However there are extra things that it can be used for, including:. If you don't want to scrimp on your utility room makeover, save money on your energy bill instead. Discover the energy-saving washing machines that wash clothes well while keeping energy costs low.
If you're extending your home, you should ideally choose a space near to the kitchen, with an external wall and direct access to the garden. Doing your laundry next to — or at least close to — the kitchen makes sense for numerous reasons:.
Another logical option is near to a toilet or bathroom. Again, this will mean you can share plumbing connections and it should already be well ventilated. Entering the laundry room through a back door is also very useful that way, you can remove coats and boots, store your bike and let the dog shake off its wet fur. Being directly connected to the garden also allows for easy access to the washing line. If the utility room will be solely used for laundry, try keeping the room separate from relaxing areas such as the lounge and the bedroom, to avoid being interrupted by noisy appliances.
We include a noise star rating for all the washing machines we review. The more stars, the quieter the machine will be. Check our washing machine reviews b efore buying. The minimum size for a utility cupboard would be around 15 square feet. This would allow for a washing machine and a tumble dryer with shelving above, depending on the dimensions of your appliances.
A space of around 30 square feet would allow for a washing machine, a small amount of storage and a walkway. However the optimal space would be more like 50 square feet plus — this way you can include a sink and plenty of extra storage. But the size really depends on your laundry needs and how many clothes you wash each week.
Some people can make do with a large cupboard to store the washing machine and laundry accessories, while others need a large room with a variety of appliances, accessories and baskets. Regardless of the size, make sure you measure the room and check it against the dimensions of your appliances.
Find out the standard washing machine sizes in our expert buying guide. Converting a garage is really common - it takes less time and money than an extension and is normally already in the perfect location; next to the kitchen with an external wall and door to the garden.
A cellar or a basement could also work well, but ventilation might be an issue. Be sure to check building regulations for any structural or electrical changes you plan to make to your home. Always make sure of your appliance's warranty terms and conditions — housing your appliance in a garage or basement might invalidate it. Don't assume you can't have a utility room just because you have a smaller home.
Make the most of your space using one of these solutions:. Save space by combining your dryer and washer. To help make the right choice quickly, we've rounded up the best washer-dryers from our independent reviews. Good planning is essential if you want to create a successful and hardworking utility room. Air circulation is vital. If you have a vented tumble dryer, you will also need access to an external wall or window so that the hot air can be released out of the house via the hose.
Condenser tumble dryers can be installed anywhere in the home, so if being near an external wall or window isn't possible, there will still be a model for your home. Take a look at our tumble dryer reviews. Of course you want the flooring to look nice, but because of the continuous moisture that will be present and the risk of leaks, you need to think carefully about floor materials.
Carpets are a no-go, as leaks would ruin it quickly, dust and dirt will build up, and cleaning products can cause damage if spilt. You should also avoid laminate. It might look great and be easy to clean, but if there is a leak then it will become damaged underneath and begin to warp. Rubber flooring is a great option. This will allow you to plan both its size, if you're extending or moving internal walls, and to determine which fittings you'll need within it.
Larder storage in a utility room by Ikea. Another option is to have a utility room near or within a large bathroom if laundry space is to be its main role. If you are extending a house , always think about your utility room as subordinate to the kitchen.
Designing a well thought-out kitchen will always add more value to your home than a utility room. The prime space for a utility room is one that is under-used, has become overflow storage or is full of clutter. This bespoke under stair utility closet is by De Rosee Sa Architects. What you choose to include in your utility room design is essentially down to how you want to use the space, we've covered plenty of options below:. You could also relocate your small appliances, like the toaster, microwave and anything else that eats up worktop space.
A food prep area by John Lewis of Hungerford. Laundry room by Ikea. Utility spaces should be uncluttered, functional rooms, with easy-to-clean worktops and as much storage space as is possible.
If there is enough space, a spot for ironing, an open cupboard with hanging space, and shelves for freshly laundered clothes, are all very useful. Pembroke Shelving from Neptune used in a boot room. Use our guide to designing a boot room to find out all the essentials and see our boot room design ideas for inspiration, but look to include:.
Utility rooms may not have natural light, so combining a well-lit room with a neutral or light reflecting unit will help give a spacious feel. If you do not have windows to the exterior, plan in an extractor to reduce moisture when air-drying clothes, too. Finally, as the utility room is not classed as a habitable room, there is no requirement for openable windows under Building Regulations. However, for ventilation and for introducing natural light, it can be good to include at least one.
For our smallest viable utility room of 1. For the utility room furniture, it will depend on your choice of cabinetry, but can be thought of like a mini-kitchen in terms of pricing up the space. When designing the interior of a utility room, there are some key elements that may differ from other spaces in your home:. An experienced journalist and renovation expert, she has written for a number of homes titles. She has renovated a terrace and is at the end of the DIY renovation and extension of her Edwardian cottage.
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