Build for function
Mud rooms keep you from needing to scrub your house every time it rains. Make cleaning simple by choosing flooring that cleans easily. Optimal flooring options include tile, vinyl, stone or cement. These low-maintenance options stop dirt from staining and are practically indestructible over time.
Select floor colors that do not easily show dirt. Install a moisture-proof substance between the flooring and the base to prevent erosion or rotting in the base structure. If you think the mud room will see heavy traffic, think about putting in a floor drain to make rinsing floors easier.
A pretty rug at the door welcomes visitors into your home, but in a mud room, rugs add to the list of things you will need to clean. If you really want to have a rug in your mud room, consider a heavy-duty washable rug in a color that hides dirt and stains. Adding a boot scraper by the mud room door minimizes the mess throughout the house.
If you plan to paint the walls, choose a paint that is mildew and moisture resistant. This section of your home will probably need a full wipe-down occasionally; an acrylic latex paint is stain resistant and will not easily chip or bubble from moisture exposure.
Pick the perfect spot
Adding a mud room in most homes is an easy addition to make. Typically a small mud room only measures about seven to nine square feet. If adding extra amenities (washer/dryer combo or small washbasin), consider setting aside more space before you start construction.
Put the mud room where it will be most useful to your household. Think about where your family regularly enters the home.
Consider your pets
A mud room provides a great space for keeping Fido clean. Installing a simple washbasin takes only a little additional work and keeps your bathrooms clean from the often-difficult task of washing the dog. And if your dog tends to be a shake-dry kind of pet, the waterproof paint should make for an easy wipe cleanup.
Create storage space
Your new mud room can provide the added benefit of doubling as extra storage space. Consider personalized bins for family members to store shoes, accessories and muddy items. A laundry basket can be put in the room, too, if dirty clothes tend to pile up.
Install hooks or pegs by the door for storing wet jackets, umbrellas or dog leashes. These hooks can also be used for hanging keys so you can always locate them quickly.
Adding shelving to the mud room can help with your organizational needs as well.
Save on heating
Mud rooms help retain your home’s heat or cool air, depending on the time of year. This transitional zone prevents thermal air from escaping through often-used doors. When mapping out construction plans, remember that an ideal mud room will have an outside entrance and an inner door to prevent hot or cool air from seeping out.
Proper heating and ventilation outlets are needed to reduce humidity in the mud room. Too much humidity causes mildew damage over time. Having a good airflow in the mud room will help wet clothes to dry more quickly, too.
Add laundry to the mud room
Want to go all-out on your new home addition? Many mud rooms double as laundry rooms, too. Creating a “cleaning central” prevents mess from spreading to other parts of the house. Plus, opting for the mud room/laundry station combination keeps muddy clothes quarantined from the rest of the house.
Other things to consider
Place a bench or chair right inside the door as a spot to sit and remove dirty or wet shoes. A mirror hung in the mud room gives you a quick last look before you leave for the day. Put up a bulletin board for art or last minute reminders.
Look forward to spring and the messy weather it brings, but save yourself headaches and time by installing a mud room to act as a barrier between the mess of the outdoors and your clean home. A mud room calls for a small initial investment, but it will help keep your home beautiful. Start your search for a remodeler at the Home Builders Association of Dayton’s website – HBADayton.com. Our members are happy to assist.
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