The Laundry Room Addition

Conservatory style sunrooms maximize sun light entering the room.

Planning a new laundry room addition is very exciting. You spend anywhere from 5 to 8 hours a week in this room, so it is very important to pay attention to details as they will make doing laundry more convenient, save time, and best of all increase the value of your house.

Here are some ideas for designing the laundry room of your dreams:

Get your design approved and acquire the necessary building permits.
Keep a harmonious flow between the addition and the rest of the house, and follow the existing roofline.
Install a window for natural light and ample ceiling lights over work areas.
Design sufficient workspace between appliances and cabinets and worktable.
Think of convenient features that save you time and energy and that make working in this room easier. Install natural or vinyl tiles for easy cleanup over weight-bearing floorboards.

Design approval

Whether you draw your own design or have a professional contractor help you, it is always a good idea to check with your local planning department for building codes and permits.

Layout

Build the laundry room so that flow and harmony of the existing structure can be maintained. For instance, matching the siding in material and color to the rest of the house, following the roofline, and using roofing material that is identical to the existing roof will help making the addition an integral part that appears natural and in harmony when completed.

Light

It is always more pleasant to do chores in well-lit rooms. Natural light from a window that overlooks your garden makes loading the washer or dryer or even folding laundry much easier. Installing energy-saving light bulbs in overhead lighting and placing wall fixtures next to your appliances also brighten the space.

Workspace and storage

The floor space between appliances, worktable, cabinets, and sink should be easily navigable with plenty of room for an ironing board; roll out models installed in drawers save space. A wide and deep countertop built over the appliances is essential for folding laundry. Cabinets make it easy to store laundry essentials. Cabinets or shelves keep your laundry room neat and organized.

Features

If you plan to buy new appliances, buy an energy efficient front-loading washer and dryer. These washers use less water than regular washing machines, and some of the newer dryers even collect the evaporating water for later use in your steam iron.

A hanging rack is handy for those items that can’t go into the dryer. A utility sink is another useful feature to have in a laundry room.

Since laundry rooms tend to collect a lot of dust and dirt, it would be ideal to install natural or vinyl tiles over the weight bearing flooring that supports the appliances and their movements.

Creating a new laundry room will be a rewarding remodeling project that can put a big smile on your face when you do your weekly household chores.

Feel free to contact CalFinder if you need a trustworthy contractor.

Links:

Room Additions - Construction Task Timing

Laundry Room Renovation Tips

Laundry Room Additions

Laundry Room Essentials

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