How Much Does It Cost to Add a Mudroom?

In this guide

Cost of Adding a Mudroom by Size

The average mudroom is not very large and may sometimes be considered a micro addition. Typically, mudrooms are 6’ x 6’, 7’ x 7’, or 8’ x 8’. When adding laundry equipment or a utility sink, it may be as large as 10’ x 10’ or 10’ x 12’. Consider whether you are making it an indoor addition when determining your mudroom’s size, meaning taking an existing space and turning it into a mudroom or building onto the home. If you want a larger space for storage, laundry facilities, and a dedicated entrance to this area, consider a full-scale addition. If you only need a small area, closet conversions and other interior additions can be the right choice.

Small Mudroom Addition

The cost of a small mudroom addition ranges from $3,600 to $14,700. This is because most small mudrooms range from 36 to 49 sq.ft. With an average cost range of $100 to $200 for micro additions or interior conversion and an average cost range of $100 to $300 for slightly larger additions, this can make small mudroom additions one of the more affordable home addition projects.

Mudroom Addition Cost by Location

Mudrooms can be added to many areas. Some can be added to your home’s interior, while others require you to make an addition to your home. Each has pros and cons, particularly in how you use the space, how much room you have, and present limitations. Because of this, the location may impact the project’s cost.

Front Door Mudroom Addition

The average cost of a front door mudroom addition is $3,600 to $7,200. While most mudrooms are considered secondary entrances, sometimes it makes the most sense to include a small mudroom at the front door. In this case, the addition is typically made to the home’s interior. It can be done in several ways. You can section the area inside the front door to make a separate “room” or vestibule where people can enter and remove outer clothing. You can also have a mudroom inside the home to one side of the front door. Installing coat hooks, benches with interior storage, and wall cubbies keep the entryway clean and organized no matter how much traffic it gets.

Turning a Closet Into a Mudroom

The cost to turn a closet into a mudroom averages $3,600 to $7,200. This is a common conversion in small spaces. If you have a closet located near enough to an entrance that it makes sense for it to become a mudroom, converting it can add function. The conversion usually consists of opening up and removing the existing closet. This usually means removing the door and walls framing it in from the rest of the space. From here, it is a matter of outfitting it with the storage typically used in a mudroom like benches, lockers, or cubbies.

Adding a Mudroom to a Garage

The cost to add a mudroom to a garage ranges from $3,600 to $10,000. If the garage is your family’s most frequently used entrance into the home, it makes sense to convert part of it into a mudroom. Garage mudroom additions can be done in many ways. Some convert the area where the garage connects to the main home into the mudroom. Others add a mudroom area to one end near where they enter. Things to include in this conversion are lockers, cubbies, or benches because these keep the garage organized and uncluttered, so it can still be used for its original purpose.

Mudroom in a Kitchen

The cost of adding a mudroom area to a kitchen is $3,600 to $10,000. If your kitchen has an entrance to the backyard or side of the house, it makes sense to create a mudroom area here. Unless your kitchen is extremely large, you can likely only add a mudroom area of up to 50 sq.ft. if not smaller. Typically, this includes creating a small area with cubbies or benches, easy-to-care-for flooring, and storage organization. You could line two walls with cubbies or lockers or set up a mudroom area on one side, depending on the kitchen layout. Change the flooring between the two sections if you want the space to look separate from the kitchen.

Mudroom in a Living Room

The cost of adding a mudroom in a living room averages $3,600 to $10,000. If your living room exits outdoors, adding a small mudroom area can keep it clean and organized. You can set this up in several ways, depending on your living room’s layout and entrance. One method is to create a small area inside the door lined with lockers, benches, or cubbies on either side. Or, you may create a mudroom area along one wall inside the door. You may want to consider changing the flooring in this area to set it apart from the rest of the living room, using a low-maintenance floor material.

Outdoor Mudroom

The cost of an outdoor mudroom ranges from $3,600 to $30,000. Like the outdoor kitchen, the outdoor mudroom can be an attractive addition to many homes. If your family spends a lot of time outdoors, an outdoor mudroom can help you stay organized, while keeping your interior clean. Outdoor mudrooms often have patio pavers and outdoor storage options. It is also common to have an outdoor shower area or an outdoor foot bath for cleaning muddy feet before entering the home. Storage may be for outdoor equipment, such as shovels, rakes, garden shoes, or backyard sports equipment.

Adding a Mudroom to the Back of a House

The cost of adding a mudroom to the back of a house is between $4,900 and $36,000. Adding a mudroom onto the back of your house is considered a full mudroom addition. You can do this as a micro-addition, meaning a small bump-out containing a doorway and your storage. You can also do this as a full-sized home addition. In this last case, you must consider adding HVAC systems, insulation, and overall construction. Bump-outs and micro additions do not need the same level of construction as a full addition, so they can be done much more cheaply.

Basement Mudroom

The cost of a basement mudroom averages $7,350 to $25,000. If you have a walkout basement that exits to the outdoors, you may want to consider putting a mudroom in here. Basement mudrooms have higher costs than mudroom additions in other areas. This is due to the finishing and waterproofing that must be done first, plus the higher costs of moving and rerouting plumbing and electrical work through the basement. Exposed pipes and wires must be moved or encased during the remodel. Basement mudrooms are not practical for true basements because they are designed to be next to an entrance.

Mudroom Addition Cost Breakdown

It can be helpful when building a mudroom to break it down into basic components. This begins with the framing of the space and ends with the finishing treatments, such as storage, seating, and countertops. Keep in mind not all mudrooms need the same level of work. If you add a mudroom area to an existing space, the construction is already done, and you get straight to adding the lockers, storage, and other attributes. However, for a completely new space, garages, and basements, construction is your first step. Below is the average cost breakdown for the most common parts of the mudroom. Remember that your mudroom may not have all these components.

Cost to Build a Mudroom

Construction costs for an exterior mudroom addition are between $25 and $60 a sq.ft. This is for the framing, exterior finishing, interior wall finish work, electrical work, and insulation. It does not include flooring, HVAC, storage, specialty wallcoverings, or plumbing. The construction process for a mudroom addition is similar to most home additions. The biggest difference is that mudrooms are so small they are considered micro additions. Like other additions, the plans are submitted for permits, and a foundation or concrete pad ¹ is poured. The walls are framed, and the exterior of the addition is completed in materials matching the home.

Some mudrooms are insulated and connected with the existing HVAC system in the home, increasing costs. Others are given a separate system like a baseboard heater, making the construction process less costly and invasive.

Mudroom Plumbing Cost

Plumbing is not a necessary component of every mudroom but can add much-needed function. Some mudrooms use a sink and faucet for a quick wash when entering. Others may have a full shower or dog shower for more intensive cleaning purposes. Keep in mind that adding these features may increase the space size.

Mudroom Faucet

The average mudroom faucet costs $150 to $300 installed. For the most part, a sink in the mudroom is used for utility. It may be a simple sink for handwashing. Or, it may be a larger sink for watering plants and washing tools. In either case, most mudroom faucets are very basic kitchen faucets. Kitchen faucets can swivel and often have a neck taller than bathroom faucets. This makes them easier to fit things under to be more useful.

Mudroom Sink

The cost of adding a sink to a mudroom averages $200 to $1,000. It is common to add a utility sink to mudrooms. This provides a place to wash up before entering the main house. It can also give you a place to wash tools, bathe small animals, water plants, and fill buckets or pitchers. You can use many sinks in a mudroom. You can hang a small sink on a wall, use a very large utility sink on its own stand, or install a sink on a countertop.

Mudroom Dog Shower

The cost of adding a dog shower to the mudroom ranges from $2,000 to $4,000. Dog showers are usually ready-made showers designed to hold the dog securely at a level easy for you to wash them at. Some people may also add pet baths or a small waterproof area with a spray to wash pets off before entering the home to their mudrooms. This is a great addition if you have larger pets. Smaller pets can bathe in a utility sink for a lower cost. Dog showers tend to have ramps for larger dogs to walk up and raised sides to hold them. Some may also have clips to restrain dogs that may want to jump out.

Mudroom Shower

The cost of a mudroom shower is between $2,000 and $4,000. Mudroom showers tend to be small stall showers added to a corner or side of the room. If you do heavy work or gardening outside or have a pool or other busy outdoor area, a mudroom shower can be beneficial. Installing this can let you rinse off quickly before entering the rest of the home. The cost of the shower varies depending on the material and if you install a door. Basic acrylic stalls are the least expensive and easiest ways to add a shower to the space.

Mudroom Flooring Cost

You can use many flooring types for the mudroom. Ideally, buy a floor that can withstand heavy use because mudrooms are designed to be the casual entrance. A mudroom floor should be easy to clean, capable of hiding dirt, non-skid when wet, and require no special cleaners or sealers.

Numerous flooring options work well in mudrooms, making it possible to find one that fits your decor and needs.

Vinyl Mudroom Flooring

The cost of vinyl ² flooring for the mudroom averages $2 to $14 a sq.ft. installed. Vinyl flooring makes a great choice for many mudrooms. It is water-resistant, scratch-resistant, easy to install, and easy to care for. It does not require special cleaners, and some types may disguise dirt. Keep in mind that there are many vinyl flooring types. Vinyl plank is one of the more popular types, but it must be installed over a very level substrate, while glue-down vinyl can be used nearly anywhere.

Concrete Floor Mudroom

The cost of a concrete mudroom floor is $2 to $30 a sq.ft. This is a good option if you are pouring a new foundation for a ground-level mudroom and want to leave this as your flooring. A basic concrete floor has costs starting at $2 a sq.ft. If you want to create a more decorative floor or a stamped concrete floor, your costs increase. Adding a concrete floor to an existing home is not always an option. This option is most often recommended for new additions only.

Rubber Mudroom Flooring

The cost of rubber flooring for a mudroom ranges from $4 to $12 a sq.ft. Rubber flooring is a good option for an easy-to-care-for floor. It is water-resistant and resilient, so it is not bothered by foot traffic or heavy objects. There are several rubber flooring types. Rubber mats are one of the easiest options to install, while pound-down rubber flooring is the most difficult. Rubber floors also come in different thicknesses. The thicker the material, the more durable, but also the more expensive to purchase and install.

Hardwood Mudroom Floor

The cost of a hardwood mudroom floor is $6 to $12 a sq.ft. Not all hardwoods are a good choice for mudrooms. Many hardwood floors are damaged in a mudroom under normal conditions. It is recommended to take precautions if you use a hardwood floor in this area. Choose an engineered factory-sealed floor with a high Janka score. This ensures it can withstand water damage, salt, mud, and other debris tracked in daily. You may also want to put mats over the hardwood to protect it further.

Cork Mudroom Floor

The cost of a cork mudroom floor averages $6 to $12 a sq.ft. Cork can be a good option for some mudrooms. This material is naturally water-resistant, eco-friendly, and resilient underfoot. It can also disguise dirt and wear in some cases. Cork comes in many styles, colors, and patterns. It can be glued down or floated for its installation. However, floating requires the subfloor to be extremely level.

Slate Mudroom Floor

The cost of slate ³ for a mudroom floor is $7 to $20 a sq.ft. installed. Slate makes a fantastic addition to many mudrooms. This metamorphic stone is very hard-wearing and durable. It can disguise dirt and wear and resists scratching and staining. Slate comes in a range of colors and surface textures. The more even and uniform the slate is, the higher it costs.

Mudroom Floor Tile

The cost of a tile mudroom floor averages $9 to $49 a sq.ft. You can use many tile types on a mudroom floor. The most common and frequently recommended is porcelain. Porcelain tiles are resistant to scratching, chipping, and staining. This makes them an ideal choice for a high-traffic area. Other good tile choices for the mudroom include stones like bluestone and slate, quarry pavers, and thicker handmade tiles.

Brick Mudroom Floor

The cost to install bricks on the mudroom floor ranges from $11 to $24 a sq.ft. A brick floor can be a beautiful and long-lasting addition to any room. Bricks for flooring are thinner than those used for cladding. This means they install similarly to tile. You can find new bricks and reclaimed bricks from old farmhouses. This can allow you to have an eco-friendly flooring option.

Mudroom Walls Cost

It is common for many mudrooms to have the walls taken up by lockers, cubbies, coat hooks, and other storage options. However, you may have some wall areas that are not covered. While you can go with a simple paint finish, you can also choose various other wall features, including board and batten for a cottage style or wall panels for something more elegant.

Mudroom Accent Wall

Creating an accent wall in a mudroom costs $2 to $30 a square foot. Accent walls are also known as feature walls because they add a decorative aspect to the room. You can create one using nearly any material or color as long as it contrasts or stands out from the room. You can create an accent wall with paint in a bold color. Or, you can use reclaimed wood, wall paneling, beadboard, or another feature. The key to creating a good accent wall is to make sure it is free of storage or clutter and readily apparent from where you enter the room.

Board-and-Batten Mudroom

The cost to create a board-and-batten wall in the mudroom is $10 to $25 a sq.ft. Board and batten is used primarily as a siding type and was one of the first types of siding used in the U.S. It is made using wide boards installed vertically to cover the walls. Over each seam ⁴ between the boards, a thin strip of wood called a batten is fastened. The batten helps make the walls airtight. Board-and-batten walls can be made from many materials, including wood, fiber cement ⁵, and vinyl.

Mudroom Shiplap Wall

The cost of a shiplap wall averages $10 to $25 a square foot. Shiplap is another style that was created as a siding. It is made of “horizontal lap” boards or boards overlapping to create an airtight surface. In this case, the boards overlap behind one another rather than in front. This creates a very smooth and tight finish for the walls with no shadows. Shiplap is typically made of wood and must be hand-fit to the walls.

Mudroom Wall Panels

The cost of installing wall panels in the mudroom ranges from $10 to $50 a sq.ft. There are many wall panel types, including simple wood panels, beadboard, and elaborate overlay panels. Panels in the mudroom may be installed as wainscoting to a chair rail or shoulder height. They may be used to protect the walls when paired with coat hooks and other storage types. Or, they can create an accent wall. The more elaborate the wall panel and the more of the walls it covers, the higher the costs.

Cost to Build Mudroom Lockers

Lockers or cubbies are a frequent addition to today’s mudroom. Typically, a locker or cubby is assigned to each member of the family, providing everyone with a spot to store belongings. The lockers may be open or closed and have hooks, shelves, drawers, or small benches. You may purchase ready-made lockers to install or opt to have lockers custom built to fit the room dimensions and your needs. A basic set of 3 to 4 open lockers costs between $800 and $2,400 for prefab designs, depending on the style, dimensions, and material. Custom lockers have different costs but allow you to alter the setup to fit your home and family. For example, you may opt to include outlets for charging electronics or special shelves for holding athletic equipment. Below are the average costs for custom lockers, depending on their type.

Mudroom Cubbies

The cost of mudroom cubbies ranges from $500 to $750 a linear foot for custom cabinets and installation. Cubbies are essentially smaller lockers or cabinets. If you do not need a big set of storage lockers, smaller cubbies can sometimes be an option. The cubbies come in several sizes, from small squares that can be hung at a child’s height to large open cabinets with 1 or 2 shelves and hooks. In general, cubbies tend to be simpler and plainer than a locker. They pair well with baskets and other organizers you can arrange inside.

Open Locker

The cost of custom open lockers for the mudroom is $500 to $1,000 a linear foot. These lockers are more like elongated cubbies, which have hooks for hanging coats and may contain shelves and plugs for electronics. They may be mostly open but have a small pull-out drawer at the bottom or a small door at the top to contain items. Open lockers have more options than cubbies, and they are frequently wider. They may be built with a bench at the bottom, which can add more storage and seating.

Closed Mudroom Locker

The cost of a custom closed mudroom locker averages $1,000 to $1,500 a linear foot installed. Closed lockers are essentially large cabinets with doors that shut. They may also contain hooks, shelves, plugs, and drawers, but anything inside is hidden from view when the doors are closed. For some households, this can be helpful because it produces a more ordered appearance, even if a child’s locker is not tidy inside. Like cabinets, closed lockers have a range of door styles. You can find some with two stacked doors or a door and drawer for more customization.

Additional Mudroom Storage Price

You can include storage and organization in your mudroom in many other ways. Shoe racks and coat racks can be combined with lockers, while others may be stand-alone options. Depending on how you use the space and where it is located, you may include some of these common additions.

Mudroom Shoe Storage

The cost of shoe storage for the mudroom ranges from $20 to $200. Many shoe storage types work for the mudroom. Small shoe racks can be included at the base of each cubby or locker, for example. Or, you can invest in a shoe storage cabinet with multiple small cubbies for each set of shoes. There are also hanging systems that can be hung from a rail inside a locker or hung from the back of a door. Many storage benches also make great options for shoe storage.

Mudroom Coat Rack

The cost of a mudroom coat rack is $20 to $1,400. Coat racks for mudrooms can take on many appearances. The most common is a wall rack, with evenly spaced hooks for hanging several coats and other garments. These can be hung by themselves or arranged below a set of cubbies. They come in several lengths and sizes. They also come in different materials and styles to match your mudroom.

Mudroom Pantry

The cost of a mudroom pantry is $300 to $3,000. Mudroom pantries are very similar to stand-alone kitchen pantries. This means they are usually constructed of a single large cabinet. The cabinet may pull straight out rather than having a door with shelves extending to the user. Or, they may be traditional with shelves inside. In either case, this is a good storage option for many households. They can be used as a secondary kitchen pantry, used to hold gardening items, pet food, supplies, or a range of other items.

Mudroom Sink Cabinet

The cost of a mudroom sink cabinet is $300 to $3,800. Sink cabinets are not necessary for having a sink in the mudroom. You can use a freestanding or a wall-hung sink. However, a sink base cabinet is a good addition if you want a sink and additional storage. Keep in mind that the cabinet is roughly 3 to 4 inches wider than the sink you can install in it. You can have a smaller sink, but you need an even wider cabinet if you want a very large mudroom sink.

Mudroom Bench Cost

Even if you do not have cubbies or lockers installed in your mudroom, you may still want to have benches. A bench may be as simple as an elongated chair or more complex with a lift top and storage inside. Benches can be part of a larger storage system, with a coat rack and hooks behind it or cubbies below the seating. They also come in a wide range of materials and styles. You can find ready-made benches from many sources or have a custom bench built for between $165 and $500 a linear foot.

Mudroom Bench With Shoe Storage

The cost of a mudroom bench with shoe storage is $80 to $200 for a prefab option. Benches with shoe storage are typically a cubby-style system for holding shoes. On the top of these cubbies is a space for seating. The bench style, size, and number of spaces vary. Larger benches and benches made from solid wood cost more. To ensure the bench is sturdy enough to hold a seated person safely, make sure the side walls are solid and the benchtop is thick enough to hold at least 200 pounds.

Mudroom Bench With Hooks

The cost of a mudroom bench with hooks averages $200 to $1,000 for a prefab option. This is a small bench with a tall back extending roughly 5’ to 6’ above the bench. In the back of this extended section is generally a set of hooks for hanging coats. This is a good option for small mudrooms or mudroom areas in entryways because it provides some storage without a full set of lockers. These benches are usually wide enough to accommodate 2 to 3 coats. Larger versions likely require custom work.

Mudroom Bench With Drawers

The cost of a mudroom bench with drawers ranges from $200 to $1,000. Mudroom benches frequently have a small set of drawers beneath the seating area. This provides you with additional storage and organization, while still enabling people to sit while putting on boots, shoes, and other items. These benches come in several sizes, from drawers that can take up the entire space below the bench to a single thin drawer at the top or bottom. Solid wood benches last longer than those made of composite materials but also tend to be more expensive. These benches come in a range of sizes and styles.

Mudroom Bench With Cubbies

The cost of a mudroom bench with cubbies is $200 to $1,000. Mudroom benches can have several types of cubbies built-in. Some are designed to hold small bins or baskets for organization. Others can be larger square cubbies that hold a few pairs of shoes or boots. In general, most benches with cubbies do not offer as much storage as other systems. Larger benches have more storage than smaller benches. The heavier the bench, the more durable it is for seating, but there may be less space for cubbies.

Corner Mudroom Bench

The cost of a corner mudroom bench averages $1,000 to $2,000 for a prefab model. Corner benches are not very common in ready-made options. They are smaller and not as usable as straight benches. This is one option to get better pricing for some styles by going custom rather than a prefab option. Custom corner benches can extend out from the corner at any length, while prefab corner benches tend to be small. Using corners is a great way to make the most of the space. Using benches in this area can fit more into the mudroom.

Mudroom Countertops

If your mudroom is large enough, you may want to consider adding counter space. Countertops provide additional storage and make it easier to fold and sort belongings or drop off bags and groceries when you enter.

Most materials are suitable for this, depending on what you plan on doing in the mudroom and how you use the countertops. This includes stone countertops like granite and manmade materials like quartz and laminate. Below are common countertop materials that may be used in the mudroom and their average costs.

Pros and Cons of Adding a Mudroom

Mudrooms add many benefits to the home. They are typically the informal entry to the house, so they become a likely place to bring pets and children through. They are also a good area to organize and store coats, boots, and outdoor equipment like sports gear, snow clothes, or gardening tools. Mudrooms are usually easy to clean and care for so that dirty shoes or pets do not leave lasting damage.

Adding a mudroom means taking space in the home or altering your house’s footprint ⁶. Both scenarios have drawbacks. Converting existing space means taking away an area that might already have use and reallocating other spaces.

Changing the footprint means making sure the exterior matches, which can be expensive and may mean applying for special permits, depending on your area. For example, in some ordinances, you cannot add a space too close to your property lines, or you may not be able to make the new addition as tall as you want.

Combined Laundry and Mudroom

Sometimes, you can combine a mudroom with a laundry room. This saves space in smaller homes, particularly when converting an existing space. If you do this, keep in mind that most laundry rooms start at 30 sq.ft. and most mudrooms start at 36 sq.ft. Combining them could mean these smaller spaces do not have enough room for everything in one area. For this reason, it is recommended that you double the size to a minimum of 8’ x 8’ or 64 sq.ft. to ensure you have enough space.

Both laundry rooms and mudrooms share many things, including a need for flooring that is water and stain-resistant and storage needs. The costs per square foot do not change dramatically when combining a laundry room with a mudroom and have an average range of $6,400 to $19,200.

Enhancement and Improvement Costs

Mudroom With a Washer and Dryer

Even if you do not opt for a full laundry room/mudroom combination, you can still add a washer and dryer to your mudroom. Many mudrooms already have the storage and water-resistant flooring a laundry room needs. The average cost to have a new washer and dryer installed is $820 to $2,500.

Mudroom With a Refrigerator

The mudroom can also be a good place to keep a second refrigerator. Whether it is just a small fridge for drinks or holding school lunches or a full-sized second fridge, this can be a useful option for many families. The average cost of a new fridge is $600 to $2,000.

Radiant Floor Heating

If this is a mudroom addition, you may want to consider radiant floor heating ⁷ as a good option for warming the space. Electric floor radiant heat can be a good option for additions because it does not have to connect with the HVAC system. The average cost for this is $10 to $25 a square foot.

Remodeling Terms Cheat Sheet

¹ Concrete pad: A flat area of concrete that can be used for a variety of purposes, such as a patio or a driveway

² Vinyl: A synthetic plastic made from ethylene and chlorine. Vinyl has many applications in the construction industry and it is widely used in sidings, window frames, roofing and gutters, among others

³ Slate: A fine-grained rock, typically bluish-gray in color, that can easily be split into thin layers and is commonly used as a roofing material

⁵ Fiber cement: A building material made with cellulose fiber, concrete, and recycled materials such as glass

⁶ Footprint: The entire area of ground covered by a building, including the exterior walls and porch or patio areas

⁷ Radiant floor heating: (Also known as Radiant floor) A heating system using tubes or electric wires installed underneath the flooring