How to Plan the Perfect Utility Room
Whether it’s used for drying laundry, stashing your cleaning kit or storing food, a utility room will help keep your kitchen clutter-free
A utility room can take many forms – and you might be surprised at some of the tiny spaces into which you can squeeze one.
It can be somewhere to house a washing machine, tumble dryer and cupboard for ironing and cleaning essentials. If linked to an exterior door, it can also double up as a boot room, with storage for shoes, bags and coats. Locate it close to the kitchen and there’s no reason not to install additional food storage, together with space for a secondary fridge-freezer and sink.
To help you get started, six experts share their pearls of wisdom on the topic.
Professional advice from: Alex Findlater of Alex Findlater; Charlie Turner of Broad & Turner; Darryl Pitt of Ballara; Federica Vasetti of DHV Architects; Kate Mooney of Houseology; Tom Edmonds of Lewis Alderson & Co
It can be somewhere to house a washing machine, tumble dryer and cupboard for ironing and cleaning essentials. If linked to an exterior door, it can also double up as a boot room, with storage for shoes, bags and coats. Locate it close to the kitchen and there’s no reason not to install additional food storage, together with space for a secondary fridge-freezer and sink.
To help you get started, six experts share their pearls of wisdom on the topic.
Professional advice from: Alex Findlater of Alex Findlater; Charlie Turner of Broad & Turner; Darryl Pitt of Ballara; Federica Vasetti of DHV Architects; Kate Mooney of Houseology; Tom Edmonds of Lewis Alderson & Co
Size up your space
The ideal amount of space required for your utility room depends on the expert you speak to. “The smallest size [into which you can fit] a utility room with a sink is around 1.9m by 1.6m,” Alex says.
“An ideal space is 3m by 3m, which will allow for tall storage cupboards and appliances, but it is possible to fit one into a much smaller space,” Tom says.
A general rule of thumb is to take the size of your family and its needs into consideration. Also, think carefully about how you wish to use the space.
Find plumbers and electricians local to you in the Houzz Professionals Directory.
The ideal amount of space required for your utility room depends on the expert you speak to. “The smallest size [into which you can fit] a utility room with a sink is around 1.9m by 1.6m,” Alex says.
“An ideal space is 3m by 3m, which will allow for tall storage cupboards and appliances, but it is possible to fit one into a much smaller space,” Tom says.
A general rule of thumb is to take the size of your family and its needs into consideration. Also, think carefully about how you wish to use the space.
Find plumbers and electricians local to you in the Houzz Professionals Directory.
Cut costs
A utility room must withstand everyday wear and tear, so good-quality products are essential. If you have to stick to a strict budget, however, there are ways to cut costs without compromising.
As the utility area won’t be on show, choose less expensive freestanding appliances and save pricier built-in models for the kitchen. Install cheaper, vinyl-wrapped cabinet doors and splash out on painted, lacquered or solid-wood doors for cupboards in the kitchen. Team your utility units with a laminate worktop, which also won’t break the bank.
“We would normally recommend using simple white units with a laminate worktop,” Federica Vasetti says. “And sheet flooring is best: Marmoleum if the budget allows it; otherwise rubber or [good quality] vinyl flooring. Avoid cheaper vinyl as it may wear out quickly.”
A utility room must withstand everyday wear and tear, so good-quality products are essential. If you have to stick to a strict budget, however, there are ways to cut costs without compromising.
As the utility area won’t be on show, choose less expensive freestanding appliances and save pricier built-in models for the kitchen. Install cheaper, vinyl-wrapped cabinet doors and splash out on painted, lacquered or solid-wood doors for cupboards in the kitchen. Team your utility units with a laminate worktop, which also won’t break the bank.
“We would normally recommend using simple white units with a laminate worktop,” Federica Vasetti says. “And sheet flooring is best: Marmoleum if the budget allows it; otherwise rubber or [good quality] vinyl flooring. Avoid cheaper vinyl as it may wear out quickly.”
Call in the pros
As the cost for services is a major part of the project, it’s vital you consult a qualified Gas Safe-registered plumber or heating engineer along with a qualified NICEIC electrician. “With their level of experience, they will be best able to determine the degree of difficulty of this initial planning stage,” Darryl Pitt says.
“You may also consider taking advice from a Gas Safe-registered heating engineer for moving an existing boiler or placing a new, energy-efficient boiler in the utility room, should your budget permit. Each appliance has its own requirements, and needs to be planned for accordingly.”
You may, of course, want to futureproof with an air-source heat pump; the internal part of this could best be housed in a new utility room so be sure to factor in the necessary space, even if it’s something you’re only looking for some time down the line.
As the cost for services is a major part of the project, it’s vital you consult a qualified Gas Safe-registered plumber or heating engineer along with a qualified NICEIC electrician. “With their level of experience, they will be best able to determine the degree of difficulty of this initial planning stage,” Darryl Pitt says.
“You may also consider taking advice from a Gas Safe-registered heating engineer for moving an existing boiler or placing a new, energy-efficient boiler in the utility room, should your budget permit. Each appliance has its own requirements, and needs to be planned for accordingly.”
You may, of course, want to futureproof with an air-source heat pump; the internal part of this could best be housed in a new utility room so be sure to factor in the necessary space, even if it’s something you’re only looking for some time down the line.
Pick the perfect location
“The best place to position a utility room is off the kitchen with a door leading to the outside, although this should not be the only access to the kitchen,” Charlie Turner says.
In terraced houses where frontage is limited, Federica recommends locating the utility area in the middle of the floor plan, rather than on an external wall, in order to maximise daylight and views for the habitable rooms.
“Semi and detached properties have more frontage, so it’s possible to locate the utility room on an external wall. It can then double up as a garden entrance and boot room,” she says.
“The best place to position a utility room is off the kitchen with a door leading to the outside, although this should not be the only access to the kitchen,” Charlie Turner says.
In terraced houses where frontage is limited, Federica recommends locating the utility area in the middle of the floor plan, rather than on an external wall, in order to maximise daylight and views for the habitable rooms.
“Semi and detached properties have more frontage, so it’s possible to locate the utility room on an external wall. It can then double up as a garden entrance and boot room,” she says.
Make extra space
There are also various ways in which to create a utility space where there isn’t a room available: convert a basement or garage; create a small extension, or reduce the size of your kitchen.
“A utility room is a good idea when an extension’s footprint is too small to be a habitable room. For example, the side extension of a small semi-detached house that is typically around 2m wide,” Federica says. “In one of our projects, the original rear reception, which had become an inner room due to a long rear extension, was transformed into a utility area, providing much-needed storage in a narrow terraced house.”
There are also various ways in which to create a utility space where there isn’t a room available: convert a basement or garage; create a small extension, or reduce the size of your kitchen.
“A utility room is a good idea when an extension’s footprint is too small to be a habitable room. For example, the side extension of a small semi-detached house that is typically around 2m wide,” Federica says. “In one of our projects, the original rear reception, which had become an inner room due to a long rear extension, was transformed into a utility area, providing much-needed storage in a narrow terraced house.”
Compromise with a cupboard
When space is tight, you can make do with a dedicated laundry area, behind doors where possible, as seen in this kitchen.
Tempted by a laundry cupboard? Read reviews of carpenters and joiners in your area.
When space is tight, you can make do with a dedicated laundry area, behind doors where possible, as seen in this kitchen.
Tempted by a laundry cupboard? Read reviews of carpenters and joiners in your area.
Stack them up
Whether you go for a cupboard or are arranging your appliances in a compact room, do consider positioning them vertically, rather than side by side. “Stack your washer and dryer on top of each other in a ventilated cupboard,” Tom suggests.
More: How to Squeeze a Utility Area into Any Size Home
Whether you go for a cupboard or are arranging your appliances in a compact room, do consider positioning them vertically, rather than side by side. “Stack your washer and dryer on top of each other in a ventilated cupboard,” Tom suggests.
More: How to Squeeze a Utility Area into Any Size Home
Consider ventilation
Air circulation is very important in a utility room, as heat and moisture will need to be dealt with. “Moist air will cling to the internal walls and dampness will form mould and stain paintwork,” Darryl says.
“We use acrylic eggshell on walls and ceilings, which can be wiped clean,” he continues. “Also, if you’re not planning on having a tumble dryer and will be hanging wet clothes to dry on a frame, then consider a humidity-controlled extractor fan, which can be set to come on when humidity reaches a certain percentage, then turn off when the humidity drops.”
Air circulation is very important in a utility room, as heat and moisture will need to be dealt with. “Moist air will cling to the internal walls and dampness will form mould and stain paintwork,” Darryl says.
“We use acrylic eggshell on walls and ceilings, which can be wiped clean,” he continues. “Also, if you’re not planning on having a tumble dryer and will be hanging wet clothes to dry on a frame, then consider a humidity-controlled extractor fan, which can be set to come on when humidity reaches a certain percentage, then turn off when the humidity drops.”
Have a strategy
Good planning is essential when creating your new utility room. “Invest the time to make sure your ideas will really work to save you money and time, as well as giving you a great look and functionality,” Alex says.
“It’s useful to have space either side of the sink on the worktop, so baskets of laundry can be kept out of the way while other washing is in progress,” he continues. “Create extra storage by fitting wall cupboards. A towel rail with plenty of bars is also very useful for drying smaller items or hanging up shirts.”
Tom’s top storage tip is to go for full-height cupboards for coat storage and your vacuum cleaner and ironing board, where possible. “Think about what you want to store in the space and plan your cupboards accordingly,” he says. “It might be that you would prefer open shelving, so things are easily to hand, or lots of cupboards, so everything is out of sight. Don’t forget coat hooks and shoe storage if you plan to double the space as a boot room.”
Good planning is essential when creating your new utility room. “Invest the time to make sure your ideas will really work to save you money and time, as well as giving you a great look and functionality,” Alex says.
“It’s useful to have space either side of the sink on the worktop, so baskets of laundry can be kept out of the way while other washing is in progress,” he continues. “Create extra storage by fitting wall cupboards. A towel rail with plenty of bars is also very useful for drying smaller items or hanging up shirts.”
Tom’s top storage tip is to go for full-height cupboards for coat storage and your vacuum cleaner and ironing board, where possible. “Think about what you want to store in the space and plan your cupboards accordingly,” he says. “It might be that you would prefer open shelving, so things are easily to hand, or lots of cupboards, so everything is out of sight. Don’t forget coat hooks and shoe storage if you plan to double the space as a boot room.”
Assess the basics
When considering a utility room, either as an extension or by converting an existing room, the position of waste-water outlets, water supply, heating, ventilation and access to electrical supplies are the first areas to address.
“With an extension, these can be planned for in the initial stages with the architect or design consultant,” Darryl says. “For conversions, ask your designer: Can these existing services be extended to meet the new requirements of your utility room? Have I enough capacity in the existing fuse box? Is the incoming mains pressure able to cope with the additional appliances and water usage? Have I an external wall for an externally vented tumble dryer?”
When considering a utility room, either as an extension or by converting an existing room, the position of waste-water outlets, water supply, heating, ventilation and access to electrical supplies are the first areas to address.
“With an extension, these can be planned for in the initial stages with the architect or design consultant,” Darryl says. “For conversions, ask your designer: Can these existing services be extended to meet the new requirements of your utility room? Have I enough capacity in the existing fuse box? Is the incoming mains pressure able to cope with the additional appliances and water usage? Have I an external wall for an externally vented tumble dryer?”
Make it water-resistant
When planning your utility room, another important consideration is water resistance. “There will be wet shoes and clothes dumped on the floor; washing machines will leak; perhaps there’ll be wet dogs, wet children, dripping raincoats,” Charlie says.
“Install a simple rubber floor, which is easy to clean, underfloor heating if possible, and water-resistant worktops.”
When planning your utility room, another important consideration is water resistance. “There will be wet shoes and clothes dumped on the floor; washing machines will leak; perhaps there’ll be wet dogs, wet children, dripping raincoats,” Charlie says.
“Install a simple rubber floor, which is easy to clean, underfloor heating if possible, and water-resistant worktops.”
Don’t forget the aesthetics
As well as storage for bigger items, consider some stylish storage solutions for small utility items, such as pegs and cleaning products. “Tins, jars and vintage-style bottles add a chic edge to your utility space when displayed on open shelves and work surfaces, and they keep clutter at bay,” Kate Mooney says.
“Baskets and hampers are perfect for stowing away all manner of bits and bobs, from Wellington boots to winter coats. Large baskets create a chic, laid-back look and make tidying up a breeze,” she continues.
“When ensuring you have enough storage in your utility room, remember to consider upward space, too,” Kate adds. “Floor-to-ceiling shelving is a wonderful way to create extra room and keep cleaning products out of reach. Consider adding a rolling library ladder to make accessing the top shelves as easy as possible.”
Tell us…
How have you made your utility room work for you? Share your tips and photos in the Comments.
As well as storage for bigger items, consider some stylish storage solutions for small utility items, such as pegs and cleaning products. “Tins, jars and vintage-style bottles add a chic edge to your utility space when displayed on open shelves and work surfaces, and they keep clutter at bay,” Kate Mooney says.
“Baskets and hampers are perfect for stowing away all manner of bits and bobs, from Wellington boots to winter coats. Large baskets create a chic, laid-back look and make tidying up a breeze,” she continues.
“When ensuring you have enough storage in your utility room, remember to consider upward space, too,” Kate adds. “Floor-to-ceiling shelving is a wonderful way to create extra room and keep cleaning products out of reach. Consider adding a rolling library ladder to make accessing the top shelves as easy as possible.”
Tell us…
How have you made your utility room work for you? Share your tips and photos in the Comments.
These days, having a kitchen is often not enough, according to Tom Edmonds. “Potential buyers also want a utility area as standard,” he says.
Certainly, as many homes are open-plan, it makes sense to have a dedicated space where the washing machine and dryer can run without disturbing dinnertime chat or movie nights. But that’s not all.
“Having a utility room gets the washing out of open-plan living spaces and is a good place to do the ironing, away from the smells of cooking,” Alex Findlater says. “It can also be a useful extension to the kitchen area for storing larger serving dishes, saucepans, juicers and so on.”