A dated, cluttered space in a Lee's Summit, MO, home was a major source of frustration, failing to serve as a functional entry or a dedicated laundry area. Our handyman team transformed it into a powerhouse mudroom and laundry room combination. This remodel features custom built-in cabinetry, dedicated shoe and bag storage, and an optimized drop zone—turning wasted square footage into an organized, beautiful, and efficient extension of the home. See the complete before-and-after and how our remodeling process created the ultimate organizational solution for this busy family!
Table of Contents
- The Problem: Why the Old Space Wasn't Working
- Construction: Bringing the Vision to Life
- The Solution: Custom Design for Maximum Functionality
- Creating the Ultimate Drop Zone
- Optimizing Laundry Efficiency
- Custom Storage Details
- Our Remodeling Process: Stress-Free Transformations
- FAQs about a Mudroom Transformation Answered
The Problem: Why the Old Space Wasn't Working
Storage closet on the right wall when you step in from the garage.
Not an efficient use of space. The original drop zone on the left when stepping in from garage.
The original laundry set up to the left of the door when stepping in from the garage.
Before the remodel, this combined mudroom and laundry area was a prime example of wasted potential. As the main entry point from the garage, it suffered from severe organizational challenges:
- The Drop Zone Dilemma: There was no dedicated place for backpacks, bags, or coats, leading to constant clutter spillover into adjacent living spaces.
- Dated & Dark: The existing layout was inefficient, dated, and visually heavy, making a small room feel even smaller and less inviting.
- Poor Storage Utilization: Basic, off-the-shelf cabinets didn't utilize the vertical space or provide specialized storage needed for a busy family. The washer and dryer setup was cramped and lacked surrounding workspace.
- A Stress Point: Instead of functioning as a welcome home, this room acted as a bottleneck and a daily source of chaos.
Construction: Bringing the Vision to Life
We began with the demo process and essentially made the space a completely blank canvas.
After removing the old cabinets, drywall and tile it was time to move plumbing and electrical hook ups to get the space ready for the new layout.
Then we framed and added drywall. Now we could get the floors ready.
We put down new tile backer board and could then lay the floor tile.
Finally, we installed the custom cabinetry, added the hardware and fixtures and painted.
The Solution: Custom Design for Maximum Functionality
Our Lee's Summit mudroom laundry room remodel focused on intelligent design, custom features, and high-quality finishes to create a tailored solution that meets this family's exact needs.
Creating the Ultimate Drop Zone
The new design centers on a highly efficient dedicated drop zone. We installed custom built-ins featuring:
- Individual Lockers/Cubby Nooks: Each family member now has a designated nook perfect for setting down backpacks, sports bags, and personal items right as they enter the home. This immediately solves the clutter issue.
- Integrated Bench Seating: A durable bench provides a comfortable place to sit while putting on or taking off shoes.
- Concealed Shoe Storage: Below the bench, custom cubbies and drawers were built to organize shoes out of sight, keeping the floor clear and the entryway tidy.
Optimizing Laundry Efficiency
We maximized the area dedicated to laundry with a clean, ergonomic design:
- Seamless Countertops: New countertops near the washer and dryer provide space for sorting and folding laundry, turning a difficult chore into a more manageable one.
- Ample Cabinet Storage: Floor-to-ceiling custom cabinetry was installed to house detergents, cleaning supplies, and other utility items, ensuring everything is within reach but concealed behind beautiful doors.
Custom Storage Details
Every element was designed to bring structure to the chaos: from specialized hooks and adjustable shelving to deep drawers for bulky seasonal items. The result is a unified, streamlined look that maximizes every inch of space without feeling overwhelming.
Our Remodeling Process: Stress-Free Transformations
As a premier residential remodeling company in the Kansas City area, we understand that renovating an essential space like an entry/laundry room needs to be smooth and efficient. Our process for this Lee's Summit mudroom remodel included:
- In-Depth Consultation: Getting to know our clients. We want a deep understanding of the specific flow and organizational needs of the family.
- Custom Design & Rendering: Creating 3D plans for the built-ins and layout, ensuring the client approved the final drop zone and storage concepts before construction began.
- Efficient Handyman Service: Utilizing our experienced, handyman division for the installation of the custom cabinetry, plumbing hookups, and finishing touches to ensure a timely completion with minimal disruption to the household.
- Final Walkthrough: Guaranteeing the new space delivered on every functional and aesthetic promise, from the custom finish of the cabinets to the placement of the final hooks.
FAQs about a Mudroom Transformation Answered
Q: What areas does Schloegel serve?
A: We are proud to serve homeowners across the greater Kansas City Metropolitan Area, including all surrounding suburbs like Lee's Summit, Overland Park, and Leawood to name a few. Additionally, we extend our services to the beautiful Lake of the Ozarks region. We can work with you if you're a lake full timer or for vacation homes, second residences, and custom lake property remodels.
Q: How do I know if my project is considered "Design-Build" or "Handyman"?
A: Don't worry, we're here to guide you! We assess every project based on complexity and scope.
- Handyman Services typically include skilled repairs, maintenance, and smaller improvements like trim work, deck repair, and fixture installation.
- We can also handle larger, focused projects—like a mudroom or laundry room remodel—under our Handyman division. In these cases, we often bring in our Designers (like Lindsay and Kelly on our recent Lee's Summit project) to assist with product selections, materials, and finishes, ensuring you get a professionally designed result without committing to a full-scale Design-Build process. Read more about our process here!
Q: What specific services fall under your Handyman division?
A: Our Handyman Services are designed to handle almost any smaller project or necessary repair, from routine maintenance to targeted home upgrades. Common projects include:
- Wood rot repair (decks, trim, siding)
- Drywall repair and painting
- Tile backsplash installation
- Window and door replacements
- Light fixture and ceiling fan installation
- Focused projects or refreshes involving custom shelving, built-ins, or small room remodels (e.g., mudrooms, powder baths, sheds, decks).
Q: What if I don't have enough room for a dedicated mudroom?
A: That is a very common challenge! Our designers specialize in creative space planning. We can help you "find" the space you need by:
- Reconfiguring an underutilized area, such as repurposing a closet, moving an inefficient door, or optimizing a hallway corner.
- Integrating highly functional custom cabinetry and drop zones into a laundry room or garage entry, as seen in our recent Lee's Summit project.
- For those requiring a significant increase in space, we can design and execute a Home Addition to give your family the perfect, custom-built mudroom area tailored to all your unique needs.
- Read about other mudroom projects we've completed in this blog post.
Q: What does the remodeling process look like?
A: While a full-scale remodel can have multiple phases, our process for smaller or Handyman-led projects is streamlined for efficiency:
- Consultation: We discuss your goals, budget, and timeline.
- Scope Definition & Selections: We finalize the design details, materials, and product selections (with designer assistance, if needed).
- Scheduling & Execution: Our team manages all logistics, ensuring efficient scheduling of our craftsmen and women to complete the work with minimal disruption.
- Final Walkthrough: We want to ensure you're completely satisfied with the finished project.
Does your entryway double as a laundry room but fail at both jobs? Don't let a dated or cluttered space hold back your home's functionality.
We specialize in creating beautiful, highly functional spaces that people love to live in. Let us help you create an organized mudroom and laundry room to make daily life easier. Check out our Handyman Services Project Gallery here.
Contact us today for a consultation to turn your own cluttered spot into a dedicated, custom drop zone!
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