Convert a Garage Bay into a Mudroom and Laundry Room
Single Garage Bay → Mudroom and Laundry Room
Last updated
Convert one bay of a two-car garage into a functional mudroom entry with built-in cubbies, bench seating, coat hooks, and a fully plumbed laundry area with washer, dryer, utility sink, folding counter, and storage — creating the hardest-working room in your home.
Cost Range
$8,000 – $25,000
Timeline
3–8 weeks
Materials Cost
$13,030
Permits Cost
$1,000
Steps
Plan the Layout and Define Zones
A single garage bay is roughly 10x20 feet (200 square feet) — more than enough for both a mudroom and laundry. Divide the space into two zones: the mudroom entry zone nearest the door into the house (approximately 8x10 feet) for cubbies, bench, hooks, and shoe storage, and the laundry zone along the back or side wall (approximately 8x10 feet) for washer, dryer, utility sink, folding counter, and supply storage. Position the laundry zone on the wall closest to existing plumbing (typically the wall shared with the kitchen or bathroom) to minimize plumbing costs.
Estimated time: 2 days
Build the Partition Wall and Seal the Garage Door
If you are converting only one bay of a two-car garage, build a partition wall to separate the mudroom/laundry from the remaining garage bay. Use 2x4 framing with fiberglass insulation and drywall on both sides. For the garage door on the converted bay, you have two options: seal and insulate the existing garage door in place (cheapest — $300 to $800) or remove the garage door and build a solid insulated wall with an exterior entry door (better insulation and appearance — $2,000 to $4,000). If sealing the existing door, add rigid foam insulation panels to the interior side and weatherstrip all edges.
Estimated time: 5 days
Run Plumbing for Washer, Dryer, and Utility Sink
The laundry zone needs hot and cold water supply lines for the washer, a drain line for the washer, a gas line if using a gas dryer (or a 240V electrical circuit for an electric dryer), and a utility sink with its own hot/cold supply and drain. Hire a licensed plumber to connect to existing supply and drain lines. If the garage wall is adjacent to a kitchen or bathroom, this is relatively straightforward ($1,500 to $3,000). If plumbing must be run a longer distance, costs increase ($3,000 to $5,000). Also install a floor drain in the laundry area as a backup against washer leaks.
Estimated time: 5 days
Electrical, HVAC, and Ventilation
Install dedicated electrical circuits: one 20-amp circuit for the washer, one 240V 30-amp circuit for an electric dryer (or a gas line connection for a gas dryer), one 20-amp circuit for the utility sink area and general outlets, and one circuit for lighting. Ensure the dryer has proper ventilation to the exterior through a rigid metal duct (not a flexible plastic duct, which is a fire hazard). For climate control, extend existing HVAC ductwork into the space or install a wall-mounted electric heater. The space does not need air conditioning in most climates since it is a utility room.
Estimated time: 4 days
Insulate, Drywall, and Finish Walls and Ceiling
Insulate all exterior walls with fiberglass batts (R-13 minimum) and the ceiling with R-19 or higher if the attic is above. Hang drywall on all walls and ceiling, tape, mud, and sand smooth. Prime and paint with a semi-gloss or satin finish for moisture resistance and easy cleaning — mudrooms and laundry rooms get dirty and damp, so wipeable surfaces matter. Consider beadboard or shiplap wainscoting on the lower half of mudroom walls for a durable, attractive finish that hides scuffs.
Estimated time: 7 days
Install Durable Flooring
Mudroom and laundry floors must withstand water, mud, snow, pet paws, and heavy foot traffic. The best options are luxury vinyl plank (waterproof, warm underfoot, easy to install — $2 to $5 per square foot), porcelain tile (extremely durable and waterproof but cold underfoot and more expensive to install — $5 to $10 per square foot), or sealed concrete (the cheapest option if the existing garage floor is in good condition — clean, patch, and apply epoxy or concrete sealer for $1 to $3 per square foot). Add a large entry mat or boot tray at the exterior door to catch the worst of the dirt and moisture before it spreads.
Estimated time: 3 days
Build Mudroom Storage: Cubbies, Bench, and Hooks
The mudroom zone needs individual storage for each family member. Build or install a cubby system with one section per person, each containing a bench seat with shoe storage underneath, a coat hook at adult height and one at kid height, a shelf above for hats and gloves, and a basket or bin for bags and accessories. A built-in bench with hinged lid storage costs $300 to $800 to build from plywood and lumber. Ready-made mudroom storage systems from IKEA or Home Depot cost $200 to $600. Add a wall-mounted key rack and mail organizer near the door into the house.
Estimated time: 4 days
Set Up Laundry Area and Final Details
Install the washer and dryer (side-by-side or stacked depending on space). Build or install a folding counter above a front-loading washer and dryer — this provides a large, flat surface for folding clothes at a comfortable standing height. Mount wall cabinets above the counter for laundry supplies, cleaning products, and household storage. Install the utility sink with a gooseneck faucet for easy bucket filling and hand-washing. Add a hanging rod above the utility sink for air-drying delicates. Install bright overhead LED lighting and add a task light above the folding counter. Add finishing touches: a small shelf for a Bluetooth speaker, a hook for a broom and dustpan, and a small trash can.
Estimated time: 3 days
Materials
| Material | Est. Cost | Required |
|---|---|---|
| Partition Wall (framing, insulation, drywall) | $800 | Required |
| Garage Door Seal/Insulation or Wall Replacement | $2,000 | Required |
| Plumbing (washer hookup, utility sink, drain, floor drain) | $3,000 | Required |
| Electrical (4 circuits, outlets, dryer circuit) | $1,500 | Required |
| Dryer Vent (rigid metal to exterior) | $150 | Required |
| Insulation (walls and ceiling) | $800 | Required |
| Drywall and Finishing Supplies | $1,000 | Required |
| Paint (semi-gloss, moisture resistant) | $150 | Required |
| Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring | $800 | Required |
| Mudroom Cubby/Bench System (built-in or purchased) | $600 | Required |
| Coat Hooks, Key Rack, Wall Organizers | $100 | Required |
| Utility Sink with Faucet | $250 | Required |
| Folding Counter (countertop over washer/dryer) | $300 | Required |
| Wall Cabinets (above folding counter) | $400 | Optional |
| Hanging Rod for Air Drying | $30 | Optional |
| LED Ceiling Lights | $100 | Required |
| Exterior Entry Door (if replacing garage door with wall) | $500 | Optional |
| HVAC Extension or Wall Heater | $500 | Required |
| Boot Tray and Entry Mat | $50 | Optional |
Permits
Building Permit
Required for structural modifications, framing, and change of use from garage to living space. Check if your jurisdiction requires maintaining a minimum number of covered parking spaces.
$500
Plumbing Permit
Required for new water supply lines, drain connections, and the utility sink. Licensed plumber pulls this permit.
$300
Electrical Permit
Required for new circuits including the 240V dryer circuit. Licensed electrician pulls this permit.
$200
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to convert a garage bay into a mudroom and laundry room?
The estimated cost ranges from $8,000 to $25,000, depending on your location, project scale, finish quality, and whether you hire professionals or do it yourself.
How long does it take to convert a garage bay into a mudroom and laundry room?
A typical conversion takes 3 to 8 weeks, covering 8 major steps including plan the layout and define zones, build the partition wall and seal the garage door, run plumbing for washer, dryer, and utility sink, and more.
What permits do I need to convert a garage bay into a mudroom and laundry room?
You may need: Building Permit (approximately $500); Plumbing Permit (approximately $300); Electrical Permit (approximately $200). Requirements vary by jurisdiction.
What materials do I need to convert a garage bay into a mudroom and laundry room?
Key materials include: Partition Wall (framing, insulation, drywall) (~$800), Garage Door Seal/Insulation or Wall Replacement (~$2,000), Plumbing (washer hookup, utility sink, drain, floor drain) (~$3,000), Electrical (4 circuits, outlets, dryer circuit) (~$1,500), Dryer Vent (rigid metal to exterior) (~$150), Insulation (walls and ceiling) (~$800).
What is the difficulty level of this project?
This project is rated as intermediate. Some steps require professional help for plumbing, electrical, or structural work.
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