Laundry rooms in Toronto have to do a lot in small spaces. From stacked washer‑dryers in downtown condos to narrow basement nooks in classic semis, smart planning keeps noise down, floors dry, and chores easy. This guide covers the must‑haves we design into laundry remodels so your space looks clean and works even better.
Start With Moisture Management
Water control comes first in any laundry renovation.
- Washer pan and drain: Add a pan under the washer tied to a nearby floor drain where possible. In finished spaces without a floor drain, consider a water sensor that shuts off supply valves.
- Floor drain and trap primer: If you are adding a new floor drain, include a trap primer so it does not dry out and allow odours. In basements, we confirm the drain ties into an approved branch.
- Utility sink: A deep sink with a pullout faucet handles hand‑washing, paint tools, and mop buckets. Add a tiled splash zone behind it.
- Water hammer arrestors: These reduce banging in pipes during quick fill cycles.
Venting That Actually Moves Lint and Moisture
- Short and straight: Keep dryer vent runs as short as possible with gentle bends. Use a smooth metal duct with sealed joints. Avoid long, crushed flex.
- Proper termination: Vent to the exterior with a backdraft damper and rodent screen that will not trap lint. Do not vent into garages, attics, or rooms.
- Condo realities: Many condo boards prohibit exterior dryer vents. In those cases, we specify condensing or heat pump dryers and ensure the room has adequate make‑up air and humidity control.
- Make‑up air and door undercuts: A tight room needs incoming air, or the dryer will struggle. Leave a 3/4 inch door undercut or add a transfer grille.
Plumbing Essentials That Save Headaches
- Laundry box: Install a recessed laundry box with quarter‑turn valves and a standpipe. This keeps hoses tidy and accessible.
- Standpipe height and trap: Follow the manufacturer’s specs for the standpipe and trap location. We keep the trap accessible for cleaning and include a cleanout where practical.
- Backflow and valves: Add a dedicated shutoff for the laundry group. Smart leak sensors can cut water if a spill is detected.
- Pressure balancing: If hot water fluctuates elsewhere during wash cycles, we can balance lines or add a small recirculation loop to speed hot water delivery.
Flooring and Subfloor Strategy
The floor should shrug off splashes and be easy to clean.
- Water-tolerant finishes: We like porcelain tile, sheet vinyl, or LVP with sealed edges. Avoid unfinished hardwood in wet zones.
- Slight slope to drain: Where a floor drain exists, we create a subtle slope so minor spills move toward the drain.
- Subfloor upgrades in basements: Floating subfloor panels add warmth and help isolate vibration. They also protect finished flooring from minor slab moisture.
Noise, Vibration, and Neighbours
Toronto semis and rows share walls, and laundry cycles can carry.
- Anti‑vibration pads and correct leveling keep machines stable.
- Decoupled walls and ceilings near machines reduce sound transfer to bedrooms. Mineral wool in stud bays is a simple upgrade.
- Solid‑core doors with perimeter seals cut airborne noise from spinning drums.
Storage That Makes Every Inch Count
- Full‑depth uppers above the machines for detergents and cleaning supplies. Use soft‑close hinges and tip restraints.
- Pull‑out hampers and sorting bins under a folding counter.
- Hanging rod or a short drying rail over the sink for drip‑dry items.
- Wall hooks for mops and a narrow utility cabinet for an ironing board.
Image idea: Cabinet layout showing pull‑out hampers and a wall hung drying rail. Alt: “Laundry storage plan with pull‑out hampers and drying rail.”
Lighting, Power, and Smart Controls
- Task lighting over folding counters and the sink. Under‑cabinet LED bars give an even wash of light.
- Dedicated circuits for the dryer and washer per electrical code. Add GFCI protection near the sink.
- Smart leak sensors and shutoff valves that send alerts to your phone.
- Occupancy sensors so lights shut off automatically after you leave.
Image idea: Under‑cab LED lighting illuminating a folding counter. Alt: “Under‑cabinet LED task lighting over laundry counter.”
Layouts That Work In Tight Toronto Spaces
Stacked in a closet
- Use a stack kit and secure blocking. Add a drip pan under the stack if clearance allows. Vent the dryer straight back when possible.
Side‑by‑side with the counter
- Standard 60 in total width fits most machines. A 26 to 28 in deep counter allows comfortable folding.
Basement nook
- Plan for stair clearances and bring machines down before finishing walls. Leave service access panels for valves and traps.
Budget Tiers To Plan Around
Good
Washer pan, water sensors, rigid vent upgrade, anti‑vibration pads, and a fresh coat of paint.
Better
New cabinets and a folding counter, porcelain flooring, a utility sink with a tile splash, and smart leak shutoff.
Best
Full rework with floor drain and trap primer, decoupled laundry wall, custom storage, heat pump dryer, and integrated lighting and controls.
Permits and Condo Rules
If you are adding a new drain, moving plumbing or electrical, or building new walls, permits may be required. Condos have specific rules for dryer types, drain connections, and access timing. We coordinate with the City and property managers so your project stays compliant.
Our Process at JG Contracting
- Assessment of plumbing, electrical, venting paths, and storage needs.
- Design and selections that match your finishes and budget.
- Build with dust control, careful plumbing and venting, and clean finishes.
- Walkthrough with leak tests, vent airflow check, and care tips.
Related reading on our blog
Ready To Make Laundry Day Easier?
A well-designed laundry room saves time and protects your home from moisture issues. Whether you want a simple refresh or a full buildout, we can help.
Ready to transform your home? Contact us today to book a consultation.
📞 Call us at: 437-259-9632
✉️ Email us at: jgcontractingyyz@gmail.com
🌐 Website: https://jgcontractingyyz.com
