How to Convert a Closet into a Laundry Room

You might have a nice sized home and with the recent basement cleanout conversion you just finished, you're now without a dedicated laundry space. You thought about keeping the washing machine and dryer in the basement. After thinking it over, you realized it's one of the reasons you chose to finish the basement; you were tired of having to cart laundry up and down stairs. Don't worry, this is a great opportunity because now you can put your laundry somewhere more convenient, you just have to know how to convert a closet into a laundry room.

How to Convert a Closet into a Laundry Room

If you're a bit unsure about having the skills to convert a closet into a laundry room, you should know it's not that difficult. Unlike having to take out a kitchen soffit, it doesn't require a lot of messy demolition. Though, unless you're a licensed electrician or a licensed plumber, you will need these trades people to do the most difficult work. The rest really isn't too challenging and all you'll need is some common household tools.

In real life, just having a convenient spot to do laundry is foremost and the extras are gravy. If you must use a laundromat, community laundry room or even a basement or garage laundry space, there may be a space in your home that can be converted into a workable laundry area. An in-home laundry space is especially convenient for young parents and as we age. --About.com

First, you should choose a closet that's against a bathroom or the kitchen. The reason for this is because it will be easier to rough-in the plumbing and the electrical wiring for the washing machine and dryer. You should also choose a closet that's conveniently located to your bedrooms. If you have to make a choice between a closet that's against a bathroom or the kitchen and one that's near the bedroom, use the former to cut-down on conversion costs. Here are the steps for how to convert a closet into a laundry room:

• Measure the inside dimensions. Before you do anything else, you should make sure the washer and dryer will fit inside the space. If the appliances don't fit, consider selling yours and purchasing smaller ones or a stackable washer and dryer set.
• Empty the closet out completely. If the closet has enough room, you should then empty it out completely. This includes taking down any shelves so you have room to work within the space and enough room to get the laundry appliances into the space.
• Protect the floor from possible leaks. After you empty the closet, you should put down a floor protector. This will not only keep the flooring from being damaged by the machines as they operate, but also, provide leak protection.
• Install the water and drain lines. Have a licensed plumber put in water supply and drain lines. You might have to make some configuration changes in order to accommodate the machines, which can add to the cost.
• Install the proper size power outlet. Hire a licensed electrician to install the power supply outlets. You should opt for the latest in safety, if it's available. You should also consider having a dedicated vent put in to minimize heat.

After you've converted a closet into a laundry room, you can easily dispose of the mess. Just phone 800-737-5923 or visit Pro Junk Dispatch and we'll come over and do the remodeling debris cleanup for you so you don't have to deal with it and can test out your new laundry space.