Laundry is no one’s favorite task, especially when it means traipsing from upstairs bedrooms to the first floor or, in many older Chicago area homes, the basement.
Is there room for a second-floor laundry? Could it be incorporated into the primary suite, or would it be better to make it accessible to everyone on the second floor? The level of thought and planning you put in now will pay off as you determine where and how to design and build a second-floor laundry. Let’s review important considerations when planning a second-floor laundry room renovation.
There is a lot to consider in terms of where exactly on the second floor the new laundry room should go. The biggest location decision is whether or not to put the laundry area in the primary suite or in a second-floor common area. To determine this, ask yourself who will need access to this laundry room? Many times, homeowners who add washing units to their primary suite consider this space as dedicated to their use only. Another driver of this decision is that a primary suite will often have ample room for a washer/dryer, as well as space for storing and folding laundry. However, it may take extra planning to find just the right location for a laundry room in the second-floor common area.
Installing a new laundry room means having the right access to plumbing. Finding a location close to existing plumbing lines is ideal. This could be near a hall bath, or even a spot where you can continue the kitchen plumbing lines upstairs. In addition to water supply and drainage, the new washer and dryer hookups will need to be properly located and connected to meet code and ensure long-term performance.
For plumbing, a hot and cold water line, as well as drainage, need to be planned. Chicago’s cold weather can be particularly harsh on plumbing. For this reason, if possible, locate water lines away from exterior walls. It’s also important to include a drain pan with a drain beneath the washer to catch any leaks before they cause water damage.
Because water leaks on upper floors can lead to significant damage, many homeowners also choose to install leak detection sensors or a smart shutoff valve system for extra peace of mind.
Proper ventilation is essential for both safety and efficiency. Both the washer plumbing and dryer require venting, and the shorter and straighter the dryer exhaust vent, the better. Long or sharply bent runs can reduce performance and increase lint buildup, which poses a fire risk. Always use rigid metal ducting and ensure the vent terminates directly outdoors, not into an attic, soffit, or crawl space. If routing the vent line across the attic or between floors, ensure it’s properly insulated to prevent condensation and moisture issues. Some high-efficiency dryers also require make-up air to operate correctly, especially in well-sealed or energy-efficient homes. A small vent or louvered door may be necessary to balance airflow.
To help with noise control, sound-dampening insulation around the laundry room can minimize vibration and sound transfer to bedrooms or hallways.
Finally, make sure both plumbing and vent lines remain accessible for maintenance and cleaning. This helps prevent lint buildup, clogs, and other issues that can shorten your equipment's lifespan.
If you are installing an electric dryer, running the lines to the laundry location should be a minor issue. Some homeowners prefer gas dryers, so planning for gas lines will be part of the laundry design process. Also, confirm that the circuit can handle the electrical load of the washer and dryer.
If the new upstairs laundry is placed in the primary suite, homeowners are less likely to eliminate the basement laundry. The kids can start doing laundry themselves as they grow up. If the new laundry is placed in a second-floor hallway accessible to everyone, you may no longer need the basement units.
More often than not, the old laundry area, especially if it is located in the basement, becomes the secondary laundry space. This is where especially dirty clothes go after working in the yard or on the car. This is where the kids’ smelly sports gear gets washed.
If the basement is small or if the plan is to finish the basement space in the future, homeowners may sometimes eliminate the basement laundry area. If your current laundry room is located on the first floor near your entryway or garage, you might consider relocating the washer and dryer entirely and transforming that space into a functional mudroom or drop zone with improved storage.
This is “big-picture” time. Consider all you hope this new laundry room will do. Do you need a laundry closet area just big enough for a washer and dryer, or would you like room to store dirty laundry, have countertop space to fold clean laundry, and a dedicated sink for spot washing?
Combo units save space, so if the second-floor space is at a premium, it is an option to consider. Stackables can easily fit into a closet space with the dryer on top, washer on bottom, and tile below with a floor drain.
Large families sometimes install double machines, but this would mean two of everything: plumbing, electric, gas, and venting.
Don’t wait to choose the washer and dryer units. The size, whether they are stackable, and whether they are front- or top-loading – all of these factors will impact the design ideas and floorplan of the laundry area. Providing exact appliance dimensions upfront helps the design team create a layout that fits perfectly and makes the best use of every inch of space.
Pocket doors are great for the laundry to save space. These are specially designed pocket doors that pull out and then slide backward on either side of the laundry space.
Adding a second-floor laundry room might sound like a simple upgrade, but it’s far more complex than just moving appliances upstairs. Between structural considerations, plumbing, ventilation, and waterproofing, there are many technical details that need to be done right to protect your home. This is not a DIY project. Working with an experienced design-build general contractor ensures every aspect, from hookups and drainage to layout and noise control, is carefully planned and executed. The result is a space that looks great, functions flawlessly, and gives you peace of mind for years to come.
Are you considering taking your home’s functionality and comfort even further? If you’re thinking about a second-floor laundry, chances are your primary suite is also due for an upgrade. Discover how thoughtful design can create a luxurious, practical retreat that fits your lifestyle. Download A Complete Guide to Building the Ultimate Luxury Primary Suite to explore layout ideas, smart storage solutions, and design inspiration that bring both elegance and everyday ease to your home.
Yes, you can. Many homeowners choose to add a laundry room upstairs for convenience, especially when most bedrooms are on that level. The key is finding a location close to existing plumbing lines—such as near a hall bath or over the kitchen—to simplify installation and reduce costs.
You’ll need hot and cold water supply lines, a drain line, and proper venting for the washer. It’s also important to include a drain pan with a floor drain under the washer to catch leaks and prevent water damage. Many homeowners also add leak detection sensors or a smart shutoff valve for extra peace of mind.
Both the washer and dryer need proper ventilation. The dryer vent should take the shortest, straightest path outdoors using rigid metal ducting. Avoid venting into attics or soffits. Adding a small exhaust fan also helps remove humidity and prevent moisture damage to walls and ceilings.
Laundry rooms require a dedicated electrical circuit for the washer and dryer. If you’re using a gas dryer, you’ll also need to plan for a gas line hookup. A qualified electrician or design-build contractor can ensure the setup meets code and safely supports the appliances.
It depends on your needs. Many families keep the basement laundry as a secondary space for heavily soiled items or large loads. However, if you’re finishing your basement or prefer to simplify, you can remove it once the new second-floor laundry is fully functional.
The size depends on how you plan to use it. Some homeowners only need space for a stacked washer and dryer, while others want cabinets, counters, and a utility sink for folding and hand-washing. Providing exact appliance dimensions early helps your design-build team maximize every inch efficiently.
No. This project involves structural, plumbing, electrical, and ventilation work that must meet building codes and protect your home from leaks or water damage. Partnering with an experienced design-build general contractor ensures your laundry room is both functional and worry-free for years to come.