Come and talk to me about creating an Outhouse/Utility room

[DelightedIAm]

We have had a think about this. So I am guessing you need an Electrician and plumber to bring services into the outhouse, insulation for the pipes and some sort of drainage. Do you get them built with a cavity wall like a house? What sort of size would you need for a washing machine, tumble dryer and a chest freezer?

Just getting an idea what is involved, before I look at getting quotes.

If you are going to have a freezer - make sure it is insulated - they don't like getting too cold.

Get a piece of paper - cut out pieces to scale for washing machine freezer etc, allow enough space for door and then work out how big is minimum. Work out if it will fit where you want it. If long way from existing drains and elec will cost more to install.

Ie - work out roughly what you want before you go any further.

Do you have a wood burner or log fire? I think a lovely dry room to store wood would be useful.

If you are starting from scratch then a builder should be able to co-ordinate all the work needed. You will probably need water, power, drainage, foundations, walls, roof, door. & window.
Do you need planning permission?
If your house is listed or in a conservation area or your house already has extensions/porches which have used up your permitted development limits then you may need planning permission.
A cavity wall is not strictly necessary but because brick is porous it's worth considering to avoid getting a damp room.
Again insulation is not strictly necessary but it's worth considering to make sure your appliances don't freeze in winter which not only renders them unusable can cause longterm damage.
Most freezers don't work in unheated rooms but a few makes do make ones that are guaranteed for garages etc (Beko & some zanussi spring to mind) or you may be able to join the room onto your heating system (in which case you do want to insulate it & have a cavity wall.
The advantages of this is, you can use it as a drying room, your appliances will work all year round, it'll be pleasant to use and you can store things in there without problems with damp.
Flat roof / pitched tile / pitched slate / green - what do you want / suits your house?
What kind of finishes do you want ? - Walls - painted block/brickwork, plasterboard, tiled, timber panelling
Floor - concrete, vinyl, tile, Lino, rubber
Do you want storage space, if so how, cupboards, units, shelves, hanging rails?
Ventilation - if you are going to dry in this space you probably need ventilation (fan, opening window) if you have a vented dryer you will need a vent point.
Do you want worktop space?
How many electrical points do you need? total them up and then add at least one more double socket. Everybody underestimates how many they will need.