An outhouse for utilities - yes or no??

7 years ago

Hi Houzzers

Does anyone have an outhouse for utilities/laundry (ie. housing washer, dryer) which they think is either best thing ever or they've regretted - either way would love to have your views. We are redesigning our kitchen and would rather not have the washing machine in the same room... started thinking about building a small utility room but with limited space in the house we're thinking of building an outhouse in the garden (as we have plenty of garden space) - views of practicalities would be greatly appreciated! Thanks

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PRO

Architectonicus

7 years ago

last modified: 7 years ago

Hi Annayenon, the answer to your question depends on your desires for your outhouse, your budget, and whether or not you would include more uses for this outhouse than simply Laundry.

For example if you enjoy, as some do, a special retreat or extra sleepover space outside of the house that will enrich it's purpose with washing facilities, there is no reason why it cannot be a well designed, insulated, light filled pavilion or meditative space.

If you want a shed, then you may have some of the issues listed above by others depending on that shed's quality. Think sincerely about your wishes for the space, it's uses to you in the broadest sense, your budget, and then you are on a path to finding out what is realistic and achievable.

Many artists have pleasant and well insulated garden studios for example, ranging from reasonably economic to higher build costs.

I hope this helps you.

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Comments (21)

Susan
7 years ago
Fine in the warmer summer months but hideous in the cold dark wet winter months.
If it's right next to your back door it wouldn't be so bad.....
A B
7 years ago
I used to have my dryer in the (detached) garage in our old house. Never again!
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Personally, as I like to put washing on the line, having it upstairs would be most inconvenient. We also run the wash in the early hours so it's just finished when we get up, to put it straight out, so if it was close to a bedroom, I'm sure it would disturb someone. That said, when we first bought this house, the lady before had her washer and drier in the tiny, unused en-suite shower room - which incidentally was no bigger than a large cupboard the width of a shower tray - in one of the spare bedrooms. It was useless as an en-suite too small and pointless and useless as a utility, only room for the washer and drier. The OH new uses it for his printer, servers and techy stuff as he uses that room as his study - which is a far better use of the space. The irony of this lady using the tiny shower, was that there was a brilliant (and quite sizeable) room, which she used as a tack and boot room (oddly with yet another shower in!) which is perfect for the utility room.
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Definitely second One Plan with regards to moving the sink closer to the stove. My kitchen is tiny and even I think it annoying having to cross the room to get to the sink! I would suggest having a really good think about how you want to use the space. What kind of food do you cook? How often do you use certain kitchen tools/appliances? How do you currently use your kitchen and how could you make better use of space before even thinking about the added extension? Maybe draw up a list of what's currently in your kitchen (dried goods, glassware, crockery, appliances etc) and assign storage spaces (cupboards/drawers) for them based on accessibilty and functionality. Your kitchen designer can then use that to inform the design and layout. I have an American FF and you defo need more clearance space around it to open the doors! I would suggest having the tall unit besides the FF as well. You could also go for a smaller FF which could allow you to possibly fit in a single sink unit and include a intergrated undercounter fridge in your kitchen for regular use items.
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strawberry47
7 years ago
Not for me, I've just had 6 years of an outside laundry.
Awal
Original Author
7 years ago
Thanks so much
minnie101
7 years ago
Will the washing machine go under the stairs?
Awal
Original Author
7 years ago
No Minnie101- we already have a cloakroom toilet there. To me it sounds like a great idea to have a laundry room outside (approx a metre from the kitchen)... but just wondering how inconvenient it will actually prove to be.
minnie101
7 years ago
Do you have any other space that could be used?

https://www.houzz.co.uk/magazine/how-to-squeeze-a-utility-area-into-any-size-home-stsetivw-vs~59228673

I personally wouldn't like it, cold, dark, rain, worms and slugs etc! If it's so close it may not be so bad though, I think it depends when you do your washing too, if it's daytime it could be fine
Awal
Original Author
7 years ago
Any Houzzers who love their utility outhouse ?
Awal
Original Author
7 years ago
We already have a built outhouse which previous owner used only as a storage area. Our builder thinks with a lick of paint, some water, lights and heating we've got ourselves a utility space. We would only be using it for laundry (and boot room) as we have another part of the garden ear marked for a nice summer house/extra room etc. We have 3 boys so plenty of dirty clothes which would be nice to keep outside the main house! Thanks Architectronics for the great advice!
Awal
Original Author
7 years ago
Architectonicus*
clairef09
7 years ago
last modified: 7 years ago
We have built a separate utility room at the back of our long garage as I didn't want to have the appliances in the kitchen and there was no other place to put them. Unfortunately the utility isn't connected to the house now so we have to go out the back porch and walk a few steps along the path to the utility door. We have outdoor lighting that guides the way up the path for dark nights which I would definitely recommend. You just have to make the best of what you have! :)
Awal
Original Author
7 years ago
This idea is starting to sound less and less like a luxury!
A B
7 years ago
My husband said it's relatively common in Australia (although the do have nicer weather!). One thing to add to what has been said was I always felt a bit vulnerable going out at night when home alone to do laundry.
PRO
Architectonicus
7 years ago
It sounds like the way you want this to improve your life, is to keep the home clear of dirty clothes and footwear - as having three boys can be messy!

Your existing outhouse, is it insulated already? What is its size? Is it located along the journey into your home - i.e. can be visited by kids & adults to remove dirty clothes / wash hands / clean boots / change shoes - before going on into your home. If you have kids or family members that like messy arts, the room could also be suitable for that too?

It's a question of size, location relative to the entrance to your house and whether the outhouse is or can be suitably insulated.

If it solves your problems and makes life easier, then it could still be a luxury for you.

Many people as listed in the comments above, tend to have the laundry facilities in dark, even damp places - this does not make for a pleasurable weekly chore. If your outhouse has windows, great, if not, consider adding more, using rooflights or at least use high quality daylight bulbs and add some appealing colour / decoration to the room. If the basic and regular activities of life can be lifted up toward a more enjoyable, rich and positive experience, then that is better for body and mind.
Angela Gilham
7 years ago
Add me to the naysayers. In my case, it's the fuse box and chest freezer in the outhouse. Wonderful when a circuit trips on a dark and stormy night. Not.

If you can get completely under cover and well lit access -- through a garage, a proper passageway, that's different. But if you can't, just imagine lugging a basket of filthy sports kit out to the washing machine on an equally filthy night...
jamiethepony
7 years ago
in our old house there was a large lean too sunroom off the kitchen which led on to an outhouse which we converted to an unheated utility/storeroom with washing machine and hanging space. it was a bit cold in winter but did the job. we also had a V large greenhouse which became the best place for clothes drying!
dcomisso
7 years ago
We've had a utility area in our detached garage for 6 years now. There's around 3 meters between my back door and garage back door. Even on a wet and cold night, and there are plenty of those where I am, it's not the worst. Putting up with the washer & dryer noise right in the kitchen with all the other things going on there would be far worse in my opinion. If you can't fit a utility area anywhere else in the house, I'd go with your gut feeling and build outdoors.
titiankim
7 years ago
I lived in a rented house where the washing machine was in a brick outhouse next to the original outside loo. It was a bit of a pain and the pipes froze on winter. Now I have kids I definitely wanted a utility room when we extended.
Daisy England
7 years ago
I'd just be cautious of things freezing up.
Awal
Original Author
7 years ago
Thanks everyone for your advice and experiences they were all extremely helpful!!

An outhouse for utilities - yes or no??

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Susan

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