When it comes to designing your perfect home, for most people, it is hard to imagine one without a space that is dedicated to laundry. With more than 80% of households in the United States owning a washing machine, it’s safe to say that this appliance is basically a must have. It’s very likely you have a washer and dryer, but now comes the tough decision of where is the best location for you to put them. Where are the best places for a laundry room that allow you to maximize your home’s space and functionality?

Why is a dedicated space for laundry important in your home’s design?

Before we can review the best places for a laundry room, you may be trying to determine if you actually really need one. As home building experts, where you locate your washing machine and dryer is really up to you; however, we understand how busy your daily life is, and know that having an extra space to organize all of the things you need on a daily basis and to do your laundry, is important. An organized and updated laundry room provides a welcoming environment while doing that chore that very few enjoy.

A laundry room offers several advantages that can greatly enhance the functionality and convenience of your home. Here are some key benefits of having a dedicated laundry room:

• Organization and Efficiency: This defined space allows you to keep your laundry tasks contained and organized, preventing clutter from spreading throughout the house.
• Noise Control: Laundry machines can be loud. Having a separate laundry room helps contain and minimize the noise generated by the washer and dryer.
• Additional Treatment and Cleaning Capabilities: You can incorporate additional cleaning features, which can enhance your laundry routine, into the space. Think about adding a utility sink for handwashing delicate items, pre-soaking stained clothes, or rinsing out cleaning supplies.
• Added Storage Options: This one goes hand-in-hand with organization. Having cabinets, shelves, and countertops in the space, gives you a place to store detergents, fabric softeners, stain removers, ironing supplies, and other laundry essentials.
• Mudroom Usage: Your laundry room, depending on the space available, can double as a mudroom, providing a convenient area for removing and storing shoes, coats, and other items. It can even work as an additional closet in your home.

Adding a dedicated laundry space to your home, can help you streamline your laundry routine, maintain a cleaner and more organized home, and allow you to enjoy the convenience that comes with one area for all of your laundry needs.

Where are some of the best places for a laundry room in a home?

Now that we have reviewed why a laundry room in your home can make all the difference, it’s time to get into where the ideal place to put one is. This can be a rather difficult decision for homeowners, whether they are building a new home or renovating an existing one, finding the perfect spot for your laundry room can greatly enhance the functionality and convenience of your home.

Finding the ideal place for the laundry room depends on some things that may be out of your control, especially in an existing home. You need to find an area in the home that is conveniently located, but not so close to living areas that noise becomes an issue. You will want to ensure that the laundry room is large enough to accommodate big appliances, yet not so large as to take away from the house's living areas. The space will also need to have access to a range of utilities that can be difficult to move or extend. Think about where you have or can add the proper electrical components, plumbing and a water supply, some type of drain system, sturdy supported floor, dryer vent or a place to put one, and more.

When deciding on the best place for a laundry room in your home, as we said, efficiency, convenience, and functionality should all be top of mind. Every household is different, so where the most suitable place in your home for this space is, is really up to you. Some of the most common places that homeowners put this dedicated laundry space are:

• Off or Near the Kitchen
• Converted Hallway Closet (on any level of the home)
• Mudroom or Entryway
• Basement or Utility Room

If you are limited on space, we have seen homeowners add washer and dryers to their bathrooms, kitchens, garages, and more. These spaces are less of a dedicated space, but will still provide you with a location to wash off the day’s dirt and grime.

What floor you put the laundry room on, really depends on what you want to do. For some homeowners it’s convenient to have this space close to the majority of bedrooms, for others, they want it out of sight and out of hearing range.

Are you looking to add a laundry room to your Northeast Ohio home?

Finding the best place for your laundry room is a key part of optimizing your home's functionality and convenience. Whether you have a dedicated room, a mudroom, or a small closet, there are numerous options to suit your needs. Evaluate the available space, consider proximity to bedrooms or high-traffic areas, and take noise control into account.

Sanctus Builders can help you create a laundry room in your Northeast Ohio home that enhances your daily routine and helps keep your home clean and organized. We can guide you through locating a place in your home that is perfect for this space and provide design suggestions along the way. Our design experts can help you create a laundry or mudroom that is just right for you and your home. We can offer custom tile, cabinetry, and countertops to meet any of your needs in these accessory spaces.

Contact us today to get started.

When it comes to your home’s design, whether renovating an old one or building a new one, there are many things to consider, one of which is the overall layout. The plan for your home should be created with all household members, your lifestyle, and your style and preferences in mind. In the last few decades, more and more homeowners have started to decide to create homes with an open floor plan. We are going to review what this type of layout is and take a look at some of the pros and cons of an open floor plan for your home.

What is an Open Floor Plan?

Open floor plans have seemed to be all the rage in home design over the last few decades, so it’s very likely you are familiar with what this type of layout is, but in case you are not, we have got you covered.

An open floor plan is a design concept that involves having no walls or minimal partitions between different areas of a living space, such as the living room, dining room, and kitchen. In an open floor plan, these areas flow seamlessly into one another, creating a more spacious and connected feeling in the home.

An open floor plan doesn't mean all rooms are connected, nor does it mean there are no barriers at all between the rooms. Open floor plans apply only to common areas. Rooms like bathrooms, bedrooms, and offices are usually exempt from this style of layout (the spruce).

Pros and Cons of an Open Floor Plan for Your Home

Recent surveys have found that Americans are split on open-concept homes, with 51.2% preferring an open layout and 48.8% preferring a traditional layout. That’s basically a 50-50 split. If you are deciding if an open floor plan is right for your home, you are not alone.

To help you make this tough design decision for your Northeast Ohio home, we review some of the pros and cons of an open floor plan home below.

Pros:

• More natural light: Without walls blocking the light, an open floor plan allows natural light to flow freely throughout the home, making it brighter and more inviting.
• Improved socialization: An open floor plan allows for better communication and interaction between people in different areas of the home. It creates a more social and inviting atmosphere, which can be ideal for families or people who like to entertain.
• Increased flexibility: An open floor plan can be versatile, allowing homeowners to rearrange furniture or use the space for different purposes. It can also make a small home feel more spacious.
• Better flow: An open floor plan creates a seamless flow from one area of the home to another, making it easier to move around and navigate in the space.

Cons:

• Less privacy: An open floor plan can compromise privacy as there are no walls to block sound or visual cues from one area of the home to another. The lack of a sound barrier can be an issue.
• Limited storage: Without walls, there are fewer opportunities for storage, making it harder to hide clutter or keep things out of sight. Not to mention less areas for artwork and to include some of your personal flare to the space.
• More difficult to heat and cool: Open floor plans can be more challenging to heat and cool since there is no natural separation between areas. This can result in higher energy bills.
• Potential for a cluttered look: With everything in plain sight, an open floor plan can create a cluttered or messy appearance if not kept tidy. If you have kids and/or pets, this can be a major deciding factor in whether an open floor plan is right for your home or not.

An open floor plan can offer many benefits, such as improved natural light and socialization, but it may also have some drawbacks, such as limited privacy and storage. While we have reviewed some of the pros and cons of an open floor plan for your home, keep in mind, what may be a pro for some may be a con for others, and vice versa. Ultimately, it depends on your lifestyle and preferences whether an open floor plan is suitable for your home or not.

If you are looking to build a new home in Northeast Ohio or looking to remodel your new home, or one that you have lived in for years, at Sanctus Builders, we know that your home project is important to you. We will work with you every step of the way to ensure you have a floor plan that works for you and your home.

Contact us today to get started on creating your dream home.

If you have decided to renovate your home or build a new home, one of the last things you are likely thinking about is the hallways. While the importance of having hallways in a home cannot be denied, they are one of the least exciting parts, to many, when it comes to home design. When you are updating or building a new home, your hallways should not be forgotten. They are used daily, usually multiple times, and give you a great opportunity to showcase artwork, mirrors, and other focal points. This may not be a question you have considered yet, but how wide should a home’s hallways be? Let’s review.

How Wide Should a Home’s Hallways be?

The width of a home's hallways can vary depending on the specific needs and preferences of the homeowner; however, a general rule of thumb is that hallways should be at least 36 inches wide to accommodate people and furniture comfortably. There are actually rules regarding the width of a home’s hallways. The International Residential Code specifies that a hallway needs to be at least 36 inches wide, which is 3 feet. Local cities and jurisdictions may also have specific requirements. Your local home renovation or building team can help you better understand what is needed where you live.

Rules and guidelines aside, how wide a home’s hallways should be, depends on the people living in the home. While there may be a minimum requirement, many people opt for larger and more spacious corridors. There are things you should consider when deciding how wide your home’s hallways should be:

• Home’s Occupants: If the hallway will be used by someone with a mobility device, such as a wheelchair or walker, it is recommended that the hallway be at least 42 inches wide to allow for easy passage.
• Additional Use of Space: If the hallway will be used for multiple purposes, such as seating, storage or displaying artwork, a wider hallway may be necessary. Think about if you want to add a table or other furniture to the space.
• Doors and Openings: It's also important to consider the layout of the home and the location of doors and other openings when determining the width of hallways. Typically, you will want to allow enough space to have a door open and for people to be able to comfortably get by.
• Flow and Floor Plan: Hallways should be wide enough to allow for easy movement between rooms without feeling cramped or cluttered. Think about what areas of the home are connected by the passageway and things that will need to regular go through the area. If the hallway is by a laundry room, will the laundry basket comfortably go through?

Ultimately, as long as your home is up to code, how wide your home’s hallways should be, really depends on you.

Can a Bigger Hallway Make a Difference in Your Home Design?

Bigger hallways can make a home appear more spacious, as they provide a sense of openness and flow between rooms. A wider hallway can also make it easier to move furniture and other large items through the space. Keep in mind, the overall size and layout of a home will also play a significant role in how spacious it appears.

When it comes to designing your dream home in Northeast Ohio, Sanctus Builders can help. Our experts can guide you through all of the decisions, even how wide your home’s hallways should be and what we recommend based on their usages and the overall look and feel of the space.

At Sanctus Builders, our team of knowledgeable professionals, general contractors, and skilled tradesmen, with over 70 years of combined experience, has worked with hundreds of homeowners in Cuyahoga and Lorain Counties to ensure that they have the home of their dreams. We have integrity in all that we do, are honest and respectful, and will treat your home like it is our own. We strive for excellence and accountability and aim to provide high quality and affordable services and outstanding customer service.

Bring your vision and we will deliver with passion. Bring your plans and we will bring them to life. Bring your ideas and we will build them. Contact us to get started today.

When it comes to what is the most remodeled room in the home, there is some debate over what space in the home this belongs to. It is likely no surprise that kitchens and bathrooms both fall at the top of the list. While kitchen renovations tend to occur slightly more often than bathrooms, they are very close in comparison. Either way, as Northeast Ohio home builders and renovation experts, we have seen just about every request you can imagine. When it comes to transforming your home, there are some things you can do to make both of these rooms shine.

Current Home Renovation Trends

According to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), the kitchen is the most popular room to remodel. 81% of remodelers said kitchens were their most common renovation, while bathrooms were a close second at 80%. Whole home remodels were the third most common. Room additions, came in fourth.

As we stated above, that most remodeled room in the home, in most cases, is the kitchen, but the bathroom is also highly up there. What is driving these renovations? According to a survey of 2,000 homeowners done by One Poll, more than two-thirds (69%) of homeowners want to update their home's appearance. A few features topping their wish lists include more open space (31%), more natural light (30%), and improved function (34%) (National Associated of Home Builders). Both the kitchen and bathroom can help homeowners fulfill these desires.

Kitchen Remodeling

The kitchen is the centerpiece of the home and it deserves to shine. It’s where meals are cooked and enjoyed, and tends to be a gathering spot for all household members. It’s a place to nourish family, welcome friends, try a new recipe or a beloved family favorite, and truly connect with loved ones. Your Northeast Ohio kitchen should reflect your unique needs and style. If your kitchen is not up to your functionality and design standards, it could be time for an upgrade, hence why it’s one of the most remodeled rooms in the home.

Kitchens are a reflection of a home's personality and your personal style, with that, kitchens tend to become dated much faster than other rooms throughout your home. When it comes to a kitchen renovation, the possibilities are endless. From open floor plans, to custom countertops, to high-end appliances, to colorful tiles, there really is no limit when it comes to a home kitchen renovation.

Bathroom Refresh

Let’s not forget about the bathroom when it comes to the most remodeled room in the home, there is also many reasons why this space falls on the list as a close second to kitchens. Like kitchens, bathrooms can age fast, and also like kitchens, people want this space to be one that is unique and functional for them and their home.

Your home's bathroom is one of the most used rooms in your home, also arguably one of the most essential spaces. A beautiful, well-designed bathroom is a place where you look forward to performing the basic necessities to get you through the day and can also be a relaxing oasis where you can wash away a long day’s stress and recharge. Whether you need more space or more luxury, bathroom remodels are a great way to improve your home and your life. From updating your shower enclosure to adding an additional sink, the bathroom renovation possibilities can go on and on.

Remodeling Your Northeast Ohio Home

If you are looking to remodel your Northeast Ohio home, whether it’s one of the most remodeled rooms in the home or not, Sanctus Builders can help. At Sanctus Builders we are dedicated to helping you create your perfect home in Cuyahoga and Lorain Counties. We offer countless options when it comes to home building and remodeling services.

Bring your vision and we will deliver with passion. Bring your plans and we will bring them to life. Bring your ideas and we will build them! Contact us today to learn more about how we can help transform your Northeast Ohio home.