How to Move Your Laundry Room Downstairs

Moving a laundry room downstairs requires electrical, plumbing, and structural changes to a building and may require professional help.

To move a laundry room downstairs, it is important to establish the right space for the room. Ideally, a laundry room will have the appropriate electrical outlets, plumbing and structure, including countertops, storage and organizing area.

Things You'll Need

• Laundry room design State and local building code information Plumbing materials 220-volt breaker 220-volt outlet 220 volt wires Saw Foil ducts Exhaust vents

Instructions

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

1. 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.)

2. 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.

3. Contact a plumber, if necessary.

Developing the laundry room: electrical

1. 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.)

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. Contact an electrical inspector for an electrical inspection.

Developing the laundry room: space build-out

1. 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.

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

3. 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.

Tips & Warnings

• Dryers should be located on an exterior wall of the building so they can be properly (and safely) ventilated. When building a space, it is important to be sure that the changes will accommodate the washer and dryer; the washer and dryer should be able to fit through any doors, fit between and under cabinets and be moved easily for repairs. Check with your state and local governments for information about building codes, including electrical and plumbing codes.

• Most dryers use a 220-volt electrical outlet, which is very high voltage that can be dangerous. It may be best to use an experienced electrician when adding or changing a 220-volt breaker and outlet.

References

• U.S Department of Energy: Local Codes and Requirements for Small Renewable Energy Systems
• U.S. General Services Administration: Codes and Standards
• Design and Construction Guidelines and Standards
• U.S Department of Energy Building Codes

Resources

• Energy Star: Clothes Washers
• U.S. Department of Energy: Energy Savers – Laundry
• Design and Construction Guidelines and Standards