Laundry rooms

laundry rooms

Appliances and amenities

The laundry room tops many homeowners' wish lists as a room they most want to improve or build. While many people choose to locate their laundry rooms near the kitchen or on an upper floor with the bedrooms, basement laundry rooms have the advantage of keeping noisy appliances and chaotic piles of clothing away from the rest of the house.

Laundry rooms are changing from mere utility rooms into larger spaces that enable you to handle all your washing, drying and clothing-care chores in one area. Install a sink for presoaking soiled garments or hand-washing delicates, put in cabinets for storing cleaning supplies, or add counter space for folding clothing. Pullout bins will provide a place for sorting laundry. And don't forget a drop-down ironing board and a clothes rod for hanging ironed garments. Don't want to lug laundry baskets down to the basement? Check your building codes (and budget) to see if you can install a laundry chute.

Like kitchens and bathrooms, laundry rooms can also be multifunctional. If you have space, consider allocating room for a TV, desk, or exercise equipment. While waiting for a spin cycle to end, you can surf the Internet or help the kids with their homework. The laundry room counter may also be a great spot for potting plants or setting up a gift wrapping or crafting station.

But no matter how the laundry room might evolve, washing machines will still have to connect to the plumbing line and dryers will still need to vent their hot, humid air outside. You can avoid some hassles by locating your laundry room directly under your main plumbing line and on an exterior wall for the dryer vent. Otherwise, you'll need to run plumbing pipes or vents through the floor or ceiling. For more on laundry room possibilities, check out Whirlpool's family studio (www.family-studio.com).

SELECTING A WASHER/DRYER

Here are some basic considerations to keep in mind when evaluating washers and dryers (see also page 70 on appliances):

Configuration You can choose between a side-by-side or stacked washer/dryer set-up. Stacked units can fit into a smaller space, but this configuration requires a front-loading washer since the dryer goes on top.

Front- vs. top-loading washers Top-loading machines use an agitator to churn clothing, while front-loaders tumble garments like a dryer does. Front-loaders are usually more expensive, but they can pay you back by using less energy, water, and detergent; they're also gentler on clothing. Some new top-loaders don't use an agitator and are less expensive than typical front-loaders.

Gas vs. electric dryers If you have gas line, a gas dryer is a good choice because of its greater energy efficiency. It will cost a little more, but save you money long-term.

Capacity The size of your typical laundry load is determined by the size of your household and how frequently you do laundry. Evaluate your laundry habits now and think about how they might change in the future.

Energy efficiency Compare the energy usage of various models by checking the Energy Guide labels (see page 71).

Special Features Compare features and decide which ones you’re more likely to use and are therefore willing to pay for. Some new models aim to take all the guesswork out of doing laundry. In General Electric's Harmony line, the washer communicates electronically with the dryer so it can set itself for the right drying mode. Whirlpool's Duets line has a dryer with a stationary rack for items like sneakers or stuffed animals. Other dryers have automatic moisture sensors that allow the dryer to shut off when clothing is dry.

• Architects and designers • Evaluate your home's condition • The design process •

• Renovation professionals • Kitchen improvements • Sinks and faucets • Master baths • Family baths •

• Wiring for home theater and more • Master bedrooms • Children's bedrooms •

• The attic test •Basement possibilities • Laundry rooms • Storage possibilities • Built-ins •