Moving Laundry Room From Basement to Main Floor

Choosing the perfect place for the laundry has always been a topic of discussion among several house contractors where many believe that the basement is the best place to have the laundry room.

Well, it’s no longer like that. These days, anyone can have the laundry situated either in the basement, kitchen, first floor, and even second floor. Can you imagine what will make someone wants to have his laundry on the second floor of the building where most bedrooms are situated?

However, moving laundry room from basement to main floor is not a bad idea as long as you are sure of what you are doing. I mean, it’s your house and you get to say about what’s should and where things should be in your house.

I don’t think there is any law prohibiting the moving laundry room from basement to main floor, all you have to do is to follow the rules and ensure that all that is required of you to have in the laundry for safety reasons are met.

If you don’t know about this, you can read an article we wrote about the requirements for having a laundry room on the second floor. Both the main floor and the second has the same rules and requirements

Can I Move My Laundry Room to the Main Floor?

You can move your laundry room from the basement to the main floor as long as that’s what you want. But you must make sure to follow the rules and ensure that all that is required of you in terms of laundry safety is met. You should also make sure you have enough money that will enable you to move your laundry room from the basement to the main floor. Once all these are met, then you are free to move.

If you wish, you can contact your local authorities or a licensed professional contractor or plumber to find out if you can be able to do it. I think you may also need a permit to do this.

I always advise people to contact their local authorities, because they are the ones to give the right answer whether to do it or not. If you’re unable to contact them, you can go ahead and contact a licensed professional plumber in your area. Trust me, they know a lot as long as the building is concerned.

How Much Does it Cost to Move Laundry Room From Basement to Main Floor?

To be able to successfully move your laundry room from your basement to the main floor, it may cost between $1,500 to $5,000 for the lowest amount and between $5,000 to $10,000 for the highest amount depending on the laundry room size and quality of the materials you choose to use for the moving.

It cost me $2,500 to do mine. I’ve also heard a friend said it cost her $3,450, while another person said it cost her $8,000. It all depends on the nature of the work that needs to be done. Moving something from where it used to be to another place involves a lot of work.

However, when it comes to the laundry room, it will involve the services of a plumber to connect the pipes. It will also involve an electrician that will do all the necessary wirings in the room.

You may also need the services of a contractor to customize the space into a space that will be OK for the laundry appliances. You also need to buy materials that will be used for the job, and in the end, you will still pay these hookups for their services which may range from $350 to $2,000. When you calculate all these things, it will take a whole lot of money.

Therefore, I’ll advise you to have between $5,000 to $10,000 before moving laundry room from basement to main floor. You can also call a licensed plumber in your area and have him do the estimate for you before you begin. It’s better to have the money in hand before starting because laundry work is not something that should be done halfway.

Things to Consider Before Moving the Laundry Basement to Main Floor

Here are the things you need to consider before moving your laundry room from basement to main floor:

1. Cost

Before you begin moving laundry room from basement to main floor, you need to make a calculation and have an estimate of what it will cost you to do so. All the expenses you will make plus how much will each cost. Until you have this estimate, do not begin moving laundry room from basement to main floor. Even if you have enough money in your bank account, it is still better to know how much it will cost you to have the job done successfully.

Knowing the cost is beneficial for accountability purposes. Plus, it is also good for those who are on a budget. With the estimate, you will know whether you are equal to the task or not. Like I said earlier, if you don’t have up to $8,000 in your bank account, you can contact a professional plumber in your area and have him do the estimate for you. The plumber has to be in your area and must come to verify the space before giving you the estimate.

2. The Noise and Discomfort from the Washer Vibration

Moving laundry room from basement to main floor is not the problem, the problem is, will you be able to condone the noise and vibration emanating from the washer; especially if you are using a front load washer. The vibration can be very discomforting and can be very annoying. If you will be OK with it, then you can proceed to move your laundry room from the basement to the main floor.

3. Permit

You need to consider whether you need a permit or not. Some area requires that you get a permit before installing washer and dryer in the laundry room because of the plumbing and electrical work that is involved. You need to verify about your area, and if indeed, you need a permit, get one before starting the work. It is very important. You can call a professional plumber around you and enquire from him.

5. Enough Space

The next thing you need to consider when moving the laundry room from the basement to the main floor is the space. Is the room or the place where you wish to install the washer and dryer spacious enough to contain them? Laundry appliances are not just the washer and the dryer alone. Other appliances may require space such as the hose, the hampers, laundry room cabinets, and many more. You need enough space to hang your laundry room cabinet.

Space here also involves the laundry room door. You also need to consider the size of the laundry room door you have before moving. What’s the point of moving the laundry room from the basement to the main floor when the appliance cannot pass through the door. Will it disappear and appear inside the room. It is not a fairytale movie. LOL!

6. Ventilation

By law, you are mandated to ensure that there is enough ventilation in the laundry room. This is because the washer and dryer generate lots of heat when it is working and if there is not enough ventilation in the room, it may lead to a fire outbreak or other danger. You need to consider the amount of ventilation needed in the room to keep the appliances working in good condition before making the move.

7. The Nature of Your House

Truth be told, not every house can handle washer and dryer vibration especially when your main floor is the first floor or second floor. If the house is old. You may need to reconsider. If the house is new, you can go ahead. The fact that you recently bought the house doesn’t make it new, you need to consider this before moving laundry room from basement to the main floor so the vibration from the machine doesn’t affect your house.

8. Plumbing Work

You also need to consider the plumbing work that will be done in the process. You need to check the nature of your house and the level of plumbing work that needs to be done so you won’t be stunned on the way.

Reasons to Move Laundry Room from Basement to the Main Floor

• Easy Access: The first and main reason why anyone would want to move his laundry room to the main floor is for easy access. When the laundry room is on the main floor, it makes it easier for you to visit the laundry than when it is in the basement.
• It Eliminates Hampers in the Bedroom: With the laundry room on the main floor, you don’t need to have hampers blocking spaces in your bedroom. You can have the hampers in the laundry room because it is closer to you. You can easily go there to keep your dirty clothes. This will help save lots of space in the bedroom for you.

Conclusion

Moving laundry room from basement to the main floor is not the problem, the problem is if you do not follow the rules and requirements. Ensure to follow the rules and requirements, have the estimate of every work you will do before starting to make the work easier for you.