Opinions on kitchen/utility

seven-day-weekend

I have a utility 'alcove' in the kitchen. Whilst it is prefereable to not having any sepsrate space for a washing machine, I would love a proper utility room.

JuneBow

The reason I am thinking about a spending on a new kitchen now is that the kitchen is a cheap kitchen which we put in when we moved here, and does not reflect the value of the house. When I move I have the option of leaving it as it is or installing a new kitchen commensurate with the value of the house. I know the area well and have developed others in this area,so know that I will get back more than I would spend. I just haven't developed a house of this size.

I was considering doing the kitchen now to get some pleasure from it.
I love my utility because of all of the reasons given but didn't know what others would prefer. Clearly the same as me.

getmore4less

things I like for a utility.

outside access? ( that gives transition space from potentially grubby to clean,, boot /coat racks etc.)
sink(loads of uses)
washer and dryer (the main event)
extra storage/larder/pantry space if none elsewhere ( bulk buys)
cleaners cupboard, (stuff and vacuum)
extra freezer
a toilet and even better a shower a bonus for the outdoor types.

the more you can get into a utility space the less you need to clutter the kitchen with loads of cabinets and large white goods.

Owain_Moneysaver

JuneBow wrote: »

If it were my choice I would keep the utility room separate as I have a second living room off the kitchen without doors

That I think is the killer point. If your second reception room was completely separate from the kitchen you could merge the kitchen and utility.

With the reception room being open to the kitchen you are talking about putting your washing machine in the dining room!

ellie27

I have never had a separate utility and I am in our 3rd house.

We are in a 5 bed house, washing machine is in the kitchen and we have a separate dining room.

We are going to knock through to have one large kitchen/diner and washing machine will be there, integrated though so not seen.

My washing machine is on for 30 minutes, 2 or 3 times a week so I don't feel I ever see or hear it!

To me, a utility room is space that would have been better used in the kitchen.

I would leave it exactly where it is and not spend money that you will not get back.

The_Logans

I would always want a separate utility. As others have said, it's a dumping ground for muddy sports kit, wet raincoats, wellies etc. The washing machine noise would also bother me if it was in the kitchen. Since DH and I bought our first house we've always had a separate utility area and I would really miss it. When we've been looking at houses recently, I've been put off those without a separate utility (with 2 young boys it's a deal breaker for me!)

Rambosmum

I'm your potential buyer. As are my friends (we are all currently house hunting for that second home, 4 bed, growing family etc) we ALL love love love utility rooms!

CathA

We had one when we bought this house, never had one before. We built a small extension and made that into the new utility room, though keeping the old one whilst we did more building work. (I know, posh, eh, 2 utility rooms? Lol).
Anyway, having had one I'd never go without. It's a handy place to put the washing so it's not hanging round the dining room/lounge/anywhere where people can see your pants dangling!

fairy_lights

KEEP THE UTILITY ROOM!!
A separate space for the washer and dryer is one of my house fantasies, particularly if it has external access and a tap so muddy boots can be washed off. I have sad fantasies.

Waterlily24

I'm very lucky and have a fairly big kitchen and separate utility room which is nearly as big as the kitchen. It houses my washing machine, tumble drier and three fridge freezers. It has a sink and a large airing cupboard. The stairs are also in it so it has storage there too for shoes etc.

I'd definitely keep the utility room.