Like most homeowners, your washer and dryer are probably in your basement. But what if you could move them to your garage? Believe it or not, there are some benefits to doing this. Do you find it difficult to have extra space in your garage when it is full of boxes and tools? GarageSmart® has the perfect solution for you.
In this post, we’ll discuss why moving your washer and dryer to the garage might be a good idea for you. We’ll also provide tips on making a move go as smoothly as possible. So read on to learn more!
Garage With Washing Machine And Dryer (Tips & Requirements)
To assist you in deciding whether or not installing a washer and dryer in your garage is right for you, we’ve included some information about the process, the equipment you’ll need, and some useful pointers.
Relocating the laundry room to the basement sounds like a good idea. However, it would help if you first consider whether you have enough space. If so, you should make a few considerations before relocating these appliances from the kitchen or laundry area.
You can put your washer and dryer in the garage because the concrete flooring is ideal for these machines. Plus, it helps you make the most of your garage’s square footage.
A garage laundry room that is well-designed and organised will also save you time and effort in the long run. An insulated wall between the garage and the rest of the house is ideal since it will dampen the vibrations and noises generated by the laundry appliances.
Storage Space Requirements for a Washer and Dryer Setup in the Garage
The recommended minimum size for a garage laundry room to accommodate a regular washer and dryer, plus some extra supplies, is seven by ten feet. The perfect dimensions for a laundry room that simultaneously functions as a mudroom are 12 feet by 15 feet.
You should also be able to locate the perfect spot in the garage for a laundry room, build sure it is easily accessible from the main house, and construct it close to a water and electric line so that you can easily hook up all of your appliances.
You’ll have all the space and time you need to keep the laundry area neat if you put the washer and dryer in the garage. GarageSmart® Storage Experts are experienced professionals who will work with you to create the perfect garage for your needs.
- A plumbing connection running from the garage to the laundry room is the most important prerequisite for doing laundry in the garage.
- Connecting your washer and dryer requires an electrical line, so it’s best to locate them where one is easily accessible.
- Having a utility sink in your laundry room in the garage is also crucial, as it can be used to clean shoes and soiled clothing before being placed in the washer.
- You can keep your garage laundry room neat with the help of shelves and cabinets, where you can put your detergents and other cleaning supplies, as well as your folded clothing, shoes, and towels.
- A table and drying rack provides a convenient area to organise dirty garments before they go into the washing machine. You can fold clothes and iron clothes on a decent-sized table. You can use a drying rack to temporarily store your garments before bringing them inside.
Price Of Relocating Appliances To The Garage
You’ll have to figure out where they’ll look best and how much room you have. If you haven’t already, you should check with your homeowner’s association or property management to learn if you’ll run into any roadblocks as you pursue this project.
The installation of a dryer vent is the next thing to think about; doing so may be necessary due to local ordinances or garage storage limitations. Unfortunately, an air pipe must be put outside the house for ventless dryers, which adds another $200 to their price tag.
The typical cost to install a washer and dryer is between $100 and $200, assuming you already have the necessary plumbing and electrical hookups. Adding flooring, countertops, and cabinetry to the mix would significantly up the total cost.
To build washer and dryer hookups, a drain line, a dryer vent, and an outlet, the typical cost to relocate your laundry room to the garage is between $1,060 and $4,475.
Organising Your Garage for Your Washer and Dryer
Keeping a washer and dryer in a basement or dedicated laundry room might be challenging, so here are some suggestions for relocating them to a garage. Learn more about laundry room layouts for the cellar.
- The first thing you need to do before installing a washer and dryer in the garage is to find out what regulations exist in your area regarding such installations.
- Second, research the electrical and plumbing codes in your area. Next, you’ll want to take the dimensions of the area where you intend to set up your washer and dryer.
- The third step is to clean the exterior dryer vent pipes. Next, calculate the length of pipe required for the new run, cut it with a hacksaw, and secure it in place with clamps or plumber’s tape.
- Relocating your washing machine to the garage means it’ll be exposed to potential power surges due to its distance from the main electrical setup of your home. Just as you would with your valuable electronics inside your home, you should consider investing in a surge protector for your washing machine. A surge protector for washing machines ensures the appliance’s longevity by safeguarding it from sudden electrical spikes that can damage its delicate circuitry. This not only protects your machine but also your investment. When choosing the right surge protector, make sure it is designed to handle large appliances and offers adequate joule ratings. It’s a small step that can make a significant difference in the lifespan of your washer, ensuring that your move to the garage is both practical and long-lasting.
- The next step is to measure your washer and dryer and check the wall studs close to where you plan to put the brackets to ensure no interference.
- If you don’t care when installing brackets or pipes, you could have leaks in your wall.
- The next step involves running the electrical line, which calls for a cover plate over the outlet and a separate cover plate for the dryer’s exterior.
It will be tough to work on the wiring after you’ve moved your washer and dryer into the garage, so you’ll want to instal them first. Take note that in most locations, washers and dryers must have circuits (and breaker panels).
Before putting a washing machine in the garage, you should ensure a connection to the water supply. Moreover, a washing machine drain must be installed before the appliance’s setup.
Preparing a Washing Machine for Storage
You should clean and drain your washer thoroughly before transporting and storing it. Mould and rust can seriously damage your washing machine if you don’t clean it first. Put your washing machine away safely by following these instructions.
Heat The Water In A Closed Loop
Run a full, hot-water cycle on an empty washing machine. If you find any trace of detergent in your rinse cycle, try adding a quarter cup of vinegar.
Put The Washer Back Together Again
Before proceeding, learn where the water shutoffs are and where the circuit breakers are for your washing machine. Be sure that they are both completely turned off. Next, turn off the water supply by carefully removing the hoses. Search YouTube for tips, peruse the manual or hire an expert if you need help.
Completely Dry Out Everything
Mould and rust can form in your washing machine if any moisture is left in it after you’ve used it. After the machine drains, could you give it a good wiping down? It would help if you dried out any remaining moisture by leaving the washer door open for at least 24 hours before the relocation.
Setup Instructions for a Washing Machine in a Basement or Cellar
Placing a washing machine in the garage is usually not an issue. The concrete subfloor is an excellent choice for any device with a slight chance of occasionally leaking water. Make sure there is access to a drain and a hot and cold water supply and that the pipes will only freeze if you install the machine in your garage. So long as these conditions are met, the garage can be used like any other space in the house.
Supply Of Water
To complete any cycle, your washing machine must access hot and cold water. The distance water must travel from the faucet to the washing machine can affect the water pressure, so keeping that distance as short as possible is ideal. Most hoses made for this purpose are only about 3 feet in length, so aim for that as a minimum length. You should put it just before the water taps for the best results.
Drain
It is impossible to wash clothes without water, and it is impossible to use a washing machine without a drain. This usually necessitates the proximity of a drain connected to the city’s main plumbing system.
The location of the drain in a garage doesn’t matter so long as the water-draining pipe doesn’t obstruct traffic or pose a risk to vehicles pulling in or out. To avoid breaking any waste disposal laws in your area, you should do more than run a line out a window or door.
Installation
The installation requires clearing a space for the machine next to the sinks. Since most washers need 220 volts, you should double-check that you have access to a suitable electrical outlet. Next, connect the washer’s hot water intake hose to the hot water supply.
If you want to try it with cold water, do it again. Instal the drain pipe and start the water supply before beginning laundry in the garage. Always remember to adjust the machine’s legs to ensure a flat surface. A heavy, imbalanced load could otherwise cause it to creep across the floor, potentially rupturing pipes and hoses. GarageSmart® offers the perfect garage storage cabinet to fit your needs!
Considerations
No laundry can be done if the water supply has frozen. Because garages are typically less insulated than the rest of a home, you should consider it if you plan to build one in a region with harsh winters. Use the necessary safeguards to ensure your pipes don’t freeze in the winter. Also, during the coldest months of the year, you should keep the washing machine from sitting with a lot of leftover water.
In conclusion, moving a laundry room to the garage can be a practical and space-saving solution, provided the space is well-organized and thoughtfully designed. Ensuring the garage has insulated walls, proper drainage, water hookups, and a sink will help maintain a functional and efficient laundry area. The cost of installation, while significant, can be worthwhile for the added convenience. Additionally, precautions such as preventing freezing pipes during winter and maintaining the washing machine will help ensure long-term functionality. Proper planning and design are essential for creating a comfortable and efficient garage laundry room that works seamlessly with the rest of your home.
