How to Move Your Laundry Room Downstairs

Designing the laundry room

• 1

  Measure the height, width and diameter of the washer and dryer.

• 2

  Design the laundry room according to the needs of everyone who will use it.

• 3

  Check the room's design with local and state building codes. If necessary, redesign the laundry room to suit applicable building codes.

Developing the laundry room: plumbing

• 4

  Move the washer into the laundry room. (If you are moving the washer into the room later, complete these steps once the washer is moved.)

• 5

  Connect the appropriate pipes to the washer. Ideally, a washer will have separate inflow pipes to supply hot and cold water to the washing machine. There should also be a water expulsion system.

• 6

  Contact a plumber, if necessary.

Developing the laundry room: electrical

• 7

  Move the dryer into the laundry room. (If moving you are moving the dryer into the room later, simply follow the electrical preparation steps now.)

• 8

  Connect the dryer to its energy source. Many dryers are electric and require a 220-volt electrical outlet to 200-volt breakers in the main outlet box using high capacity (220-volt) electrical wire. The dryer should be the only electrical device using the 220-volt outlet, wires and breaker.

• 9

  Contact an electrician. An experienced electrician can correctly wire the electrical box and outlet to meet local and state electricity codes—and ensure the electrical system is installed safely.

• 10

  Contact an electrical inspector for an electrical inspection.

Developing the laundry room: space build-out

• 11

  Cut a hole in the exterior wall using a hacksaw or device strong enough to cut through the building’s wall. The hole should be large enough for the dryer's exhaust vent and ducts.

• 12

  Connect the dryer vent to the hole in the exterior wall using flame-resistant foil ducts and exterior vents.

• 13

  Build out the laundry room according to the space design. The build-out phase may require new walls, countertops, storage and organizational systems, lighting fixtures and sinks.