Browse Forums General Discussion 1 Jan 04, 2007 2:07 pm Hi guys
I have a bit of a dilemma. I have recently bought a 1960s unit (single-storey) which is in reasonably good condition but is in need of renovation, mainly the kitchen which is tiny with hardly any storage space. My neighbours on either side of me (same unit design) have tackled the kitchen problem by demolishing the adjacent laundry and therefore increasing the kitchen size by about 50%. They have moved the laundry outside and created an undercover area for it just next to the back door. I am considering the same thing, since my other alternatives would involve moving walls (too expensive) or putting the laundry into a cupboard which then becomes part of the larger kitchen (maybe, but I'd prefer not to have the laundry actually in the kitchen). My two questions are: 1. Any idea on the likelihood of such a plan being approved by the local council? Unfortunately I don't think either of my neighbours have bothered getting their external laundries approved so there's no point asking them. 2. Would an external laundry - okay this would me more a semi-external laundry, since it's undercover - be a real downer for a future buyer? That was my first reason for being against it, but now I think that if it's a choice between an inside laundry or a bigger and better kitchen, the kitchen wins... Re: Outside laundry v smaller kitchen 2Jan 04, 2007 4:33 pm I had to do a similar thing in a house I was living in here in Brisbane.
The kitchen was too small for a pantry so I built a pantry in the adjacent laundry where the washing machine would normally sit. I then extended the hot and cold water stops with hoses, next to the waste and through the floor to feed the washing machine relocated under the house. We could not have been happier and if future occupants of the premises have any sense they will do the same thing. Kitchen and storage size is of premium importance. I'm not completley up to speed with the bulding regulations, but depending on the sort of external structure you build you might find that approval is not much of a problem. If you make the design non structural, i.e. like a pergola, it could well be that you only have to meet some minimal (if any) requirements. I'm sure that anyone considering purchasing in the future would be able to appreciate the advantages of increased kitchen space. On top of this having your washing machine outside can be a bonus in a small premises where the machine noise can otherwise be an annoyance. Cheers, Earl Re: Outside laundry v smaller kitchen 3Jan 04, 2007 5:35 pm I hear your dilemma….BUT!
From a women’s point of view and a designers I would strongly recommend putting your laundry in the kitchen. For me… having to battle the elements of weather to go to a semi close in laundry would be a nightmare!! If we you are talking RESALE an internal laundry would be best. I have designed a few of these in the past. Small houses and holiday rentals, they work great and are hidden well. I understand your need for space in the kitchen, but think of the practicality of it. If I were to view your unit and the laundry was outside under a semi closed carport construction, I would not be interested. I for one couldn’t think of anything better that a laundry right where we spend the majority of our time….the kitchen, it’s just so handy!!!! Design it into your new kitchen with matching cupboards…you won’t be disappointed. Good luck and you won’t need council’s permission either. I’d hate to think what will happen to your neighbours if council get a sniff of what they have done. Internal and External Building and Colour Consultant Online - Worldwide http://www.denovoconcepts.com Re: Outside laundry v smaller kitchen 4Jan 06, 2007 12:19 am Thanks folks.
Yeah, it's kind of coming down to a "what I want" versus a "what buyers might want" kind of a decision. I am planning to re-sell (obviously), but not for another 3-5 years. My own preference would definitely be to have the laundry outside, like Strumer said, it's for the noise factor more than anything - my internal walls are quite thin and if ever I have the washing machine or dryer on at night I can't get to sleep until they are finished. I would need to have a very well insulated cupboard to do the inside thing - although I'd also need one of these for outside too, not to annoy my neighbours too much. I also like the idea of having a washing and drying inside/outside room - my current clothes line is in a bad spot and I like having the option of a covered outside area for drying clothes in, even more so if it's right next to the washing machine and I don't have to lug baskets everywhere. I've also always wanted a pantry cupboard, which is what the space where the washing machine currently is will become if the laundry goes outside. But I am well aware that future buyers might not have my preferences and that is definitely a concern. And I know how they feel - back in my renting days I was nearly put off renting a house with an outside laundry. I got over it and it wasn't so bad in the end, but admittedly that place involved completely going outside (and often getting rained on) to get to the laundry - what I'm proposing would only be five extra steps from where the laundry is at the moment. It's funny though, I grew up in England where everyone has washing machines and dryers in the kitchen - no-one has separate laundries. But now when I see laundries in the kitchen it looks somewhat yuck. Strange how your tastes change... I think I will get some more advice from builders and look at some other units in the area before I decide. Hey, another idea that might be a goer. If I do the outside option, as I said, the space where the washing machine and dryer are now will become a large pantry-style cupboard. I'm thinking maybe I could leave the washing machine taps and power point there, so that if in future someone wants to make it an internal laundry again by putting the washing machine back in the cupboard, they can without too much hassle. Option? Re: Outside laundry v smaller kitchen 5Jan 06, 2007 5:48 am Taps being left in the cupboard, excellent idea! Internal and External Building and Colour Consultant Online - Worldwide http://www.denovoconcepts.com Re: Outside laundry v smaller kitchen 6Jan 24, 2007 5:51 pm Hi Michelle
Just letting you know that I have taken your advice and decided to go with an internal laundry in a cupboard, just as you suggested. Thanks for your help. Claire Re: Outside laundry v smaller kitchen 7Jan 24, 2007 6:01 pm That’s good clairebbbear, glade to help!!
Clever sorting of cupboards and getting rid of clutter with eliminate the need for a large kitchen. Hope it all works out for you….enjoy your new kitchen!!! Internal and External Building and Colour Consultant Online - Worldwide http://www.denovoconcepts.com Agreed. I just found out today the certifier has not given the final sign off. 2 4091 Hey all, Hoping for some inspiration for my bathroom laundry combo. The tiles are in good condition, as is the bathtub. I’ve given it a coat of white paint and added… 0 14121 Move your linen into laundry and access laundry from your present linen space 1 8009 |