Are you sick and tired of mud and dirt getting tracked through your home? It’s a common problem in the Northern Territory given the terrain in many areas. The Europeans and Americans have found a solution to this problem in the form of what is called a “mud room.” It’s a novel concept that does exactly what it’s called.
Mud Rooms
If you have never heard of a mudroom it is a space in your home that takes the fall when it comes to all things muddy and dirty. Many Northern Territory homes could potentially have a need for a mud room or area, regardless of whether you live in a suburban or rural area. Basically, if you are sick of cleaning mud in your hallways and living spaces, a mud room is a designated area for leaving dirt behind before entering the home.
The mud room is traditionally an area which is considered outside of the main home. If family members or visitors want to come in they have to get past the mud room, first. Wet or dirty work and sporting equipment and clothing are left in the mud room before entering the house. It takes discipline and enforcing rules for a mud room to work but it is definitely worth the effort when you see the difference in cleanliness to your home.
Planning for a Mud Room
There are various levels of practicality when building a mud room. You have to think about what you want to use the mud room for and plan accordingly. A simple mud room would allow family members and visitors to take their shoes off before entering the house. However, if you have family members who work in dirty jobs that involve wearing overalls or kids with sports gear your mud room may need to double as a storage and change room.
Mud Room Location
The best case scenario is adapting a suitable entryway into a mudroom. If you don’t have that luxury the next step is thinking of an area where you could build a mud room. You don’t want a mud room that takes away from the look of your home. Consider practicality but include design elements that will ensure the new construction blends with the architecture of your home.
You also need to consider the extent of the use you want to get from a mud room. For instance, if you want it to act as a changing room you should have a family meeting about organising clothes and the protocol for decontamination before stepping foot inside the house.
Combi-Mud Rooms
If you happen to have a laundry room with an entrance from the outside, this is the perfect space to use as a mudroom. You can create storage space for changing clothes and dirty clothes can go straight in the laundry rather than lying around in hallways and bedrooms and you can also use window films to provide privacy.
If repurposing a room or construction is not an option, are there any outdoor spaces you can use? Verandas and porches are ideal for a basic mud room. However, think about the addition of privacy screens to create a multi-purpose space that is practical and keeps out prying eyes. Generally speaking, most homeowners will not have enough space for a dedicated mud room on their property; it’s just a matter of working what you’ve got.
If you are constructing a mud room and need high quality building inspections, Houspect provides services to homeowners in Australia. Call our Northern Territory offices today on 1300 258 789 to arrange an inspection carried out by fully qualified builders.
