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A new consumer survey reveals that today's consumers not only require separate laundry rooms in their new homes, but that they want laundry "living spaces" that are multi-functional.
According to a National Association of Home Builders consumer preference survey, 95 percent of respondents said they either desire or must have a separate laundry room in their new home. And according to members of the NAHB Remodelors Council, homeowners also want an expanded space that can serve as a multipurpose work area for more than just washing clothes.
"Today's laundry room has moved upstairs into the living quarters, and it is spacious, practically rivaling the kitchen in finishes and gadgets," said 2004 Remodelors Council Chairman Douglas L. Sutton Sr. of Sutton Siding and Remodeling (Springfield, IL, U.S.). "People want comfortable workspaces no matter what activity they are doing, and they don't want to lug laundry up and down stairs," he said.
Laundry rooms are moving into spaces adjacent to kitchens, bedrooms, or bathrooms, according to Remodelors Council members. They report that some homeowners want their laundry rooms to blend in with the rest of the house, with crown moulding and hardwood or tiled floor to match adjacent rooms.
Other trends include the following:
People want more counter space to fold, iron, or sew clothes, with granite or Formica countertops that match those found in the kitchen.
Homeowners also want cabinets to store laundry detergent and other products, often in wood finishes normally used in the kitchen.
Customers want bigger, high-end appliances (i.e., washers and dryers that can handle growing wash loads and even two dryers to keep up with the washer).
To give the laundry room a more sophisticated look, many homeowners are creating built-in cabinets or closets to hide the appliances when not in use.
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