Plan a laundry that works

This functional and rather neglected room deserves a bit of love and attention to make it complement the rest of the house

- TRACIE ELLIS

It certainly is no secret that kitchens and bathrooms are significant “value add” areas when considering renovating your home. But what about your poor old laundry? This is one of the hardest-working spaces in your home, providing vital functionality. A well thought-out and practically designed laundry can make a real impact on your everyday life, and can also leave a significant impression on potential buyers if you are renovating to sell.

A quality laundry renovation is more than the purchase of top-of-the-line appliances. They’re important, but there are many other factors to consider.

First, the layout needs consideration. Look at your current layout and ask yourself, “Does this work for me?” or “What really annoys me about the space in its current form?” Do you find yourself often silently saying, “I wish I had … in here.” How can you change your layout to ensure the laundry functions like a well-oiled machine and becomes a space you can be proud of?

Budget

The cost will vary considerably depending on the size, your selections and whether you are replacing your appliances. As a rough guide you can expect to spend $1300 for small modifications such as paint and fixtures; it could be $15,000 or more where you are reconfiguring layout and plumbing, and making significant changes to the space.

Accessibility