Can I Build a Laundry Room in My Garage? – And How to Do it?

An at-home laundry room is one of the best additions to your house. But perhaps you don’t have enough space at home to adjust a laundry room, so does that mean you’ll have to compromise on your dream laundry room? No, you can still adjust your laundry room to some other larger space in your house. So, you might question, can I build a laundry room in my garage?

You can efficiently convert your garage into a laundry room. However, you need to make sure your garage is big enough to store your washer and dryer. It should also have proper access to electric wiring, gas and water, ventilation ducts, a temperature control unit, etc.

So, if you want to construct a laundry room in your garage, take a look at this guide. We’ll also share some factors to consider and the project’s total cost at the end, so make sure to stick around.

Transforming Your Garage into a Laundry Room: Essential Tips and Considerations

A laundry room in a garage is one of the classic ways to put a laundry room in your home. Especially if you are running short on space, a laundry room within the premises of another room will work great for you. However, there are a few things you need to check before you go ahead and put the laundry room in a garage.

First, you need to determine whether you want to convert the whole garage into a laundry space or you want a corner within the garage. Calculate the space your appliances will occupy, and if you have the needed space go ahead and start setting your laundry equipment in the garage.

You also need to check if you have unlimited access to electricity, high-voltage power plugs (as required by your washer and dryer), water pipes, gas pipes, an excellent drainage system, and proper ventilation ducts. Besides these, you’ll also need large cabinets to contain your laundry, so don’t forget to leave space for those.

It is everything you need to put a laundry room in a garage if you live in an area with mild temperatures all over the year. However, in case you live in a place where you experience medium-extreme winter, you might want to insulate the garage.

How to Build a Laundry Room in the Garage in 6 Easy Steps?

You can follow the steps discussed below to set up a functional laundry room/garage.

Calculate the Space

Before you put any laundry equipment in the garage, you need to ensure you have the required space. According to safety rules, you should never put your laundry equipment in a very stuffed room as it may be hazardous.

First of all, discard all the junk and unnecessary items from your garage, be it furniture, cardboard boxes, things you no longer use, etc. After you have cleared the space, begin calculating the total area your car will occupy and see if you are left with enough space or not.

If your garage is large enough to contain all your laundry essentials, you can safely go ahead and move on with the next step.

Manage Lighting

Garages are usually very dark because of the lack of windows. If you want to use your garage as a laundry room, you’ll need good lighting because it is hard to locate and wash off stains and dirt from clothes in a poorly lit room.

Moreover, you’ll also need good lighting to carry out other repairs and maintenance tasks. So, it is advised to get LED lights installed in the garage.

Check for Repairs

Your inspection process hasn’t finished just yet. You still need to thoroughly examine the floor and determine if it needs any repairs. If the concrete floor seems cracked or has bumps, it is best to get it fixed. You can get marble flooring done or a marble slab wide enough for your washer and dryer so that the concrete floor is not damaged due to the heavy appliances.

You should also check the walls for maintenance as you wouldn’t want to do the laundry in a shabby room. If the paint has chipped off, it’s best to get the walls repainted. Paint will not only enhance your laundry room’s look, but it will also protect the walls from excessive moisture.

Insulate the Garage

Once you are done with maintenance, you need to get an insulation system installed in your garage. Without an insulator, it’ll become challenging for you to stay in the laundry room for long whenever the weather conditions are extreme.

You can ask a professional to get an insulator installed. A temperature control unit will ensure an average temperature throughout the year. A normal temperature throughout the year will also help slow down the appliance’s wear and tear.

Buy and Install a Compatible Washer and dryer:

You need to buy and install a washer and dryer that fits the available space. If you have little space left in the garage after parking the car, it’s best to avoid the idea of a garage/laundry room. You also need to make sure the appliances are not too big or too small for your laundry needs.

If you are running low on space, you can look into buying a 2-in-1 washer and dryer as it will surely save you some space. However, if you are not comfortable using that, it would be better to look for other places to put a laundry room.

Add Cabinets

If you are building a laundry room, you’ll need cabinets and cupboards to store your laundry and essentials. So, it is vital to ensure you have enough space to keep all the essentials.

You might need to invest in some organizing supplies or shelving, which can be costly. But trust me, it will make a huge difference if you have a neat and tidy space, even if it’s in the garage.

Think about what kind of storage options you have in your laundry area. Do you have any overhead cabinets you can use? Can you mount some utility-type shelves above your washer and dryer? Would a rolling cart be more convenient for storing your laundry supplies?

Your garage is not a typical laundry room, so you may need to get creative and find the best solution for your space.

Also Read: A Guide on How to Install an Ironing Board Cabinet

Add Room Dividers

Most people and interior designers recommend getting room dividers if building a garage laundry room. You can get curtains or folding/sliding room dividers. This addition adds to your privacy and ensures the laundry doesn’t come in contact with the car.

However, this step is optional, and you may let it pass.

Going Extra Miles For A Pinterest Look Laundry Room!

Why not paint the corner of your garage where your washer and dryer are? Or add a nice valance to the windows? Or hang a bulletin board with pictures of your adorable little mess-makers? After your floor is sparkling, you can also put a small rug to make it more cozy.

You know your own taste. If you like things simple and sleek, go for it. If you like things pretty and fun, check out Pinterest for some amazing laundry room ideas and get inspired.

Make it a place you actually enjoy being in.

Also Read: Improving Ventilation System In Your Basement Laundry Room.

Other Things to Consider When Putting a Laundry Room in a Garage

When putting a laundry room in the garage, it is crucial to consider the following factors.

Electrical and Wiring:

Check the instruction guide to find out how much voltage plug is required by your washer and dryer. Generally, most washers need 120/110-volt plugs to run. As for electric dryers, you’ll mostly need a 220-volt plug. So, make sure to get appropriate power plugs installed.

Water Supply:

Most garages don’t have a proper water supply, and washing machines need a stable water supply. So, if you want to install a washing machine in the garage, you’ll need to get significant plumbing work done.

Gas:

If you don’t have an electric dryer, you will need gas to run the dryer. So, you’ll have to reach out to a professional to figure out a way to ensure a secure and stable gas supply to the garage.

Overall Condition of the Garage:

Even if all the utilities are easily accessible in the garage, it is still crucial not to overlook its overall condition. Walls, floor, ceiling, lights, temperature, etc., are all important factors, so make sure to repair them if damaged.

Can You Put a Washer and Dryer in an Unheated Garage?

It is possible to put a washer and dryer in an unheated or uninsulated garage. However, it is not advised. This is because appliances such as a dryer and washing machine significantly increase the room’s humidity and overall temperature.

In the summertime, you’ll need an insulator to keep the humidity at bay, or else you might have a lot of trouble with mold formation. Moreover, it is impossible to stay in a laundry room with no temperature control unit in the summer as the heat and humidity might cause you to faint.

In winter, places with freezing temperatures demand an insulator to melt the water frozen in pipes and ensure a steady water supply. If you don’t have an insulated garage, you’ll need a lot of time to do laundry as you’ll have to wait for the frozen water to thaw before proceeding.

However, if you live in an area with a moderate temperature round the year, you can skip on getting an insulator for the garage.

Smart Ways to Handle Hot Summers and Chilly Winters

Effectively managing the temperature in your garage is crucial, especially in regions like the South where extreme weather can pose challenges. To create a more comfortable environment, consider these solutions:

1. Insulation is Key: Ensure your garage is well-insulated, particularly the door and windows. This helps in both hot and cold weather, maintaining a more stable temperature inside.
2. Temperature-Controlled Appliances: Invest in a space heater for colder months and a garage fan for hot and humid days. You might also explore all-in-one heating/cooling window units for versatile temperature regulation.
3. Strategic Lighting: Install energy-efficient shop lights that don’t just illuminate but also generate some heat in winter. This can contribute to a more comfortable atmosphere.
4. Preventive Measures: Tackle potential issues before they escalate. For instance, install a garage fan in moderate weather conditions, making it more manageable than during extreme temperatures.
5. Dryer Vent Maintenance: Ensure your dryer vent directs air outside, reducing heat and humidity in the garage. Regularly clean the vent to prevent blockages, minimizing the risk of dryer fires.
6. Water Line Insulation: Insulate water lines connected to your washer, especially if you experience freezing temperatures. This precautionary step prevents frozen pipes and potential water damage when the pipes thaw.

By addressing these aspects preemptively, you can avoid the discomfort of extreme temperatures and potential issues such as fires or flooding. Taking these steps in advance ensures a more pleasant and functional garage space.

What is the Total Cost of Adding a Laundry Room in the Garage?

The total cost to transform a garage into a laundry room depends on the condition of your garage. It is also subject to how much utilities you have access to and how much you are willing to invest in the garage.

According to a survey, the estimated cost of building a laundry room in your garage is somewhere around $2000-$15,000. The total price depends on various factors, and you don’t have to go overboard to get a great laundry room/garage.

Also Read: Is It OK To Put Washing Machine In A Bathroom?

Conclusion:

I hope you’ve found the answer to your question: “Can I build a laundry room in my garage?”

A laundry room in a garage is one of the most common ways to build a laundry room in homes with no built-in laundry space. And if you already have access to most of the basic utilities for the laundry room, you don’t have to worry much about the cost of adding a laundry room in a garage.

However, you need to follow the steps carefully and be mindful of the essential considerations to ensure your laundry room is valuable and practical.