When it comes to doing washing, you either hate it or love it. However, a good laundry set up will not only make the chore more bearable (or enjoyable, depending on how you get your kicks), but when it comes to space, is a full size laundry room worth it?
For renovators working to a tight budget in homes where space is limited, it can be difficult to hand over one entire room to a washing machine, dryer and sink.
And while a separate laundry room is standard in New Zealand, in many European countries it's not unheard of to find the washing machine squeezed between the fridge and dishwasher.
Some Kiwi homes have laundry spaces within the bathroom while newer apartments tidy the washing machine and dryer away in a cupboard that takes up less than one square metre of space.
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But what's the best configuration? Is it better to keep it compact or make space?
Design Association of New Zealand chairman Bob Tidd says laundry rooms have always been a popular asset in Kiwi homes, and while there is no hard rule on how to set up your laundry space, it is a must.
Tidd says the typical laundry room for a 200sq m home would be on average 2.5m wide and 3m long and be able to fit a washing machine, as well plumbing.
Bigger homes, those 400sq m to 700sq m, would typically have a 3m wide and 5m long laundry that shares a wall with the bathroom, and have room enough to fit a washing machine, dryer, bench, cupboard and ironing board.
Garage laundries were popular in the 1980s and 1990s, and can still be found in smaller homes. Normally, the clothes-line run outside by the garage, which makes hanging the washing easier.
Smith & Sons Renovation general manager Reon Paterson says it is practical to have a dedicated room for laundry.
“If you have a big family and you have lots and lots of washing it’s not ideal to have it tucked away in a hallway cupboard because you always have baskets of laundry on the way – it's just a nightmare.”
From his experience, it is more common to have a washing machine, a drier and a tub in a garage or closet
Although the European standard of having a washing machine in the kitchen is starting to become more common in New Zealand, “Kiwis don’t like it. We prefer a laundry room – it’s a tradition we grew up with.”
Another emerging trend in laundry spaces is the inclusion of a pantry and food preparation area, although for hygene reasons it's one that might not deserve to catch on.
Many student renters will have experience of landlords who sit washign machines right next to the toilet - another trend that shouldn't be embraced not matter the space savings.
Speaking of toilets, renovators should seek to keep the toilet separate from the bathroom and if possible, allow for two toilet facilities.
“It’s just polite not to stink the house up,” says one designer OneRoof talked to.
Homes with three bedroom or more should include a toilet in an en-suite, a powder room just with a toilet and sink and a bathroom with a shower and a bathtub.
Speaking of bathtubs, OneRoof asked it is a waste of space to have one.
“I’ve never taken a bath in my life, but some people love them.”
