up too much room. While it may seem like a waste of a bedroom, there are several benefits to this conversion. For instance, it can provide more room for a growing family or guests, and it can be a good option if you're looking to rent out a room.

Before starting the conversion process, it's important to consider the potential impact on your home's value. Removing a bedroom may decrease the resale value, so it's worth weighing the benefits against this potential drawback. Additionally, you'll need to ensure that the space is properly equipped for a laundry room, including plumbing and electrical connections.

The process of converting a bedroom into a laundry room typically involves clearing out the room, making any necessary repairs, and installing the required plumbing and electrical outlets. You may also want to consider adding features such as cabinets, shelves, or a folding area to create a functional and efficient laundry space.

Choose a bedroom near existing plumbing to reduce costs

If you're looking to convert a bedroom into a laundry room, it's important to consider the costs and the impact on your home's value. While a well-located laundry room can be a desirable feature, removing a bedroom might decrease the value of your home, especially if it results in a lack of bedrooms for a typical family.

To reduce costs when converting a bedroom into a laundry room, it is advisable to choose a bedroom that is near existing plumbing. This will make it easier and less expensive to connect your new laundry room to the water mains and drainage system. If the bedroom has an adjacent bathroom or is located near the kitchen, the plumbing connections will be simpler and less costly.

In addition to plumbing, you will also need to consider electrical connections. A bedroom may have an existing wall socket, but it may not be powerful enough to support the appliances in a laundry room. You will need to hire a licensed electrician to install more powerful outlets and adequate lighting, especially if the bedroom has limited natural lighting.

Before beginning any conversion project, it is important to check your local building codes and permit requirements. Some projects may require inspections and fees, so it is essential to be aware of any legal obligations and restrictions.

Overall, by choosing a bedroom near existing plumbing and carefully planning the electrical and plumbing connections, you can help reduce the costs associated with converting a bedroom into a functional and efficient laundry room.

Remove all items from the bedroom

Before you begin converting a bedroom into a laundry room, you must first clear out the space. This will give you a clearer view of what you're working with. If the room has been unused for a while, there may be some repairs to be done. Check the walls for dirt or flakiness, and inspect the floor for any chips or cracks. If you find any issues, now is the time to fix them.

If the room has been unused, there may also be some aesthetic concerns. This is the time to give the room a fresh coat of paint. You should also consider the flooring. Standard bedroom floors are not equipped to handle washers and dryers and the moisture common in a laundry room. You may need to install a more accommodating floor, such as ceramic tiles, vinyl, or another type of flooring commonly used in laundry rooms.

Once the room is clear, you can begin the bulk of the work: the plumbing. If the bedroom has an adjacent bathroom or half bath, this process will be relatively quick, as the plumber can easily run water lines and drains from the existing plumbing. If there is no nearby bathroom or kitchen, the plumber may have to dig up the floor to install new pipes. In this case, you should complete the plumbing work before clearing out the room, to avoid damaging any new flooring or paintwork.

The next step is to install electrical outlets. A bedroom may have an existing wall socket, but this won't be enough to power your appliances. You will need to hire an electrician to install more powerful outlets and adequate lighting. If the bedroom window cannot be left open during laundry due to insulation or weather conditions, you will also need to install a vent. This should lead directly outside, rather than into the attic, to avoid circulating toxic dryer fumes in your home.

Hire a plumber to connect water supply and create a drain line

Turning a bedroom into a laundry room requires careful planning and execution, especially when it comes to plumbing. While it may be tempting to attempt this project yourself, hiring a professional plumber is a safer and more efficient option. They have the expertise to ensure your laundry room is properly connected to the water supply and has an effective drain line. Here are some detailed instructions to guide you through the process:

Firstly, consult with your hired plumber to determine the best location for your washing machine within the bedroom. This location should ideally be close to existing plumbing to simplify the installation process and reduce costs. Once the location is decided, your plumber will shut off the water supply to the pipes and drain the lines. If you are tapping into a copper supply pipe, they will use a tubing cutter to cut the pipe and install a tee fitting. They will apply flux and sweat the tee fitting in place to ensure a secure connection.

If there is insufficient movement in the pipe, your plumber may suggest adding a piece of pipe and a slip coupling or trying a compression fitting. They will then add lengths of pipe to reach the laundry tub or washing machine, including tees to run pipes to the washer. At the end of each supply pipe, they will sweat on a brass supply stub-out and anchor it to the wall with masonry screws for stability.

Next, your plumber will run copper lines to the washer and add supply stub-outs, again anchoring them to the wall. They will apply pipe-thread tape and hand-twist each hose bib into its stub-out before tightening it with a wrench. For the drainage system, they will install a standpipe or utility sink, ensuring it complies with code requirements. The pipe must be large enough to accommodate the washing machine's drain hose, and the top must be above the machine's water level.

Your plumber will then tap into a drain line with a tee fitting and run a drainpipe, sloping it at a rate of 1/4 inch per foot to ensure proper drainage. They will glue an adapter to the pipe end and attach a P-trap to connect to the house drain line. Finally, they will level the washing machine, screw its supply lines to the valves, and drape and clamp the drain hose over the utility sink or standpipe.

If possible, your plumber may suggest installing a washing machine supply box to control hot and cold water with a single valve and provide a neat outlet for the drain hose. This step can improve the overall aesthetics of your laundry room and make it more functional. By following these steps and working with a professional plumber, you can efficiently and effectively connect the water supply and create a drain line for your new laundry room.

Install power outlets to power appliances

When converting a bedroom into a laundry room, it is important to consider the electrical wiring and power outlets required for your appliances. Here are some detailed instructions and considerations for installing power outlets to power your laundry appliances:

• Determine your appliance requirements: Identify the types of appliances you plan to use in your laundry room. This includes both large appliances, such as washing machines and dryers, as well as smaller appliances like irons or clothing steamers.
• Assess power requirements: Different appliances have different power requirements. For example, an electric clothes dryer typically requires a dedicated 30 Amp 4-Wire Circuit. If your laundry room includes an ironing area, you should also install a 20 Amp circuit. Consult the appliance manuals or seek advice from an electrician to determine the specific power requirements for each appliance.
• Comply with electrical codes: Ensure that your electrical installations meet the National Electrical Code (NEC) requirements. For instance, the NEC mandates that outlets within six feet of a laundry or utility sink must be protected by a ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) to prevent electrical shocks.
• Plan outlet placement: Strategically place your power outlets to accommodate the appliance layout. For example, place outlets near the intended locations of your washing machine and dryer, as well as any ironing or steaming areas. Consider adding switched outlets, also known as half-hot outlets, which have one "hot" receptacle that remains on and another that can be controlled with a switch.
• Consider dedicated circuits: If you have multiple high-power appliances, you may need to install dedicated circuits for each to ensure sufficient power supply. Consult an electrician to determine if your existing circuits can handle the additional load or if new circuits are required.
• Safety precautions: Always prioritize safety when working with electrical installations. Engage a licensed electrician to ensure that your installations comply with electrical codes and safety standards. Do not overload circuits, and be mindful of the placement of outlets in relation to water sources, such as sinks or bathtubs, to mitigate the risk of electrical hazards.
• Consult a professional: While you may be tempted to tackle the electrical work yourself, it is always advisable to consult a professional electrician. They can guide you in determining the appropriate circuits, outlet placement, and safety measures to ensure a functional and safe laundry room.

Install a vent to keep the room cool

If you're converting a bedroom into a laundry room, you'll want to ensure the space stays cool, especially if you're planning to keep the laundry appliances tucked away behind closed doors. Here are some tips to help you install a vent and keep the room comfortable:

Plan Your Ventilation Strategy:

Before you begin, it's essential to understand the ventilation needs of your laundry appliances. Check the manufacturer's guidelines for your washer and dryer to determine the required airflow and ventilation specifications. This information will guide your vent installation process.

Choose the Right Ventilation System:

There are two main types of ventilation systems you can consider:

• Exhaust Ventilation: This system involves installing a fan or duct to remove moisture-laden air and odours from the laundry room. It is essential for preventing mould and mildew growth and improving indoor air quality.
• Supply Ventilation: This system introduces fresh air into the room to dilute and displace moisture and odours. This can be achieved through natural ventilation, such as open windows or doors, or mechanical means, such as a supply fan.

Install an Exhaust Fan:

If you opt for exhaust ventilation, installing an exhaust fan is a great option. Here's how you can do it:

• Identify the location for the exhaust fan, ideally on an exterior wall of the house near the laundry appliances.
• Cut a hole in the wall for the fan, ensuring it's sized appropriately for the fan you've chosen.
• Connect the exhaust fan to the electrical wiring, following local building codes and safety guidelines.
• Secure the fan in place, ensuring it's properly sealed to prevent air leaks.
• Install a duct to direct the exhaust air outdoors, ensuring it's as short and straight as possible for maximum efficiency.

Create Cross-Ventilation:

To enhance the airflow in your laundry room, consider creating cross-ventilation by placing a box fan in an open window facing inward and another fan in a window across the room facing outward. This will draw fresh air in and push stale air out, creating a pleasant breeze.

Install a Return Duct:

If your laundry room feels stuffy, consider installing a return duct to improve airflow. Return ducts push air back to the air conditioner, allowing cool air to circulate effectively. Here's how you can do it:

• Cut a hole in the floor or wall, ensuring it's sized appropriately for the duct.
• Connect the return duct to the room and the air conditioner using metal sheeting or ductwork.
• Seal all connections properly to prevent air leaks and ensure optimal airflow.

Remember to consult a professional if you're unsure about any aspect of the installation process. With proper ventilation, your converted laundry room will be a comfortable and functional space.

Frequently asked questions