Planning Laundry Room Remodeling Around Routines
A laundry room works when sorting, washing, drying, folding and storing happen in a smooth sequence. Laundry room remodeling focuses on counter space for folding, storage for supplies, hanging space, good lighting and safe dryer venting. The room does not need to be large to work well.
Track a week of laundry to see where clothes pile up.
Folding and Hanging
A counter above front loading machines or a fold down table gives folding space. Also a rod for hanging shirts keeps them from wrinkling. Then clothes leave the room ready to put away.
Storage
Cabinets for detergent, bins for sorting and shelves for supplies keep the room tidy. Because cleaning products need safe storage, use upper cabinets if children live there.
Laundry Room Remodeling and Dryer Vents
Dryer vents should run short and straight to the outside. Long or crushed vents trap lint and reduce performance. So plan the dryer location near an exterior wall.
- Short, straight dryer vent
- Floor drain or leak pan
- Dedicated circuits
- Good lighting
Water and Leaks
Washers can leak. Leak pans, water sensors and accessible shutoff valves limit damage. Also consider a floor drain if possible.
Utility Sinks
A sink helps with stains and hand washing. However, it needs drain and supply lines. The article on plumbing relocation costs explains costs.
Electrical
Washers and dryers need dedicated circuits. Electric dryers need higher voltage. In the City of Sacramento, new circuits fall under minor permits.
Laundry Room Remodeling in Small Spaces
Stacked machines save floor space. Also wall mounted drying racks fold away. Then even a closet can work.
Ventilation
Laundry rooms get humid. An exhaust fan helps. The article on bathroom ventilation explains fan basics.
Moving the Laundry
Some owners move laundry closer to bedrooms. The article on moving laundry room covers that project.
Laundry Room Remodeling Lighting and Finishes
Laundry rooms need bright, even light so stains are easy to spot. So add a ceiling fixture plus task lights over the folding area. Also choose finishes that handle moisture and spills.
For example, vinyl plank or tile floors resist water better than carpet. In addition, semigloss paint wipes clean more easily than flat paint. Then the room stays fresh with little effort.
Laundry Room Remodeling Budget
Cabinets, counters and paint cost less than moving plumbing. So keep machines in place when possible. Then spend the savings on storage and folding space that improve daily use.
Bringing It Together
List daily steps and plan space for each. Thoughtful laundry room remodeling makes a chore easier. The same thinking about small work stations applies to home coffee bar design.