One of the best home improvements…

This time we’ve split our home improvements blog into two parts – so that you get twice as much value!

Watch out for part two …

If you are looking to make the most out of your home, one of the best home improvements you can do is adding in a utility area or laundry room, as it can not only add value, but it can also make life a whole lot easier.

From freeing up space to add a dishwasher, to adding extra dining space; moving your washer and dryer away from the kitchen can have lots of additional benefits, not to mention cutting down on the noise.

Especially as having a utility/laundry room is one of the most sought-after home improvements that home-buyers are now looking for.

So, whether you are re-purposing a space or re-configuring your layout we have put together some key components for consideration when looking to make this home improvement, to help you get the best out of your new laundry/utility area.

Permission to add a laundry/utility room

If you are going to add a laundry/utility room in your garage, or build a new extension to house it, you’ll need to check with your local planning authority whether you need building control or planning consent for your home improvement before you get started.

This is particularly important if you are intending to add in a new access door, especially if it is from your garage into your home, as it is likely you will a fire-door there.

You’ll also need to take into consideration whether or not you’ll need to add in additional ventilation, in the form of a window, to prevent damp and condensation, as well as considering existing electrics and any potential leaks that could occur.

Pipework

Thinking ahead about what additional kind of pipework you will need and whether this will need to be placed internally or externally, as well as thinking about drainage, are also a key component that will form part of your home improvement thought process and could also form part of your application to the planning department.

If your house is more than 50 years old, it would be beneficial for you to ask your plumber to take a look at all the pipework. Although built to last (approx 40-60 years) pipes can deteriorate over time.

It’s also important to note that houses that were built before 1980 may need a bit more attention, particularly, as they may still have lead or steel pipework, which can lead to serious health conditions, if left untouched.

If you do discover that you have lead or steel pipes then these will need to be replaced. You can speak to your plumber about this, but it is also worth speaking to your water supplier to ask them to check the pipework leading into your property.

They can undertake tests to see if your water has any lead or other deposits and may provide assistance to replace the pipework that takes water to your property, if it is found to be made of lead or steel (note: this will only include those leading to your property and not those actually on your property).

Placement

Using old newspapers, string or chalk to measure and mark out exactly where all the items in your new home improvement are going to be placed, can save you the disappointment or frustration of having to return, replace or reconfigure at a later stage, if it doesn’t fit.

It will also help to have the professional expertise of your plumber to ensure that you can have what you want, where you want it. Some appliances may only need a cold-water connection, whilst others need both hot and cold.

No matter what, when planning any kind of home improvement, you’ll need to make sure that it fits the space you have, including all the plumbing and electrical needs and that it meets any planning requirements in the event that you need planning approval or consent.

If you found this helpful…

Then head over to read part two.

You can also check out our YouTube Channel and the rest of our blogs for more helpful advice, hints and tips.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKpFgNvNnSmUYew3CAJzpXA