When doing a home rehab in a wet region, you can’t help but deal with a mudroom. This small room or space in the house is often used overlooked by rehabbers, thinking that it won’t affect the value of a property at all. Despite this, a mudroom can actually have an impact on the home buyers’ perception of the property. That is why it is important to know the basics of the mudroom.

Generally, this room serves as the buffer between the interiors and the exteriors during rainy or snowy days. It is where people wipe their wet shoes. It’s also where they hang wet clothes, coats, and winter gear. When doing a rehab house, it’s important to pay attention to this room because it could be the first thing buyers notice in the interiors. While most home sales happen during spring, it is not impossible that you’ll pass through it first if the open house happens on a rainy day.

The main function of a mudroom is to prevent debris from getting inside the house. Especially in wet and muddy regions, having this room and space is helpful in keeping the house clean – and dry. When doing a home rehab, you must keep in mind this main function. The design and features of the room must revolve around this function.

The size of the mudroom will depend on the demand for it. For instance, a small mudroom will suffice for dry areas. If it will serve as a laundry room, it must be able to accommodate the washing machine, dryers, and other appliances. For farmhouses or properties located in muddy areas, you might need to widen it a bit. It will also require more features for hanging and storing gear. If you’re doing a home rehab that’s near bodies of water like lakes, rivers, and even beaches, having a bigger mudroom is also a must. In these houses, mud and sand is usually brought inside the property.

When it comes to features, you need to remember the room’s main function, which is to prevent dirt and debris from entering the house. That’s why this space must be equipped with flooring that’s easy to clean. Among the best materials for this part are concrete, linoleum, and ceramic tile. These materials allow easy mopping and wiping.

Apart from the clean floor, you’ll need to include closet or hooks for coats and jackets. You will also be installing some shoe rack and a bench to make it convenient for people when removing or cleaning their footwear. Some investors who do this part of a rehab house also include a drain and sink. However, you must weigh this option well as plumbing can be an expensive improvement.

Finally, when it comes to the design, this is one area where you can actually use some experimentation. While staying neutral has always been the norm, you can use this part of the home rehab to “break away” a bit. After all, it is the “buffer zone,” not exactly part of the interiors and not exactly counted as an exterior.