Planning a Basement Utility Room
With a little planning, you can transform your basement into a utility room! Right now, your basement may be a dark and cold place you avoid, but it can be transformed into so much more. Here are some ideas you can use as you look at your basement. Some of these steps will require the help of a professional contractor. Armed with a plan, you may be able to reduce your expenses and the amount of time that your home is under renovation.
Laundry Space
No basement utility room would be complete without a corner devoted to the laundry. Your laundry space should be as close as possible to the stairs, to reduce the distance you'll have to travel while carrying dirty clothes. Line the walls of your clothes-washing area with towel racks and retractable laundry lines, which will allow you to air-dry your delicates. Underneath your shelving areas, place multiple work tables to allow you to fold your clean laundry. This area should be well-ventilated and well-heated, to ensure that your clothes will dry. Work closely with the contractor you choose to ensure that your room is adequately ventilated. Additionally, your laundry area should contain at least one floor drain, to ensure that your basement doesn't flood if your washing machine malfunctions. Consider adding a large-sized sink to complete your laundry room. You'll be able to hand-wash your delicate clothing and hang it to dry.
Designing the Rest of Your Basement
Separate your laundry room from the rest of your basement with floor-to-ceiling curtains on long rods. You'll be able to open the curtains to air out the room, but you'll be able to close off the unsightly areas if you fall behind on your cleaning duties. Opposite your laundry room, create a workout room. Consider arranging your workout equipment around a large television, and install ceiling fans to keep the air moving. You'll be able to work out while you do laundry.
