Trending in Second Storey Additions: Building a Laundry Upstairs

Discover the benefits of building a laundry upstairs in your second storey addition. Learn why it’s trending, the advantages over downstairs laundries, and ideas like adding a balcony for drying clothes and a laundry chute.

Adding a second storey to your home is a significant undertaking that can vastly increase your living space and add value to your property. One of the latest trends in second storey additions is the inclusion of an upstairs laundry. This innovative design choice offers numerous practical benefits and can be a game-changer for household efficiency. In this article, we’ll explore why building a laundry upstairs is gaining popularity, compare the benefits of having your laundry upstairs versus downstairs, and discuss complementary ideas like adding a balcony for drying clothes and incorporating a laundry chute.

Why an Upstairs Laundry is Trending

Maximising Convenience

One of the primary reasons for the growing trend of upstairs laundries is the convenience it offers. Most bedrooms are located on the upper floor of a home, making it incredibly practical to have the laundry room nearby. This proximity means less hauling of heavy laundry baskets up and down the stairs, reducing the physical strain and saving time.

Efficient Use of Space

Integrating a laundry room into your second storey addition makes efficient use of space, particularly in homes where the ground floor is already fully utilised. This arrangement can free up valuable downstairs space for other uses, such as expanding the living area or adding a home office.

Modern Design Trends

Modern home designs increasingly focus on functionality and convenience. An upstairs laundry aligns with these trends by enhancing the home’s overall flow and reducing unnecessary steps in daily chores.

Benefits of Putting the Laundry Upstairs vs. Downstairs

Upstairs Laundry Benefits

Proximity to Bedrooms: With an upstairs laundry, dirty clothes can be quickly moved from bedrooms to the laundry room. Clean laundry can be promptly returned to wardrobes, streamlining the entire process.

Reduced Physical Strain: Avoiding the need to carry heavy laundry baskets up and down the stairs reduces the risk of injury and makes laundry tasks easier, especially for older family members or those with mobility issues.

Space Optimisation: Placing the laundry upstairs can free up ground floor space for other essential uses, making your home feel more spacious and organised.

Downstairs Laundry Benefits

Easier Access for All: A ground floor laundry is easily accessible to everyone in the household, including guests, without the need to navigate stairs.

Less Noise: Keeping the laundry room downstairs can help minimise noise disturbances in sleeping areas, particularly if the washing machine and dryer are in use at night.

Adding a Balcony for Drying Clothes

Incorporating a balcony into your second storey addition can be a practical and eco-friendly solution for drying clothes. Here are some benefits:

Natural Drying

Drying clothes on a balcony takes advantage of natural sunlight and air, which can help reduce energy consumption and lower electricity bills. Sunlight also has natural disinfectant properties, which can help keep your clothes fresher.

Extended Living Space

A balcony adds additional outdoor living space to your home. It can be a relaxing spot to enjoy a cup of tea, read a book, or simply take in the view, adding to the overall appeal and functionality of your second storey addition.

Increased Home Value

A well-designed balcony can enhance the aesthetic appeal of your home and increase its market value. It’s a desirable feature for many homebuyers, adding both practical and financial benefits.

Including a Laundry Chute

A laundry chute can be a fantastic addition to your second storey, making the task of laundry even more straightforward.

Convenience and Efficiency

A laundry chute allows family members to quickly and easily send dirty clothes directly to the laundry room, saving time and effort. It’s especially handy in multi-storey homes, where carrying laundry down stairs can be cumbersome.

Organisation

A laundry chute helps keep bedrooms and bathrooms clutter-free by providing a designated place for dirty clothes. It encourages organisation and cleanliness throughout the home.

Fun Factor

For families with children, a laundry chute can add an element of fun to the chore of tidying up. Kids may be more inclined to put their dirty clothes away if they can drop them down a chute.

Conclusion

Building a laundry upstairs as part of your second storey addition offers numerous benefits in terms of convenience, space optimisation, and modern design appeal. By considering additional features such as a balcony for drying clothes and a laundry chute, you can further enhance the functionality and efficiency of your home. At 32 Degrees Building, we specialise in second storey additions, ground floor extensions, and large-scale renovations, helping you create a home that perfectly fits your lifestyle needs. Contact us today to discuss your renovation plans and discover how we can bring your vision to life.