One Little Mudroom, Three Big Improvements

By H.L. Staples
RefacingCabinet.com Columnist

The Northeast Climate Impact Assessment predicts that the U.S. Northeast will get hit by more rain in the coming years--a ten percent increase in extreme rainfall, and a 20-30 percent increase in precipitation overall. The added downpour means a greater number of muddy days than ever before. How can you protect your home? Install a mudroom. 

Improvements of a Mudroom

A mudroom remodel can make a big improvement in your home's ability to keep out the elements. But that's not the only improvement you'll find.

• Less Sweeping and Mopping: Put down some rubber mats and washable rugs to get shoes clean before they go traipsing about your clean floor. If you have a properly appointed mudroom, you will generally only have to hose down that area. And since it's not part of the living space, you won't necessarily have to attend to the mess immediately.
• Extra Storage: When you remodel your home to include a mudroom, make sure to have your contractor install ample shelving and pegs. Now you have a place to stow coats, shoes, hats, umbrellas, and all the other items currently blocking your front door entrance.
• Increased Heating and Cooling Efficiency: A mudroom creates a transition zone, an area between your interior space and the outdoors. This zone helps prevent energy loss, providing a particularly compelling reason to remodel.

Whether you place your mudroom off the kitchen, garage, or utility room, you'll see a big improvement in your living space. Imagine: no more paw prints, sand, or mud lumps tracked through your home! Make your home a better place, one remodelling project at a time. 

Sources

Mudroom, Lowes.com

Northeast Climate Impact Assessment, ClimateChoices.or

About the Author

H.L. Staples has renovated two older homes, as well as taught at the University of Georgia and Syracuse University. Her articles have appeared in The Boston Review, Denver Quarterly, The Georgia Review, and elsewhere.

About The Author
H.L. Staples has renovated three older homes and has just purchased her fourth. Her articles have appeared in The Boston Review, Denver Quarterly, The Georgia Review, and elsewhere.