To knock through utility or not...

Tren124

Hi

I have a 4 bed town house set over 4 floors, the bottom of which (lower ground) consists of a large kitchen leading to the garden and a decent sized utility room.

Since moving in a year or so ago, i have constantly felt the urge to remove the wall (its not load bearing) seperating the two rooms in order to completely open up the bottom floor and incorporate a small lounge area with a coffee table and a couple of chairs.

I barely use my utility rooom at all currently, it houses my washing machine and not a lot else. I already have my tumble drier and freezer in the garage and can very easily put the washing machine in there too as all of the plumbing is in place. The garage is on the ground floor and has a door opening into the house so is perfectly easy to get to.

I just wanted to get some opinions on this idea and whether i'm likely to regret it. I live with my girlfriend who is a bit indifferent to it (it's my house so i will be paying etc) but not against it. We dont have kids or anything yet but i actually think this little area would make a nice play area that we can supervise whilst in the kitchen.

I guess my main concern is whether doing this will reduce the appeal of the house when i try to sell it and obviously the impact on the value.

Any thoughts?

Thanks

hazyjo

We're also in a four bed four storey townhouse (been there since 31 March). Is the lounge on the first floor? Hubby and I had this conversation yesterday, in fact...

Our old house had a thru-lounge with kitchen off it with no door inbetween. We were sick to death of hearing the washing machine, dishwasher, etc every time we sat in the lounge and tried to watch telly or talk. We were desperate for a utility once we started househunting, but with the townhouse, we find we don't need a utility because the lounge is above the kitchen. It doesn't make a blind bit of difference if it was over that or a utility room, the sound would be the same.

If you're planning to use that extra kitchen space for seating, you might find the washing machine, etc drives you mad. If the lounge is upstairs, at least you'd have somewhere to go if you were to put a wash on.

I'd say do what suits you now unless you're planning to move in the next couple of years. It could always be reinstated - but, in today's world, it seems people would opt for the living space over a utility - especially in a house on several floors as you can get away from noise easier IMO.

Jx
Just re-read and realised your washing machine can go in garage. My parents have theirs in the (integral) garage, with no utility. Never been a problem. Sounds like the best option all round

MacMickster

Just to back up what hazyjo has said, this is your home - do what makes it work best for you, your family and lifestyle.

ka7e

I think it's when you have a family that a utility room comes into it's own. Washing machine, tumble dryer and freezer close to hand. Somewhere for muddy boots and muddy dogs! Buckets, mops, ironing board, cat baskets, recycling boxes etc.