If you’re planning a major home improvement project, starting with the laundry space seems like a good idea. After all, what could be better than having a space dedicated solely to doing laundry?
But there are many things to consider before embarking on such a large undertaking.
We’ll share with you top tips for renovating a laundry room. We’ll also tell you why you should invest in a new washer and dryer and how to make the most of storage opportunities.
Read on to learn more about how to renovate your laundry.
Step-by-Step on How to Plan Your Laundry
First, determine whether you want to do a full remodel or add to your existing laundry room. If you plan to redo your laundry room completely, you’ll likely need to hire a contractor.
You’ll also need to decide how much money you want to spend. Do you want to go big or small? Are you looking for something simple or elaborate? These decisions will affect everything else about your laundry room remodel.
Step 1: Choose a style
It’s easier than you might imagine achieving the ideal laundry style. Many options are available:
- A dedicated laundry area
- A European-style kitchen/laundry
- A separate room
- A corner of the master bathroom
Any of these styles will help you maintain a clean and orderly home.
But make sure your laundry room is properly sized. Most people don’t realise that the size of their laundry room affects their storage space.
Step 2: Identify your budget
You need to identify what you can afford. Then, it’s important to know exactly where that money will go and whether you can complete all your laundry upgrade ideas within it.
Consider these:
1) DIY vs. Hire
There are plenty of do-it-yourself projects you can complete yourself. However, hiring a registered building practitioner can be beneficial. In fact, if the renovation costs exceed $10,000, you are required by law to hire a registered builder.
It’s important to choose someone who has experience with remodelling laundry rooms. The last thing you want is to hire an inexperienced company to handle the job properly.
2) Laundry room renovation material costs
Washers/dryers and water heaters cost a pretty penny. But if you use vinyl flooring, it costs less per sq ft than other materials like tile and wood. On the other hand, custom cabinets are pricier than stock cabinetry.
A new laundry room will likely require a lot of material. This will increase the overall project cost. And lumber prices vary depending on where you buy it.
3) Average labour costs
You should also consider the labour costs when doing a laundry room renovation.
Depending on the scope of work, different labour will have different costs. So plan carefully to know how many workers you need for your reno.
Step 3: Create a Layout
Think about what you’ll put in your laundry and how you’ll use it next. The time and effort spent on washing and drying, and you can reduce folding by planning your space accordingly.
Think about the traffic flow, and make sure there’s enough room to move around easily and comfortably. For example, raising the appliance’s height may be practical to avoid stooping or crouching.
One convenient way to move clothes between the washing machine, the sink, and the laundry baskets is to put the washing machine in the middle of this space.
Placing the dryer next to or above the washer eliminates the need to lift heavy loads twice and guarantees convenient access to a nearby tabletop for sorting and folding your laundry.
You may also want to install a laundry rail or a spot to keep an air dryer.
Step 4: Choose the right materials
Many different materials go into creating the perfect laundry upgrade. Some of these are easily selected based on personal preferences, while others are tied closely to what would be appropriate. Keeping your laundry upgrade ideas in mind, of course!
Laundry flooring and splash-back options
A laundry’s ideal flooring is slip-resistant and designed for a damp environment.
To protect the wall from water damage, tile up to the baseboard. Put in a backsplash above the sink and counter for a sophisticated aesthetic and easy cleanup.
Vinyl flooring is a popular option for laundry rooms because it’s durable and easy to install but tends to wear off over time. Laminate flooring is a good alternative because it’s sturdy and easy to clean.
Ceramic tile is an excellent choice for laundry rooms because they’re durable and easy to clean; however, they require professional installation.
Spread a rug/runner
It’s uncommon for laundry rooms to have a clinical atmosphere, as many people abandon their dirty clothing and forget about them.
But why can’t your laundry be as comfortable and inviting as a living room or bedroom?
A rug in the laundry room softens the space and the zone’s utilitarian vibe. So instead of just being a functional area, you may appreciate its aesthetic value.
Step 5: Consider storage opportunities
When approaching how to renovate your laundry, remember that this is a great area for storage, like linen or extra toiletries.
Large drawers and cabinets
To create the perfect storage centre, combine cupboards, overhead cabinets, drawers, and bench tops.
For example, you can safely store chemicals in the ceiling cabinets out of the reach of children while hiding cleaning supplies like brooms, mops, and vacuum cleaners in the tall cupboard.
Custom built-in cabinetry is the way to go if you want to get the most out of your space. Each choice can create a beautiful and practical room depending on your needs and budget.
Laundry plan with clothes rail
Here’s an idea: cut down on ironing by installing a rail for clothes to dry on hangers.
And add open shelves—they show off your designer touches, such as potted plants, vases, candles, soaps, and clean towels.
Step 6: Select laundry appliances
Next up in designing a laundry room is picking out the machines. Be careful because many washers and dryers come in non-standard widths, heights, and depths.
You definitely don’t want to realise that your ideal equipment won’t fit. Or there are huge empty spaces on each side of your washing machine when you envision an integrated design.
So decide:
- Should I get a front- or top-loading washer?
- Would the washer and dryer be combined into one unit, or will I have to buy them separately?
- Should I use cabinets for my appliances? (This calls for ventilation and maybe even an exhaust fan.)
Then consider installing a built-in washing machine. This option isn’t always practical, but it may be worth exploring if you have limited countertop space.
Built-ins usually cost less than freestanding machines, and they often include features such as water filtration systems and energy efficiency ratings, and they work well with heated floors.
Pros and cons of stacked washer and dryer
Stacked washers and dryers are becoming increasingly popular because they take up less room than traditional side-by-side units. They’re also energy efficient, making them ideal for apartment dwellers.
But there are some drawbacks to stacking machines. For example, you’ll need to ensure that your laundry is deep enough to accommodate both stacks.
Also, washing clothes in a stacked machine takes longer since the water must flow through each stack separately.
What Are the Benefits of Upgrading a Laundry Room?
Though it may seem like a room that’s more of an afterthought in your home, your laundry room is one of the most used spaces. So it deserves the same care and attention as other primary spaces.
Here are prime reasons to pursue your laundry upgrade ideas.
1) A more enticing space
Spending time in a beautiful space is bound to be more pleasurable than doing so in a dull and dated one.
Though laundry rooms are typically viewed as uninteresting, a newly refurbished one can be a breath of fresh air for any home. As a result, you can now look forward to doing some laundry.
2) Improve functionality and energy efficiency
Renovating your laundry can upgrade its functionality and energy efficiency. Replacing old, inefficient appliances with newer, more energy-efficient ones is worth the effort.
For example, installing a new washing machine and drying machine at the correct height will make you work more comfortably.
Plus, you can also do your part for the environment by using water- and energy-efficient machines.
3) Simplify the task at hand
The most evident justification is that a newly renovated laundry room will facilitate your chore of washing clothes.
A well-organised laundry room has a place to keep detergents and other laundry supplies and a space to sort laundry in orderly hampers.
Renovations to the laundry room should improve your home’s value and daily life quality.
Contact Us
Get creative with your laundry room décor and overall laundry plan.
Melbourne Home Renovations has renovated multiple laundry rooms across Melbourne. We’re here to discuss your options in bringing your dream room alive.
