Check your building code for minimum garage depth. This is a good point. If it's 20 feet, a 6-7 foot deep laundry room is still totally fine in my experience.
To convert a garage into living space would require a permit. However, enforcement of building and zoning codes are generally complaint-driven so if there are no complaints you could probably get away with it.
You optimize space by taking advantage of an under-utilized corner of your home. If they're well-planned and organized, a garage with a laundry nook will make a very nice complement to your home. They're both convenient for your day-to-day needs.
In most circumstances, you will be able to convert your garage without getting planning permission from your local planning authority.
A mid-level laundry renovation may cost anywhere from $5,000*-$50,000*. On a mid-level budget, you could consider converting part of the garage or adding a laundry room as part of a kitchen or bathroom makeover.
Since the concrete floor of the garage is suitable for the operation of a washing machine and dryer, that's where you should put them. Seven by ten feet is the bare minimum for a laundry room in the garage that can contain a standard washing machine, dryer, and some cleaning supplies.
Yes, adding a laundry room can indeed add value to your home. A well-designed laundry room is a highly sought-after feature for many homebuyers, making it a valuable addition to your property.
Instead of simply adding some storage and appliances to your garage, consider converting it into a proper room so that you can do your laundry in comfort. Our handy garage conversion cost guide can help. This garage has been beautifully converted into a fully functioning utility room with endless potential.
A utility room is a valuable addition to any home. It provides a space to store and organise household items, keeps your kitchen clear, and adds value to your home. When considering where to put a utility room, think about the layout of your home and your personal preferences.
Since California has passed the new ADU laws this year, usable rooms like garage conversions can be used as a source of passive income. Even if you're only planning on converting the garage to an additional bedroom or home office, permits will be needed for residential construction.
It's totally doable, and it's a way cheaper option than building an extension or moving to a bigger house. Let's talk about why it's a great idea and how to build a room in a garage.
Laundry Room Planning
DO carefully consider location. For convenience, on the main floor anywhere off the kitchen makes sense, as does a mudroom or off the garage. On a second floor try to position it so it backs onto a bathroom. DON'T put the laundry too close to sleeping areas.
The garage can be a convenient spot for your tumble dryer if precautions are taken, but for long-term efficiency, keeping the temperature steady above 5°C is crucial. Always check the manufacturer's guidelines before deciding.
If you're converting a non-residential space, like a loft or garage, into a bathroom, planning permission might be required. This is because you're changing the use of the space, which could impact the overall property.
Living in an unfinished house
But are you allowed to live in an unfinished house while working on it? “Some municipalities require an occupancy permit and will not issue one until all necessary repairs are completed and the home has passed an inspection,” says Sjoblom.
Converting a garage into liveable space will always require Building Regulations approval, so your local council needs to be informed. This involves submitting a building notice or full plans application to the building control department of your local planning authority.
The minimum size for a usable utility room is around 1.8m x 2.4m, with a total floor space of around 4.3m square. To build a small utility room extension of this size onto your house could cost you around £6,880. This is before appliances and other extras.
A utility room is generally the area where laundry is done, and is the descendant of the scullery. Utility room is more commonly used in British English, while North American English generally refer to this room as a laundry room, except in the American Southeast.
Any new kitchen, bathroom (or shower room), utility room or toilet should be provided with a means of extract ventilation to reduce condensation and remove smells.
Planning permission for a garage conversion is not necessary in many cases, although it is always best to double check with your local authority first. Most integral garage conversions fall under Permitted Development which means there is no need to make a planning application.
So, once you've installed a sink, appliances, worktops, and plenty of storage, all you need is a small, cupboard-sized space that comfortably fits a toilet and cistern. If you're particularly short on floor space, remember to make the door open outward into the utility space rather than inwards.
Make sure the garage is well ventilated. Check plumbing and drainage regulations to ensure the water drains away to the correct place. Like other appliances, washing machines may be affected by extremes of temperature, either with overheating or the pipes freezing.
Pro: Closer to the Bedrooms
Bedrooms tend to be located upstairs, which means upstairs laundry rooms are closer to the closets and dirty clothes. Many people like this option because it means you don't have to haul loads of laundry up and down the stairs.
Even with some of the more energy efficient models, the combined cost of doing laundry can add up to more than $115 a year for the electricity alone.