Booster fan
Typically a dryer duct must be no longer than 25-ft. and include no more than 3 elbows. If you break those rules, you reduce the dryer's efficiency and increase the risk of fire. But you can add a booster fan and double or triple the length of the duct.
Ventless washer/dryer combo
If running a duct line would force you to tear up walls and ceilings, consider a dryer that doesn't need a vent.
Energy-efficient vent cover
Here's a vent cover that seals out the cold, stops pests and allows easier lint removal than standard models.
5 Laundry Room Trends
We asked builders, architects and realtors from around the county about trends in laundry room design. Here's what we learned:
1. Rising expectations, rising budgets
Just a few years ago, homeowners settled for a cheap sink and a space for the washer and dryer. Today, minimum expectations include cabinets and countertop space. Many homeowners also opt for upscale lighting and plumbing fixtures. These upgrades can make building or remodeling a laundry room almost as expensive as a kitchen or bathroom.
2. Convenient locations
The washer and dryer used to be hidden away in the utility room or basement. Many newer laundry rooms adjoin the kitchen. The latest trend is to put the laundry room upstairs next to the main laundry sources -- bathrooms and bedrooms. According to one study, that saves the typical family 500 trips up and down stairs per year. Several remodeling contractors tell us they've converted spare bedrooms into laundry rooms.
3. Relief for cramped kitchens and closets
Cabinets in the laundry room relieve overstuffed kitchen cabinets by storing oversized pots, serving trays and other gear that's used only a few times each year. Full-sized closets hold seasonal clothing that would otherwise fill bedroom closets.
4. Maximum counter space
Countertops in a laundry room aren't just for folding clothes. They provide a convenient space for gift wrapping, crafts and other tasks that otherwise clutter the kitchen or dining room table. Front-loading washers allow you to use the tops of the washer and dryer as workspace or even run the countertop over them.
5. Grocery storage
Busy families prefer to stock up on groceries and make fewer trips to the store. Along with cabinets for canned and dry goods, more and more laundry rooms include space for a freezer or even a second refrigerator.
