How to put a 6' 10" X 9' 9" Utility room to its best use., waher, dryer, hot water heater, cabinets, pantry

Question

Door is in center of wall. Water hook up for washer and electrical for dryer is on the left. Water Heater, gas, is hooked up on right.

Answer 1

it really depends on what you want to put in and how much storage you want in it.
i would put the washer and dryer on the left where the hookups are[i sound kind of stupid saying that] and put the hot water heater to the right. i would then put cabinets about the washer and dryer--you could store detergents and other household items in that one. that leaves you with room near the back for your pantry, the size of this can depend on how big you want it.
basically, if you need pleanty of storage space, put pleanty of cabinet space in areas that would usually go unused, such as above the washer and dryer, and even above the pantry in small, 1 x 1 cabinets.

Answer 2

Think about getting stackable washer and dryer units. There are some good front loads out there that will save a lot of space.

Do NOT block in the hot water heater - its not only dangerous - but Murphy's Law will undoubtably cause it to break and need replacing if you block it in.

Think about putting in a pocket door or having the door open outward - if that's possible.

To make things look nice you may want to build cabinets around the water heater - but make sure there is the correct minimum clearance around it and also that its a well ventilated cabinet.... Also, some of the newer water heaters are smaller in size with just as much volume as the older ones. You may also want to consider a tankless in-line water heater... more expensive but highly efficient and you never run out of hot water. I have one - it's great.

If you don't want to spend money on this project - good luck - maybe you should move. Its why they call houses "Money Pits".

Answer 3

Get stackable wash/dryer, if you are buying new. Have electrical and gas outlets moved to where they are best for the appliance. Not too big of a deal to have done by any handiman. Should also put sink (small single one) in on counter top, with cabinets above and below (or shelves). I would put counter along long wall opposite door, wash/dry on one end, water heater on other end, may enclose water heater in cabinets as well, and use as broom closet. Use the space all the way to the ceiling, store things all the way up and use a ladder to get to them occasionally. Great for big things like suitcases, Christmas decorations, etc.)

Answer 4

Umm get some graph paper, draw the room to scale make cutouts for your appliances and then see what you can noodle up for a layout.