Does a utility room need a window?

[frozenmad]

We are in the process of extending and can't decide whether to include a window in the utility room. The room measures 3m x 1.5m so we're quite restricted on space and obviously a window will take away storage space. The 3m external wall will have a washer & dryer stacked, a sink and a door with a glass panel at the top so will get some natural light. The window would need to go on this wall too. It will be used as a laundry room & dog room (wet smelly dog who swims every day!). Advice as to whether we need a window gratefully received.

[toopeoply]

Probably best if you've got a dryer, especially if it's a condensing one. And for doggy smells etc.

[DorynownotFloundering]

I would think essential for preventing moguls build up with all those moisture creating possibilities. OK in summer when you can leave the door open but not in winter.
A good extractor fan might work I suppose ?
Sorry not much help!!

[tryingtocatchthewind]

Any chance of a roof light? You're right the door will give you light but you're going to want a window to open when it's full of damp dogs and clothes

[DorynownotFloundering]

Moguls= mould bloody autocorrect!!

[ProfessorPickles]

Is there not such thing as a door with a window in it? So it's two in one without having to leave the door open?
I don't know if these things exist, if not I'm off on dragons den with that one

[BennyTheBall]

Yes, if you have a sink it is a 'wet room' under the b regs and must have an extractor.

[Meandyouandyouandme]

We've put a remote control velux window in our utility room roof, we are having a single story extension and we couldn't put a window in the side. We also have muddy/wet dog to clean.

[KP86]

Why can't you make the planned glass panel an opening window?

[BennyTheBall]

Sorry, I mis-read the OP.

But what I said was right - it won't get signed off without an extractor, regardless of window.

[frozenmad]

Great idea professorpickles, unfortunately we're re-using a door as its only a couple of years old. A roof light isn't an option unfortunately either tryingtocatchthewind. My feelings are the same as yours toopeoply but I have no knowledge of how good extractor fans can be (they'd have to be super good to help with the dog smell!). Thanks for your replies.

[titchy]

Buy a stable door.

[KP86]

Oh, I misread as well.

I would go for a window if possible, but I'm a bit obsessed with ventilation and natural air flow and insist wherever possible.

[patterkiller]

Mine has no window but does have an extractor. We don't have a sink in there but do have a tumble dryer, washer, fridge. We leave the door open into the garage as much as possible and so far, seven years, have had no damp problems.

Dogs only sleep in there during the coldest months and sleep in the cooler garage during the rest of the year, they actually prefer their garage bed but I can't sleep thinking of them in there when it's so cold outside.

[frozenmad]

Thanks. We'll need a door for dog access to the garden. The new utility room is actually our current kitchen (but narrower) with rooms above so theres no option for velux's. Helpful to know we'll need an extractor fan regardless of the window.

[Secondtimeround75]

We don't have a window or sink
in ours.
It's a small room upstairs so the laundry doesn't have to come down stairs.
Could you move yours upstairs & use the room downstairs as a boot room?

[PigletJohn]

You can't leave a door or window open unattended, but you can leave a fan on.

Roof lights are very prone to condensation, as they are cold, and water vapour rises. As well as rotting the frame (if wood) it will drip on you.

[bojorojo]

We have French windows in our laundry room. They were left over from the previous use of this space. From the outside, the French Windows look good so we kept them as they balance that elevation of the house. There is no other window. No fan. The dryer is plumbed into the waste (as is the washer) so no water vapour. It is a Miele. No problems with it being signed off by the building inspector. Choose the right dryer and you don't get condensation! Therefore you do not need a fan. We have a sink. Vital in my view! I can hand wash items and put them in the dryer or spin in the washer. I can wash the dog down.

[TremoloGreen]

We have a stable door to the outside in ours - the utility doubles up as a cloakroom. I do find it the darkest and dingiest room in the house, but I don't hang out in there for fun.

[Pantsalive]

I'm not lucky enough to have one but a friend had one built with a short wide window placed up high. Space saving I think. Seems to work well.

[Xmasbaby11]

My utility room has no windows ( well it has a roof velux one we never open). We have no sink or dogs though. We have a condenser tumble drier and it is amazing. In 5 years we've had no problems with damp.

[whiteagle]

We have a glass back door snd an extractor.

[EmGee]

My utility room has no window. It does have a useless I think extractor thing which is automatic (goes up into the roof). There is a sink, washer and dryer plus the boiler. I open the door into the pantry and that door into the garage when I use the dryer in winter. No sign of damp. House is ten years old. No wet dog though!

[frozenmad]

Thanks for all your comments, they are very helpful!