Looking to add an upper-floor laundry room beside a bathroom in your GTA home? Call Total Reno Group for a Free In-Home Estimate. Learn how this space-saving upgrade increases convenience and home value, plus why hiring the right home renovation contractor is essential.
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How to Add a Perfect Upper-Floor Laundry Room: The Ultimate Home Renovation Guide
Adding a laundry room on the upper floor beside a bathroom is a smart way to enhance convenience, increase home value, and maximize space in your GTA home. Many homeowners are opting to move their laundry from the basement to the second floor, making laundry day easier by keeping everything close to the bedrooms.
However, this renovation requires careful planning, proper plumbing, ventilation, and a floor drain to prevent water damage. Just as important is hiring the right home renovation contractor to ensure your project is executed safely and efficiently.
This guide will walk you through the benefits, key considerations, installation process, and the importance of hiring an experienced home renovation contractor in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). Total Reno Group can seamlessly satisfy your upper-floor laundry needs.
Why Add a Laundry Room to the Upper-Floor?
1. Convenience and Efficiency
The biggest advantage of having a laundry room on the upper-floor beside a bathroom is the convenience factor. In most homes, the majority of laundry originates in the bedrooms, so having the washer and dryer nearby eliminates the need to carry heavy laundry baskets up and down the stairs.
2. Maximizing Space
If your home has limited square footage, relocating your laundry room can free up valuable space in the basement or main floor. Many homeowners use the newly available space for a mudroom, storage, or even a home office.
3. Increasing Property Value
In the GTA housing market, homebuyers are looking for functional and modern upper-floor home layouts. An upper-floor laundry room is considered a premium feature that can boost your property’s resale value. It can also potentially allow for your home to accomodate an independent basement unit with no shared facililes.
4. Energy and Water Efficiency
Modern high-efficiency w washers and dryers consume less water and electricity. By placing the laundry room near the bathroom, you can take advantage of existing plumbing, reducing overall water usage and improving efficiency.
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Key Considerations for an Upper-Floor Laundry Room
1. Plumbing and Drainage
Since you’re installing an upper-floor laundry room beside a bathroom, tapping into the existing plumbing can make the project more cost-effective. However, an experienced home renovation contractor will need to ensure proper connections to the water supply, drainage, and venting.
Why You Need a Floor Drain in an Upper-Floor Laundry Room
A floor drain is essential for an upper-floor laundry room to prevent costly water damage in case of leaks or appliance malfunctions. It acts as an emergency drainage system, directing excess water away safely.
Best Practices for Floor Drains:
•Install a properly sloped floor to guide water toward the drain.
•Use a trap primer to prevent sewer gases from entering the home.
•Connect the floor drain to the existing plumbing system, ensuring proper venting.
2. Flooring and Water Protection
To protect your home from potential water damage, install waterproof flooring, such as tile or luxury vinyl. Additionally, using a leak-proof washer pan under the washing machine adds another layer of protection.
3. Structural Reinforcement
A full washing machine can weigh over 200 lbs when filled with water. Ensuring your floor can support the weight of both the washer and dryer is crucial. An experienced home renovation contractor will assess your floor joists and reinforce them if necessary.
4. Ventilation and Airflow
Proper ventilation is essential to prevent moisture buildup, which can lead to mold and mildew. Ensure your dryer has an exhaust vent leading outdoors and consider installing an exhaust fan to improve airflow.
5. Electrical and Outlets
Most washers and dryers require a 240V outlet for the dryer and a standard 120V outlet for the washer. Your electrician will ensure the correct outlets and dedicated circuits are installed for safety and efficiency. Some new efficient unitls only require a 120V dedicated outlet so ensure the specifications for the intended unit is decided prior to the rough-in stage of your renovation.
6. Soundproofing for Noise Reduction
Since laundry machines generate noise and vibration, adding soundproofing measures can help reduce disruptions. Some effective solutions include:
•Installing rubber anti-vibration pads under the washer and dryer.
•Using soundproof drywall or insulation in surrounding walls.
•Ensuring machines are level to prevent excessive movement.
•Create a double wall to reduce vibration.
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Upper-Floor Laundry TikTok
Step-by-Step Process for Adding an Upper-Floor Laundry Room
Step 1: Planning and Design
•Determine the best location near existing plumbing and ventilation.
•Decide on storage solutions (cabinets, shelves, laundry hampers) if the space allows
•Select materials that are waterproof and durable.
•Purchase the machines prior to the upper-floor renovation
Step 2: Hiring the Right Home Renovation Contractor
A well-planned laundry room renovation requires expertise in plumbing, electrical work, and structural modifications. Hiring an experienced home renovation contractor in the GTA ensures your project is done correctly and up to Ontario Building Code standards.
How to Hire the Best Home Renovation Contractor
•Ask for References: Speak with past clients about their experience.
•Review Past Work: Look for completed laundry room projects in their portfolio.
•Get Multiple Quotes: Compare pricing and project timelines.
Step 3: Plumbing and Electrical Installation
•Connect water supply lines to the washer.
•Install a new drain line with a P-trap.
•Run electrical wiring and install the necessary outlets.
Step 4: Flooring, Ventilation, and Cabinetry
•Install waterproof flooring and baseboards.
•Set up the dryer venting system.
•Install cabinets and storage solutions for functionality.
Step 5: Washer and Dryer Installation
•Secure the washer pan and floor drain.
•Connect and test all appliances.
•Ensure the machines are level and stable.
Step 6: Final Inspections and Testing
•Check for leaks and proper drainage.
•Test all electrical connections.
•Verify proper airflow and ventilation.
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Cost of Installing an Upper-Floor Laundry Room in the GTA
The approximate cost of adding a laundry room beside a bathroom in the GTA varies based on materials, labour, and complexity. Here’s a general breakdown:
|
Component |
Estimated Cost Range (CAD) |
|
Plumbing & Drain Installation |
$1,500 – $4,000 |
|
Electrical Work |
$800 – $2,500 |
|
Flooring & Waterproofing |
$1,000 – $3,000 |
|
Ventilation System |
$500 – $2,000 |
|
Washer & Dryer |
$1,500 – $3,500 |
|
Cabinets & Storage |
$1,000 – $4,000 |
|
Design & Framing Labor Costs |
$3,000 – $7,000 |
|
Total Estimated Cost |
$9,300 – $26,000 |
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Final Thoughts: Why an Upper-Floor Laundry Room is a Smart Investment
Adding a laundry room on the upper-floor beside a bathroom is a fantastic way to improve your home’s functionality, save time, and boost property value. However, proper planning and execution are key to avoiding costly mistakes.
By hiring a qualified home renovation contractor like Total Reno Group, you ensure that your laundry room is built to last, meets safety codes, and functions efficiently and is within budget.
If you’re ready to transform your GTA home with a new upper-floor laundry room, start by consulting with a trusted contractor to bring your vision to life. The investment in a well-designed, functional laundry space will pay off in both daily convenience and long-term home value. Total Reno Group is a great choice for all your renovation needs!!