(July 10, 2006) -- Home owners who are considering adding a second-floor laundry room should plan carefully, as water damage or structural problems may result if the project is done haphazardly.
- Experts say owners should hire an architect and possibly a structural engineer to plan the space to ensure that the house will support the extra weight and vibrations of a washer and dryer.
- To prevent water damage, the owner may want to install a floor drain and an electronic shutoff valve, which automatically stops the flow of water when it senses a leak, thus preventing floods.
- Also, it's smart to install dedicated electrical and gas lines. This can be the most expensive part of the job.
- Finally, choose appliances that are quiet and efficient. Do your research to find out which models in your price range rank highest with consumers.
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Source: Consumer Reports (07/01/2006) |
