Should You Move Your Washer and Dryer Into the Garage?
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Are you thinking about turning your garage into a laundry room?
If so, this article will take you through the benefits, costs, and practical steps of installing your washer and dryer in the garage.
It’s packed with tips and design ideas to help you make the most of your new laundry setup.
Let’s get started.
Requirements for Installing a Washer Dryer in the Garage
Installing a washer and dryer in your garage gets you some immediate benefits.
First, you free up valuable indoor space, which you can repurpose for other uses like expanding your kitchen or adding a guest bathroom.
Secondly, the noise from washing cycles is usually pretty loud. That noise goes down significantly when it’s locked away in your garage.
Moving your washer and dryer into your garage could be the perfect solution if your home doesn’t have a dedicated laundry room.
However, before moving your washer and dryer to the garage, consider the following critical factors:
- Electrical and Plumbing Requirements: Your garage needs the correct electrical and plumbing setup. It should have a grounded 120-volt outlet for the washer and a 240-volt outlet for the dryer. Additionally, your garage requires access to cold and hot water lines, a drain system for wastewater, and possibly a vent for the dryer.
- Adequate Ventilation and Space: Your washer and dryer produce heat and moisture. Therefore, ensure your garage has proper ventilation to avoid issues with mildew and overheating. It must also offer enough space to fit your machines and allow for sufficient airflow around them.
- Safety Precautions: Keep your appliances away from flammable substances typically found in a garage. This includes gasoline or paint thinner. The area around your washer and dryer should remain dry and free from water leaks to avoid electrical mishaps.
When selecting a washer and dryer for your garage, choose models that can handle temperature changes. High-efficiency front-load washers and dryers, compact models, and stackable units are all viable options.
Consider a gas dryer, which can be more efficient in a garage environment due to quicker drying times.
What is Costs to Move a Washer and Dryer to the Garage
Moving your washer and dryer to the garage involves various costs, and several factors can influence the total expense:
- Plumbing and Electrical Work: This can be a significant portion of the costs. You’ll need to install the necessary plumbing and electrical outlets if your garage isn’t already equipped with them. Depending on your garage layout, this may be reasonably simple or extremely complex.
- Ventilation Setup: If you need to install a new ventilation system or improve the existing one in your garage, this will add to your overall costs.
- Appliance Transportation: Depending on the distance and layout of your house, you might need professional help to move your heavy appliances, which will incur additional expenses.
On average, moving a washer and dryer to the garage can cost between $500 and $2,000. This cost includes labor and materials for new electrical outlets and plumbing lines. Installing a new dryer vent might cost around $100 to $500. If you require professional help to move the appliances, expect to pay about $200 extra.
If you have experience with electrical and plumbing, you can manage your costs by moving your washer and dryer into your garage yourself.
This will help you save considerably on labor costs.
If you hire professionals, get quotes from multiple service providers. Comparing these quotes allows you to choose the most cost-effective option without sacrificing quality.
Finally, consider how you can use your garage space effectively.
For example, you can repurpose existing shelves or garage cabinets for laundry supplies. That way, you can avoid purchasing new storage units.
Remember to stay safe. Cutting costs should never compromise safety – particularly when dealing with electrical and plumbing work.
How to Put a Washer and Dryer in Garage [Installation Guide]
Here’s a brief overview of the steps you’ll need to take to install your washer and dryer in your garage. As always, your situation may be different.
1. Measure your garage to ensure your washer and dryer fit comfortably. Remember that you’ll need extra space for ventilation and for opening the doors of your appliances. Consider proximity to water and electrical outlets, and ensure the area is safe from flammable substances.
2. Next, plan your layout. The placement of your washer and dryer should allow for easy access, proper ventilation, and efficient use of space. Remember, the dryer should be near an exterior wall for easy venting, and both appliances should be near water and electrical outlets.
3. Ensure your electrical outlets meet the requirements of your appliances (a 120-volt for the washer and a 240-volt for the dryer). For the plumbing, connect your washer to both cold and hot water lines, and make sure there’s a drain system for wastewater. Unless you use a ventless model, the dryer will need a vent leading outside.
4. Good ventilation in your garage is crucial to prevent overheating and mildew. Install a vent for your dryer if there isn’t one already, and consider a fan or dehumidifier for the garage if it’s particularly damp or lacks ventilation.
5. Finally, ensure your washer and dryer are level to prevent them from shaking or making noise during operation. Most appliances have adjustable feet to help with this. Secure any hoses and check that all connections are tight.
Hiring Professionals vs. DIY Installation
Doing the installation yourself can save money, but it requires a good understanding of electrical work, plumbing, and ventilation systems.
If you’re not comfortable with these tasks, hiring professionals can ensure a safe and successful installation.
Compare quotes from several service providers to find a balance between cost and expertise.
Space-Saving Ideas for Garage Laundry Rooms
The right storage solutions can make your garage laundry setup much more efficient.
Consider installing floating shelves above the washer and dryer for storing detergent, fabric softener, and other laundry supplies.
A wall-mounted drying rack can be a real space-saver, and a rolling laundry cart tucks neatly between the appliances when not in use.
Maximizing space is essential in a garage laundry room. If possible, purchase stackable washer and dryer units. They can free-up floor space and be a real game-changer in small garages.
Install a pegboard for hanging smaller items like lint rollers, clothespins, and mesh bags. Label containers and bins to keep things organized and easy to find.
For smaller garages, you’ll need to get more creative.
A fold-down table can be a folding surface when needed and disappear when you don’t.
Consider a retractable clothesline for air-drying clothes. It extends when you need it and tucks away neatly afterward.
A tall, narrow shelving unit can make use of vertical space without taking up too much room.
If you’re renovating your garage anyway, now is a perfect time to incorporate features into your garage laundry room.
Consider installing under-cabinet lighting for better visibility or adding a utility sink for pre-treating stains and hand-washing delicate items.
Built-in storage can keep your laundry supplies neatly organized and out of sight.
Finally, a small countertop provides a surface for folding clothes or sorting laundry.
Building a Laundry Room in Your Garage: Pros and Cons
Building a dedicated laundry room in your garage can bring many benefits. It frees up interior space in your home, reduces noise from the washer and dryer, and provides a dedicated area for all your laundry needs.
This setup allows for better organization, as you can create specific storage solutions tailored for laundry supplies.
However, there are potential challenges to consider.
Garages are often subject to more temperature fluctuation, which could affect your appliances’ efficiency and longevity.
Depending on your garage’s current setup, you may face significant costs for plumbing, electrical work, and ventilation improvements. Accessibility might also be a concern, especially in inclement weather.
Determining the feasibility of a garage laundry room depends on your personal needs and the layout of your garage.
It might not be the best fit if your garage is already crowded with vehicles and storage.
Creating a laundry room in your garage can potentially increase your home’s resale value, adding a functional feature many buyers appreciate.
However, it could deter some buyers if the installation reduces parking space or the job isn’t done professionally.
Always consider the quality of the installation and its appeal to future potential homeowners.
Other Considerations for Garage Washer and Dryer Setup
Maintenance and Upkeep: Garage appliances might require more regular maintenance due to exposure to more dust, moisture, and temperature changes.
Clean your washer and dryer frequently and service them regularly. Keep them covered when not in use to protect them from dust and potential pests.
Energy Efficiency Tips: Always use appliances with a high Energy Star rating and follow best practices for energy use, like washing clothes in cold water when possible and running full loads.
Proper garage insulation can help maintain a more stable temperature, making your appliances more efficient.
Temperature and Humidity: Temperature and humidity fluctuations can impact your appliances’ performance.
Insulate your garage to help regulate temperature, and consider using a dehumidifier in the summer or a space heater in the winter, as needed. Continually monitor your garage’s climate and adjust accordingly.
Preventing Theft or Damage: Secure your appliances by keeping your garage locked when not in use. Most washers and dryers have locking mechanisms to prevent them from being easily moved.
Additionally, installing a security camera or alarm system can provide extra protection against theft. Regular maintenance checks can also help you promptly prevent and address any potential damage.
FAQ
Can You Store a Washer And Dryer In an Unheated Garage?
Yes, you can store a washer and dryer in an unheated garage. However, it’s important to remember that exposure to extreme cold or heat can impact the appliances’ performance and lifespan. Insulating your garage or providing some form of temperature control can help protect your appliances.
How Do I Keep My Washer Pipes From Freezing?
To prevent your washer pipes from freezing, you can insulate them with foam pipe insulation. Also, keeping the garage temperature above freezing point by using a space heater can help. On extremely cold days, open the washer’s detergent drawer to allow warmer air to circulate around the pipes.
How Do You Store A Washer And Dryer Long Term?
Clean your washer and dryer thoroughly for long-term storage and ensure they’re completely dry to avoid mold and mildew. Disconnect them from electrical outlets and water sources. Cover the appliances with breathable fabric covers to protect them from dust. Store them in a climate-controlled space to protect against extreme temperature and humidity.
Wrapping It Up
We’ve covered a lot of ground in this comprehensive guide on garage laundry setups.
From understanding the benefits and potential challenges of moving your washer and dryer into the garage to cost factors and installation steps, we’ve given you a detailed look at what this project entails.
We’ve also discussed how to maximize space and efficiency with creative design ideas and provided you with considerations for maintaining and securing your new laundry space.
Moving your laundry appliances to the garage is not a decision to be made lightly. Still, with careful planning and a little creativity, it can transform your garage into a functional and efficient space for handling your laundry needs.
The post Should You Move Your Washer and Dryer Into the Garage? appeared first on Garage Transformed.