What is a Utility Room?
Utility rooms are an increasingly popular addition to homes up and down the country.
But what actually are they? And what do they do?
Often, the term is used incorrectly.
With this in mind, in this article we’ll answer the question ‘what is a utility room?’ outlining all of the features and benefits they offer.
Read on for more.
What is a utility room?
A utility room is a dedicated space in a house that is designed to store appliances and equipment that are used for everyday tasks and chores. From washing and drying clothes to providing handy storage solutions, there are a whole host of jobs that a utility room can assist with.
Often, a utility room is located adjacent to a kitchen or in a basement, providing a functional area for those day-to-day jobs that may need heavy-duty appliances or cleaning materials. Sometimes, the term ‘laundry room’ is used to describe a utility room. While they do share some similarities, utility rooms tend to be more versatile and can accommodate more functions. We’ll examine the main differences between the two rooms later in this article.
In the past, homes didn’t always feature dedicated utility spaces. Instead, tasks like laundry or cleaning would be integrated into other areas such as bathrooms or kitchens. However, as modern life has evolved, homes have become more organised and efficient. The demand for these spaces has grown exponentially and the majority of modern homes now feature them.
Utility rooms may also be fitted with worktops, sinks, cupboards and shelving for organised storage. They also serve as a space for brooms, vacuum hoovers, mops and cleaning supplies to be kept. Depending on the size and design of the home, utility rooms can range from small, minimalist setups to large, fully equipped rooms.
Benefits of a utility room
There is a wide range of benefits for homeowners of utility rooms. This is why they’ve become essential in many modern properties.
If you’re considering a utility room, some of the benefits you can expect include:
Increased organisation
A utility room provides a dedicated space for laundry, cleaning supplies and other household tasks to take place. This means clutter is reduced in the main living spaces of a house. With ample storage and space to keep cleaning products, brushes and brooms and appliances, everything has its place which helps to maintain a neat and tidy home.
Multi-functional space
While many people associate utility rooms with just laundry, this is not the case. It can also serve as a multi-functional area where a wide range of household activities can take place. It can be used for drying clothes, ironing, storage, washing muddy shoes, and even as a place for your pet to eat and sleep. The inclusion of sinks and extra counter space provides flexibility, making it a one-stop shop for all types of maintenance tasks.
Noise reduction
Washing machines, dishwashers and other large appliances can be noisy and disruptive. However, a utility room helps to isolate these sounds, especially if it’s placed in areas away from the main living space.This helps to create a more peaceful atmosphere in the home, allowing you to relax in peace without the constant hum of machinery causing irritation in the background.
A better use of space
In smaller homes or apartments, utility rooms are a great way to maximise space. Even without basements, a utility room can still be used for storage of items that you do not use very often. They can also be used to hang clothes or keep cleaning supplies without taking up valuable living space.
Enhanced aesthetics
Utility rooms also offer aesthetic benefits and can enhance the overall appearance of home while still maintaining its functionality. Practical but unsightly appliances and equipment, such as washing machines, tumble dryers and dishwashers, are not always visually appealing and keeping them in utility rooms contribute to a cleaner, more aesthetically pleasing area.
What is the difference between a utility room and laundry room?
While many people use the terms interchangeably, there are some key differences between utility rooms and laundry rooms.
Differences include function, size and design and include the following:
Primary function
The main purpose of a laundry room is to wash and dry clothes. It will usually include a washing machine and dryer and maybe even an ironing board or a sink to handwash delicate items.
In contrast, utility rooms are far more multi-purpose. As well as laundry, they can be used to store household items, cleaning supplies, tools, gardening equipment and much more. Overall, a utility room is designed to accommodate a wide range of domestic tasks not just laundry.
Size and layout
On average, laundry rooms are smaller than utility rooms as their main focus is to wash and dry clothes. Usually, there will be space for washing machines and dryers, and maybe some shelves for detergents and laundry products.
Utility rooms are often much bigger, including counter space, storage options and even extra sinks. As utility rooms serve a range of purposes, their layout tends to be more flexible and includes extra shelving, cupboards and floor space for the likes of recycling bins and vacuum cleaners.
Appliances
In a laundry room, you will likely be limited to laundry-related appliances. But in utility rooms, where they are more versatile, a wide range of equipment can be housed. As well as washing machines and dryers, you can store tools, cleaning products, outdoor gear and items for pets.
Some houses are even big enough to incorporate fridges and freezers.
Do utility rooms increase property value?
Yes, in some instances a utility room will increase property value. Many new buyers view utility rooms as highly desirable features, especially if they value storage.
The extent of the increase will depend on the specifics of the property and the potential there is for further customisation or extension. If a buyer can see the potential and possibilities of a space, they may be more willing to pay a premium for it.
