We're big believers in custom kitchens. The kitchen is the heart of the home: it's where you spend the most time, and it often becomes a showpiece, so it makes sense to invest there. A laundry room or utility room is a different story. It's one of the best places in a renovation to save thousands of dollars.

Why prefab works here
In this laundry room we used IKEA units, including a PAX wardrobe, with plenty of drawers and practical shelving. We also reused an offcut from the countertop to finish the space, so nothing went to waste. In a room like this, custom millwork simply isn't where your budget does the most good.

Repairs are faster and cheaper
There's another benefit people don't always think about. If a door gets dinged, a replacement IKEA door costs around $90. With a custom cabinet, the door goes back to the millworker to be filled, sanded, repainted and sprayed. That can run hundreds of dollars and take weeks, depending on their production schedule.

Our take
There's always a balance to strike, but for utility rooms, we'd go prefab.

Planning a renovation and deciding where to spend and where to save? Contact Lighthaus Built to talk it through.

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