Utility Cupboard Help!

[Thinkingthinking]

We’re reconfiguring our ground floor and want to create a utility cupboard. We have 2 options - the first is this nook in between downstairs loo and stairs. At the moment we use this for a shoe rack and it becomes a real dumping ground. We are planning to change the under stairs storage so shoes etc could go there instead. Option 2 is this outside cupboard but it’s very narrow, our builder thinks it would fit but would be tight. It’s also outside the front door which we have stairs up to so not ideal but better than down in the garage where washing machine is currently. WWYD? Both options have similar work involved so cost about the same. I’m inclined to go with inside as it will be much more functional but my husband would like outside to avoid the noise. Any feedback much appreciated!

Of your options I think I'd go with the inside rather than the outside if possible, not all your clothes can be dried in a tumble drier so you'd be having to carry wet washing in from outside to wherever you're drying them.

We're about to start with a partial garage conversion that is detached but will include a proper utility room with space for washing machine, tumble drier, airer, ironing board, sink etc. it's not ideal because it's a detached garage but is that something you could consider in your garage as an alternative?

what is in the outdoor cupboard at the moment? do you have a full 60cm width there? If not, you won't get a washing machine in.

I think I'd go for the space at the stairs with some sound insulation.

You could build in a little nook on the stairs side with a charge point for all the phones & gadgets at the same time.

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I would go with inside. That outside cupboard looks very narrow. Inside you would have space to add shelving etc? Surely having a proper door on there will reduce noise? It's in the hallway not your living room.

I would go with inside. You don't want to be going out in the cold and rain every time you want to do some washing.

Inside 100%

Ours was outside, hated it in winter ….always ended up losing socks in a Gale.

I would go with the inside option.

You don't want a utility cupboard to be only just wide enough for your machines - it's then a nightmare when one of them needs to be serviced, repaired or replaced. The outdoor cupboard is generally a bad idea. That indood nook is perfect. The noise doesn't have to be a big deal. Install an extractor fan insude the cupboard - my sister installed a utility cupboard without this and has to leave the cupboard door open wheb the machines are running to acoid buildup of steam, abd that is noisy. But with a fan in there it is fine.

Of the two options you’ve presented inside is better. Why cant it stay in the garage I would probably leave in there to be honest. The hallway seems a strange place for washing machine

Inside

Thanks for your replies everyone! I was pretty sure inside was better but my husband and (male) neighbour kept saying outside. The garage currently is a pain as it's outside and downstairs - it's integrated but there's no internal access, it's also freezing so we can't dry clothes in there. The plan is to turn this space into a gym, I think the ideal would be to have a full utility area partitioned at the back where we could dry clothes etc but I lost the battle on that one. So inside it is!

Do you have plumbing to both areas already?

I would worry about the water pipes freezing in winter if you had them in the outside cupboard.

Outside your front door? No way. Is there any space upstairs? I had a shallow cupboard at the top of the stairs and have bumped it into the second bedroom to fit in a stacked washer dryer, and putting a wardrobe in the new alcove. It makes far more sense to have the laundry upstairs where the laundry is created.
But inside for sure, no question!

@Thinkingthinking

Thanks for your replies everyone! I was pretty sure inside was better but my husband and (male) neighbour kept saying outside. The garage currently is a pain as it's outside and downstairs - it's integrated but there's no internal access, it's also freezing so we can't dry clothes in there. The plan is to turn this space into a gym, I think the ideal would be to have a full utility area partitioned at the back where we could dry clothes etc but I lost the battle on that one. So inside it is!

Ask them who will use it most often? That person surely should decide.