might run as high as $20,000. One way to cut costs significantly: Position the laundry room near the kitchen or bathroom so that you can share plumbing lines. You'll still need to hire some pros ...

In 1850s America, most people relied on privies and outhouses for their bathroom needs ... Pipes pumped water up from the first-floor laundry room, where water was heated, Mansell said.

In 1850s America, most people relied on privies and outhouses for their bathroom needs ... Pipes pumped water up from the first-floor laundry room, where water was heated, Mansell said.