featurehome062523CameronUtilityRoom
Housework is inevitable. But a brand new home gives the buyer an opportunity to improve the productivity and enjoyment factors of day-to-day housework. The keys to good quality utility spaces are functionality and cleanliness that inspire the homeowner to use them.
Rather than saving these spaces for last, plan them during construction and involve the builder as you make decisions. By creating spaces that are organized, clean and crisp, daily tasks will feel easier to handle.
Love the laundry
Laundry is family, too. There’s no way around it. But the laundry room doesn’t need to be stark, boring, poorly lit and uninspiring. The opposite might even improve functionality and desirability of the space.
If wall space allows, go ahead and hang small items that make you smile. But focus on organizing rather than decorating.
A small dry-erase board with a dry-erase marker attached to a string, for instance, allows members to leave smiley faces or notes saying, “The red shirt in the washing machine doesn’t go in the dryer” or “Happy laundering.” And a wall-mount drying rack may add enough ease and space savings to bring you joy.
Ask the builder about installing machines up to 12 inches off the ground above a platform or sturdy cabinet with heavy-duty drawers. Your back will thank you for this upgrade and you’ll gain storage space. One of the drawers under the machines can even store a folding step stool.
Speaking of storage space, make sure to include enough cabinets or open shelving for storing at least a month’s worth of laundry supplies. Include space for items such as decorated jars or baskets for orphaned laundry items like socks, coins and miscellaneous toys or gadgets.
Get the garage in the groove
An organized garage serves many purposes beyond a place to park cars, bikes, toys, tools, storage. But why not get it in the groove by hanging a small, portable, Wi-Fi surround sound speaker while you set up the organization system?
Once the music, podcast or audiobook is playing, measure out the space needed for items that must stay in the garage. Bring those measurements to a home improvement store and look at garage organization systems.
Things to consider in advance: How much space does a spare refrigerator or freezer require? Where can it be installed so that it doesn’t consume space needed for cars? Discuss this with the builder so the outlet and possible plumbing to the refrigerator can be installed where needed.
Cabinetry uses more cubic footage of storage space than open shelving, but some items, such as overflow food, are best kept covered in cabinets or bins. Look at storage systems that include a mixture of drawers, cabinets and shelving.
Install them against the walls if possible, for sturdiness, and consider floor-to-ceiling installations for storage systems in any room of the house. Also, can ceiling racks hang bicycles or wall racks hang mops, brooms and rakes?
Also include at least two rows of hooks for coats and sweatshirts — one up high and one at waist-height — and open storage for sorting shoes, hats and sporting equipment.
A welcoming side yard
The side yard outside the garage or the side of the house can easily become a spot where items without a home start to pile up. Because the garbage cans often live there, tidying up this space may come as an afterthought.
But it’s also an entry point, so it may as well look and feel welcoming. Spontaneously inviting a new neighbor and their dog back to play will be much more comfortable if the area is organized.
Pavement is your friend in these spaces. The home likely includes pavement where garbage bins go; consider extending it before the cement mixer arrives. The space then can be used for a lightweight storage shed or frequently used items such as bicycles or basic gardening tools.
If the property has two side yards, have that one paved, too. Use the side without a gate for the storage shed.
Add finishing touches
Throw rugs warm up any space and the ones in the utility spaces only need to be durable, not pricey. Look for rugs that can be hosed down or scrubbed to clean.
Finally, if possible, add attractive, comfortable bench seats or pairs of chairs to each utility space. These provide places to change shoes, clean up messes or to temporarily stack items for the job at hand.
Originally published at Cameron Sullivan