The Most Neglected Room in the House

Face it; you probably don't think about your laundry room until you're in there doing ten loads of clothes after vacation. Even then, it might seem like a minor inconvenience to have to step over piles of sorted clothes to get to the washer and dryer. Then, with the load done, you carry the basket of clean laundry to the family room to fold because there's no floor space to stand and do it there.

Most people think of the kitchen and bath when considering a remodel. But a well-appointed laundry room can add value to your home and make your life easier to boot!

When asked what items a laundry room remodel needs, here are some top contenders:

• Folding station: as simple as a flat surface above the appliances and as exotic as an exclusive island just for folding clothes.
• Sink for soaking stains and hand washing: it is surprising how many laundry rooms do not have sinks. That means hand-washing and stain removal often take place in the kitchen or a bathroom.
• Room to sort clothing: no one wants stacks of dirty clothes on the kitchen floor when the nice new neighbor decides to come to visit. And if you get interrupted before completing your washing, where do they go?
• Hanging racks for drip-drying, flat racks for sweaters, and rods for putting clothes on hangers: many clothes require special care. With no place to hang them or a flat frame to dry them on, many homeowners end up taking special-care items to the dry cleaners, costing extra time and money.
• Room for the ironing board: because many laundry rooms have no space keep an ironing board, so consider a hanger made to hold it and the iron on the back of the door. If you’re remodeling though, a built-in ironing board cabinet is a nice feature to add.
• Extra outlets for the iron or steamer: even when there is room for the ironing board or a steamer, the original design often neglected to add additional outlets, making your reach behind the washer or dryer to plug it in. Add plenty of outlets to your remodel, with the appropriate wiring and breakers.
• Built-in cubbies and hooks for coats if doubling as the mudroom: many laundry rooms are an alcove off the mudroom, or even in the hallway leading from the back door or garage. If possible, separate the mudroom area by adding in cubbies for boots, shoes, hats, and gloves, and hooks for jackets.
• Cabinets to store laundry powders and other cleaning products: Steam from your washer and dryer can cause powdered soaps to harden and spray cans to rust. And all those bottles and boxes are unsightly on top of the appliances. A cabinet above the machines for storage lets your room appear organized and protects your products from moisture.
• Light and bright space: since you spend a lot of time there, make the area as bright as possible. If a window isn't available, consider a tubular skylight and recessed lighting.

Make your laundry room a place you won’t mind being! For other ideas on ways to increase your home’s value, consult your local real estate professional.