Laundry: It’s a part of life whether you like it or not. For many, the act of doing laundry involves dragging bundles of clothing out of the bedroom hampers (or in some cases, off of the floors), lugging everything down a flight or two of stairs towards the basement, and then repeating the process all over again. It doesn’t take long for the average laundry-doer to grow weary of the up and down, back and forth routine. Fortunately, there is a solution: a laundry room addition on the upstairs level of your house.
What is an upstairs laundry room addition?
While some homeowners don’t have room for a washer and dryer at all, those who do own these items tend to store them in the basement, the only place in the house that contains ample space for two large appliances. A laundry room addition is a room that is added on as an extension of the house and whose purpose is to contain the washer, dryer, and other laundry-related items. Some laundry room additions have enough space for a folding table and sink; others are just large enough to fit the washer and dryer.
These days, many homeowners are opting to put their laundry room additions on the same floor as their bedrooms and full bathrooms. The logic is simple: the majority of dirty clothing, towels, and bedding can be found in the bedrooms and larger bathrooms. Why not place the laundry room as close as possible to those rooms to make the act of doing laundry as easy as possible?
Who needs an upstairs laundry room addition?
A laundry basket full of clothing can be quite cumbersome to lug to and from the basement. Anyone who’s tired of the multi-floor clothing schlep should consider an upstairs laundry room addition. And, any homeowner whose house does not contain a washer and dryer at all due to lack of space should contact a contractor and see if a laundry room addition is a possibility based on the structure of the house.
Benefits of an upstairs laundry room addition
The primary benefit of an upstairs laundry room addition is that it makes doing laundry so much easier. Imagine simply having to walk next door to throw your bed sheets and bath towels into the wash instead of lugging those items down one or two flights of stairs. An upstairs laundry room addition can also add value to the home and increase buyer appeal, as buyers tend to place a lot of value on “convenience” in today’s busy world.
Downside of an upstairs laundry room addition
Many homeowners shy away from any type of laundry room addition because of the cost involved. While the actual price can vary based on a number of factors, it is far from cheap. When it comes to home additions in general, local permit laws and restrictions can also get in the way. Different townships have different rules regarding additions, and homeowners often find the process of obtaining the proper permit time-consuming and mentally-taxing.
The main problem with having an upstairs laundry room is the noise. Even the quietest washers and dryers still make a noticeable amount of noise, and some people find it irritating to be relaxing in bed with the sound of the washer and dryer next door. A good contractor will work with you to find the most strategic location for your upstairs laundry room addition and include as much insulation as possible to minimize noise. However, for some, an upstairs laundry room addition might not be ideal due to the size and setup of the home, and the extent to which the noise will inevitably travel.
The bottom line
Laundry is an annoying enough task on its own, and a stairway struggle can only worsen it. If your house has the space and you’ve got some wiggle room in the budget, then consider an upstairs laundry room addition. It’ll take some of the hassle out of the laundry routine so that all that’s left for you to do is remember to separate your whites from your darks.
