Remove washer & dryer from kitchen?

[MCMinMD]

Help --I'm paralyzed by indecision! I need advice before proceeding with a modest kitchen renovation (cabinet refacing, new flooring, stainless appliances, granite or recyc. glass/resin countertops.) My house is a '50's rancher -3br, 1 full bath; and a "3/4 bath" (shower, no tub). The washer and dryer are currently in the kitchen, along with a powder room that's only accessible from the kitchen. Since I'm not a fan of this set-up (bathrooms in kitchens, that is), I'm thinking of removing the powder room toilet, replacing it with the washer & dryer (stackable HE front-loaders). Another option is to leave the powder room as is and move the washer & dryer to one of two closets, one of which has easy access to water lines & electrical. Of course, I could just leave the washer & dryer in the kitchen (it's 11x26), but will that ultimately diminish any value added by the renovation? I can't do anything until I determine if the washer & dryer will stay or go. Your advice would be greatly appreciated!

 

[Thomas Fiehler]

It would be impossible for us to comment since we do not know your market area. I would suggest contacting a Realtor who sells in the area and seek their advice.

 

[Lobo Fan]

I am getting from your post that there are a total of 3 bathrooms. Depending upon the location of the 2nd bath, I would lose the half bath. It depends upon your market. Would a typical buyer expect that half bath? Not sure if I like the idea either. Having someone taking a nasty dump while cooking can be a bit disgusting.

If this will take you down to 1 bath then I would go the closet route. If you have a 2 story house you need a bathroom on the 1st floor.

Losing the half bath might hurt the value by a little, but having a decent laundry room might offset.

Lots of variables. If you are planning to be in the house for awhile, just suit yourself. I don't think it would make all that much difference to your home value.

 

[CANative]

Do whatever pleases you the most. You're the one who has to live there and the nominal difference that one configuration over another might make in a future sale is not really as important as how happy you are with your home.

 

[Jo Ann Meyer Stratton]

I was in a 50' ranch a couple of months ago that looked very nice. They had removed the walls between the kitchen, former dining room in front and former laundry room in rear so that they had this nice big open kitchen with windows and sliding glass doors to the rear yard. They had put the washer and dryer under a window that looked out at the back yard, then built a cabinet around it which had a closet/pantry on each end, one held the water heater. Counter top and all closet/cabinet doors matched the kitchen cabinets along the other side of the room. When not in use it looked like part of the kitchen cabinets with this nice big counter space and a good view. With a kitchen island in the middle, the table located in the area where the dining room had been and all the windows, it was a very attractive, sunny, cheerfull, pleasant kitchen.

 

[Tim The Enchanter]

Laundry machines in the kitchen are unusual here, having them in a little room off to the side of the kitchen is not unusual. The only thing you lose moving the machines in there is 1 toilet, you still have 2 left, so it sounds good to me.

That said I haven't seen the floor plan, and you're on the other coast. Still, we have a lot of 50's houses here too. Do what functions best for you. Hopefully when you sell it will work for for them too. But it doesn't sound like a big issue in the scheme of things whatever you do. Just don't move that third toilet to the kitchen. Good luck.

 

[nicholz12]

Have 3 or 4 realtors come in ask their opinion as we really don't know 'your' market.

 

[MCMinMD]

Thanks to ALL for your input. I'll consult with a realtor, but I'm ready to get going on my reno. This is a TERRIFIC forum --I've also learned a lot from viewing replies to questions posted by others. I'm so glad I joined! Thanks again!

 

[Don Clark]

Thanks to ALL for your input. I'll consult with a realtor, but I'm ready to get going on my reno. This is a TERRIFIC forum --I've also learned a lot from viewing replies to questions posted by others. I'm so glad I joined! Thanks again!

Here isw a link you might be interested in:

http://www.building-cost.net/