Using under stairs area as utility space

[Nigello]

Has anyone used the small space beneath the stairs for fridge/washing machine etc? If so, what were the costs and considerations that needed to be taken? Ta.

[stringvest]

Nope, Ive put loads of other stuff under the stairs. A fridge you can just plug in ... but a washing machine needs plumbing in and waste outlet etc, depending on where the nearest water and waste is it could be quite expensive to plumb.

Even in my tiniest galley kitchen, I fitted in a under counter fridge, under counter freezer, washing machine and dishwasher. The under counter stuff made better use of the the space than a fridge freezer, there was a lovely big work top etc ...

------- double cupboard hood double cupboard ------------

shelves drawers hob drainer sink worktop

cupboard drawers

fridge FLOOR kitchen window

freezer cupboard

------ kitchen door dishwasher washing machine shelves

2 double cupboards

?????

[DulwichFox]

Not a utility area but still put to good use..

This is my under stair office & print staion.

DulwichFox

[stringvest]

Sorry, my kitchen plan didn't translate well into typing. I spaced it out so it was a square floor plan, but when I posted my message the gaps closed !!!

Tidy wires DF !!

My understairs is bookshelves.

[DulwichFox]

stringvest Wrote:

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> Sorry, my kitchen plan didn't translate well into

> typing. I spaced it out so it was a square floor

> plan, but when I posted my message the gaps closed

> !!!

>

> Tidy wires DF !!

>

> My understairs is bookshelves.

To keep gaps enclose with

your stuff here

more stuff

More stuff

without the spaces..

Foxy

[stringvest]

Thank you !!

[Nigello]

I was thinking of a fridge and a freezer, separate, with enough space behind and in front to allow circulation. The area has a door and a light/leccy. The gas meter is there already: I suppose the "gas board" (ask your dad) would have to shift that, unless anyone else knows different.

[Sue]

I currently have a small second freezer under the stairs, below the gas meter (I have a fridge freezer in the kitchen).

I enquired about moving the meter. It is very expensive. To move mine outside would have cost getting on for a thousand pounds. It depends on distance etc.. And the electricity meter and fuse box (or whatever it's called now) are still under the stairs, anyway.

I removed all the panelling some months back so that I could store things under the stairs more easily while my kitchen was being replaced. I had intended to replace it with several doors, for easier access, but I'm now considering just leaving the space open altogether.

I would have liked to put a larger chest freezer in there, but I think there could be problems with opening the lid fully because of the slant of the stairs. I haven't measured that up yet.

I personally wouldn't want a washing machine in there for various reasons.

[womanofdulwich]

We are thinking of " breaking in" from the other side and storing bikes there. I had not appreciated it would cost that much to move a gas meter?

[ruffers]

Why would the gas meter need moving? I would have thought it could co-exist with a fridge and freezer happily enough.

[Nigello]

It's a big size - about the size of a block of four sugar bags and is mounted in a small cubpoard so it reduces the depth of the space available. I will measure up and see whether a fridge and a freezer would fit side-by-side.

[KidKruger]

About to make use of my understairs (currently a cobweb and moth factory), will post pics as per Foxy, since he's set the benchmark.

[mancity68]

I want to do something like this - do I need a builder or a carpenter? Beyond my skill level either way....

[KidKruger]

Looks ok but very unusual stairs - very gradual climb (unless the pic has been stretched).

[DulwichFox]

They look like Bespoke units.. Not the work of a builder or carpenter....

Just Google 'Bespoke Under Stairs Storage' there are many sites offering such work.

One example..

http://www.formcreations.co.uk/uploads/8/1/5/9/8159131/3895554_orig.jpg

http://www.formcreations.co.uk/under-stairs.html

DulwichFox

[mancity68]

Yes, think you're right KK, was more just the concept.

Thanks Foxy, that's helpful.

[numbers]

Where will the monsters go?!

[mancity68]

They will stay in the wardrobe where they are at present.....

[Sue]

mancity68 Wrote:

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> I want to do something like this - do I need a

> builder or a carpenter? Beyond my skill level

> either way....

Not very aesthetically pleasing? In my opinion ......

[Sue]

numbers Wrote:

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> Where will the monsters go?!

:))