Removing a laundry closet for custom cabinet?

5 years ago

Is this a stupid idea….?

We currently have a laundry closet right off the kitchen with a pair of front loading machines. Our kitchen counter space is lacking because we just like doing fancy coffee (burr grinder, electric kettle, and espresso machine with accessories). Its an open floor plan, so we dont have anywhere else that a ”coffee bar” would fit well, so we are considering taking the doors and trim off the laundry closet, doing custom cabinet around them, adding a counter top and floating shelves for a little coffee bar.

Is this a dumb idea?? Worse for resale?? Help us think through the pros and cons 😄

Featured Answer

wdccruise

5 years ago

I don't think the previous respondents understand what you are considering.

If I were a buyer, I'd prefer the appliances in a closet as they currently are rather than exposing them as you are considering.
If I were a seller (you), I'd remove any coffee stuff from a modified laundry area so prospective buyers wouldn't think, "Look, they didn't have anywhere to put their coffee stuff so they put it on top of the washing machine."

You'd probably overload the circuit if you tried to run the washer and the coffee pot at the same time if both were connected to the same circuit. I looked at a couple of washer installation instructions; both recommended a dedicated circuit for the washer.

-- Nobody in particular

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Comments (11)

Elaine Doremus Resumes Written
5 years ago
If you are staying in this home for under five years, don't do it. If more than five, go for it. However, here are some issues to consider: Do your neighbors have laundry on the main floor? If yes, that's quite convenient and will be good for resale. Some people have laundry in the basement, which is a pain because you have to go down one to two floors to get to it. Also, if seniors are aging in place, the kitchen is the perfect place for the laundry. I have my laundry in the kitchen and I find it quite convenient. Is there any place you could fit a mini vertical free standing peice of furniture for your coffee bar? Another issue to consider is who may buy your house if you are considering resale. If your neighorhood is mainly couples with small kids, they would be able to go down in the basement for the laundry. Another issue is: If you have an upper floor, you could put the laundry up there.
acm
5 years ago
I can't tell whether you mean to relocate the laundry or just steal some space from next to the machines for the new built-ins. We might need a picture of the closet in question.
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kandrewspa
5 years ago
Can you stack your washer and dryer so that you can have more counter space but keep the laundry where it is? I just moved 18 months ago and I wouldn't have bought a house without the laundry on the main floor, so think carefully before moving it to the basement. If you have to move it, the second floor is a better choice if your house is two stories.
darbuka
5 years ago
Post some pics. We need to see how large a space you’re talking about.

Until then, just going on instinct…Consider stacking the washer/dryer. This will give you lots more space to add a counter, and put shelving above. You probably can avoid removing the trim and doors, by doing that.

Keeping the laundry enclosed, will be better for selling. And, having the room for a tidy coffee bar will benefit you.
Rae Duff thanked darbuka
Rae Duff
Original Author
5 years ago

The machines would be staying, here are some pics for clarification
User
5 years ago
is there anywhere in the house that you could put the laundry machines? do you have a basement? personally I love having my laundry room down there for a ton of reasons. I can leave the washer door open all the time to prevent mildew. I have tons of space for stuff like the ironing board, hanging items to dry, etc. our den is down there, so I like being able to watch TV while I fold. the stairs do not bother me one bit. (we don't have kids though, so that extra laundry is a factor to consider.)
Rae Duff
Original Author
5 years ago

I was thinking a mix between these two ideas originally
calidesign
5 years ago
I would not remove the doors to the laundry. But it looks like you can fit a second shelf above the washer/dryer to store other kitchen items so you can make more kitchen room for your coffee.
User
5 years ago
hey, that's a fun idea! you'll need to widen the doorway of the closet so the cabinet doors can open fully.
Holly- Kay
5 years ago
I think it’s a great idea! I have a closet laundry in the hallway from my kitchen to the garage. I will already have a coffee bar area `in my kitchen but i love the idea of removing the doors and having a folding area on top with the cabinets to hide w/d. i always wipe all of the interior surfaces, around the door and in the dispenser and keep the door open between washing, I couldn’t keep the door open to allow ventilation inside so that could be a deal breaker but I love the idea.