Customizing a Functional Laundry Room
Everyone has their wants and needs when searching for a new home. Most tend to think in big picture terms, filling their list with dreams of a roomy family room, a sizeable backyard or an impressive master closet. However, laundry rooms are an important—yet often overlooked—part of a house, especially for those with children and/or large families. But what makes an ideal laundry room? We outline some of the considerations you have to make and give ideas on how you can optimize it to suit your needs.
Consider the size and space
Those in the midst of the home-hunting process are in the best position to choose the ideal size and layout for a laundry room. How much space you begin with will determine how much room you have to make it all your own. Is your family big enough that you might want to upgrade to more than one washer or dryer? If so, you will want to find a home with a utility room large enough to accommodate this.
Arrangement is key in a well-equipped laundry room. Look for gas, electric, and water hook-ups that are aligned in a natural pattern that makes sense for your laundry needs. Consider the location of the utility room, as well—an easily accessible laundry room will make doing laundry a more pleasant experience. At Britton Homes, each model we build is distinctive, crafted with homeowners’ needs in mind. We pride ourselves on delivering homes that are both beautiful and functional, including how the utility room works with the rest of the house.
Spin and tumble: Choosing the washer and dryer you need
A few years ago, front-loading washers and dryers were all the rage. They offered cleaning that far surpassed traditional upright models. These days, both front-loading and top-loading washers and dryers have made technological advances that make either a sound choice, depending on your needs. At Britton Homes, quality is paramount, which is why we only install GE appliances in our homes. Check out their line of laundry care appliances for the latest advances, including wi-fi*.
High-efficiency (HE) washers are designed to maximize energy efficiency, using very little detergent and water. Both top- and front-loaders come in HE varieties, making either a good choice for energy savings, gentleness to clothing, and comfort in loading and unloading. The front-loaders have the edge for large loads, but the top-loaders make it easy to add clothing once the cycle has already begun. Some front-loaders will unlock if the cycle has recently begun, but keep in mind some water might drip onto the floor.
Bells and whistles: Customize your space
Once you know the layout and purchase the washer and dryer, the real fun can begin. Sure, laundry may be your least-favorite chore, but that does not mean you have to suffer while you are doing it!
First, make sure you have plenty of shelving for anything you need to store in the utility room: detergent, towels, boots, cleaners and whatever else you decide. Many Britton Homes models have built-in wall cabinets, but you may want to customize the layout even further to fit your taste. If you do not have a lot of room for additions or prefer a more unique form of storage, try one of these clever ideas that work for smaller spaces.
Designate a place for dirty laundry—separating by darks and lights, if you desire—and, if you have the room, consider a place for sorting, folding and ironing. Got stuff to hang dry? Install a hanging rack to air dry those delicate items that are not suited for high heat.
Finally, do not be afraid to decorate the laundry room so that it has some personality. Painting can enliven a dull space. You can coordinate it so the walls match or complement your washer and dryer, as many recent models come in vibrant colors such as blue, green and red. Add artwork that will make you happy or give you peace—whatever you need to put a positive spin on the work. Perhaps you will want to reserve a spot for a bluetooth speaker so you can have music while you sort and fold.
*not all products advertised on the GE website are available in Britton Homes.