A bright and cheerful laundry room makes sorting, washing, and folding clothes seem like less of a chore. When thinking about renovating this hardworking space, look at how your current facility is falling short: Is location the problem? For most homeowners, the basement is perfectly adequate, but if doing laundry feels like spending time in a dreary dungeon, consider relocating it to the first or second floor. Consider factors such as noise, humidity, and possible flooding should a hose break. If the location is fine, other upgrades may be in order. Better built-in storage or a more efficient configuration will improve your laundry experience. For inspiration, look at images online and in home design magazines to understand what layouts and styles appeal to you.

In this blog post, we will take you through the ultimate guide to laundry room remodeling, and what steps and processes you should consider and go through to get that perfect laundry room look and feel. Whether it’s just laundry or standing for folding and catching gossip on the phone, this guide will help you turn your old, dusty laundry room into a fantastic one you want to spend time in. So, let’s get started with the ultimate guide to laundry room remodeling. 

But first, let’s look at some of the prerequisites of laundry room remodeling.

Budget Concerns and Financing

Once you have an idea of the scope of your project, set your budget. There are various ways to finance your renovation, including a home equity loan or line of credit, as well as FHA and personal loans. In addition, some homeowners refinance their mortgages or borrow against their 401Ks.

Hiring a Pro

Building a new laundry room and moving plumbing, electrical, and gas lines will require a licensed plumber and electrician. You’ll also need a plumber to install a gas dryer. Otherwise, you can tackle most laundry room projects yourself.

Laundry Room Basics

From high-performance machines to innovative storage solutions, the laundry room packs a lot of functions into a small space.

Here are the main elements to consider:

Appliances

Washers need access to drains and hot and cold water lines. Gas dryers require a gas line and venting to the outside, and electric dryers require their dedicated circuit. If you have a gas hookup, consider going with a gas dryer—it will cost a little more initially but will be cheaper to operate over time. Front-loading machines cost more but tend to be more efficient than top loaders. They are also easy to stack, and they can accommodate a countertop when positioned side by side. Look at Energy Star ratings, which will guide you to high-efficiency models. The average width of a washer and dryer is 27 inches each. For loading and unloading, allow 36 inches in front of the washer and dryer. Stacked units are ideal for small spaces or secondary laundry areas. Some washers have 15-inch-high optional pedestals to elevate them to a more comfortable height. Finally, a high-speed spin cycle, which vibrates at 100-120 rpm, can be loud, so if your laundry room is close to a bedroom or the family room, look at noise ratings to find a quieter model.

Countertops

Consider adding a counter over your side-by-side washer and dryer for sorting and folding. Manufactured solid surface countertops like Corian are moisture-friendly and easy to maintain. Engineered quartz can be made to resemble higher-end marbles and it’s non-porous so that it will resist staining. Laminate is another durable and budget-friendly option. Butcher block and bamboo also stand up well in the laundry room.

Electrical

Laundry rooms generally require one 20-amp circuit for laundry equipment, such as a washer or a gas dryer. An electric dryer needs a 30-amp dedicated circuit. Like the bath, all laundry room receptacles must be GFCI-protected.

Flooring

Your laundry room floor should be durable and waterproof. Ceramic and porcelain tiles are ideal for laundry areas because they resist staining, bacteria, and odors. Vinyl flooring (including tiles, sheets, and luxury planks) is an excellent moisture-resistant option. Natural stone or cement tiles are attractive, durable, and easy to clean but can stain and must be sealed.

Lighting

Laundry rooms tend to be cramped or in the basement, so they are often one of the most challenging rooms in the house to light well. Start with a single, low-profile overhead light or canned ceiling lights to provide diffuse overall lighting. Incorporate task lighting, such as under-cabinet LED strips, to illuminate the workspace so you can spot a stain that needs to be pre-treated.

Sinks

Historically, the most popular sink style for a laundry room was the stand-alone, floor-mounted utility sink, primarily because its deep basin minimizes splashing. Other options are drop-in or overmount, under-mount, and wall-mounted sinks. Materials include cast iron, acrylic, porcelain, ceramic or stainless steel, though you may find soapstone utility sinks in older homes, especially in basement laundry rooms. When locating the sink, place it close to the washer to keep plumbing lines together.

Storage

Inexpensive standard kitchen cabinets are a good solution for hiding detergent bottles and clutter in the laundry room. Wall cubicles, open shelves, baskets and hanging clothes bars are smart additions that can maximize function. Other ideas for streamlining storage include hidden hampers, pull-out drying racks, and folding ironing boards.

Walls

Bright, happy hues will help make doing laundry feel less like work. Since laundry rooms can be wet or humid, consider an anti-microbial paint formula to resist mold and mildew. If you’re using regular paint and have proper ventilation in your bathroom, opt for a satin or eggshell finish. For a dose of personality, consider employing beadboard or a whimsical wallpaper. Solid latex or canvas-backed wallpapers are more suited to humidity or rapid temperature changes, so they’ll be better bets for the laundry room. They are also durable and easier to wipe down than more delicate wallpapers.

If you’re installing a sink and countertop for folding, you may want to add a protective and attractive backsplash. Inexpensive subway tile is an excellent pick for the laundry room.

Ventilation

Proper ventilation is key in the laundry room. The dryer exhaust must be piped directly outdoors (never to the attic). The metal pipe run should be as direct as possible and not exceed 45 feet. Install a self-closing vent outside instead of a louvered model to prevent outdoor air from entering the house. Lint and dust must be cleaned regularly from the vent to avoid fire risk. Keeping the outside vent clean isn’t just a necessary safety measure; it also helps your dryer work more efficiently. Also, humidity builds up and has nowhere to go, which creates an environment ripe for mold and mildew growth. One more thing: installing a washer and dryer in a closet will require a vented door and enough space around the machines to dissipate dryer heat.

Urban Reno Design: Excellence in Commercial Contracting!

Urban Reno Design is a team of expert contractors and bonafide project managers here to show you how it’s done! With considerable experience under our belts and access to state-of-the-art technology, if you want your dreams and vision to turn into reality in the best possible way, be it through a new construction from scratch or a renovation, we are your ticket to a job exceedingly well done. We take pride in delivering the best results regardless of your budget or other constraints; at Urban Reno Design, we bring ideas and dreams to life.