Laundry Closet Planning and Set-Up

Laundry closets are the closest things to laundry rooms that you can have just in case the house that you live in lacks a basement. The same can also be set up for people who prefer doing their washing on upper floors. Basically, all you are after is to have an expanded closet in which to fit in your dryer and washer.

Size and Power

In planning for your laundry closet you will want to take into account the location and the size of the facility. It is important in this regard to choose a location in the vicinity of your bathroom or kitchen because these rooms already have sinks. This spares you the effort of setting up a sink in the laundry closet.

However, the most important aspect of setup has to do with the utilities themselves – issues of water and electricity.  For electricity, your connection must be capable of supplying you with at least 240V. In terms of water you will be required to install both cold and hot water delivery lines and an equally capable drain line. The dryer will also require that you fit a vent that take the hot air produced outside the house. All these considerations are quite immense and will pose a great difficulty for those who live in houses that are on top of slabs. There is respite howeve,r for those moving into new buildings because it is easier then to incorporate additions or pop-tops which will serve as the laundry closet.

What Design?

While in planning mode take time to consider the design of dryer and washer that you prefer to use. This has a reasonable impact especially for those who want their laundry closets to be based in upper rooms. In this regard, settling for a front-loading machine rather than a top-loader has been known to cause lots of unease due to the strong shaking in the course of washing. Front-loading machines will suit best if they are placed on concrete floors.

Floor Pans

In setting up, you will first have to fit a floor pan on the laundry closet floor which will in turn be connected to the drainage system. The floor pan will be helpful in ensuring you don’t wet the whole house with your used wash water. Lots of plumbing preparations have to be borne in mind at this stage. After the floor pan is in place you can take up frame installation next.

Frame Installation

Two by four planks affixed using 2X3 studs are ideal for this especially since these studs allow for insertion of wall sound insulation. As had been observed, laundry closets can be the source of much noise and you will be better of keeping as much of it as possible within that room.

Storage

Storage matters are vital in the construction of any laundry closet. This is where you are going to store all your supplies ensuring that they are not scattered all over. While shelves are okay in the laundry closet it does not hurt going the extra mile and having lockable cabinets. These will do a better job at holding your supplies.

Lighting

Lighting is definitely a major concern. It is advisable to have your laundry closet lit from the front by means of overhead lights recessed into the ceiling. For the doors you will want options that fully expose your equipment when in use and completely conceal them when they are not. Bi-fold doors and pocket doors are excellent options though the latter type is quite expensive.