Heating Shared Common Areas

[Carson E.]

So I am looking at potentially purchasing an over/under duplex  (ground level and basement).  My question has to do with what would be a shared laundry room that is in an open room tied to a hallway leading outside.  Essentially if the outside door does not close all the way, there is potential for pipes to freeze, or even if the door is closed on cold nights, there is potential freeze damage.  Anybody have any ideas on how they protect these common areas that do not necessarily have traditional heating to them?  I suppose I could run a heating vent over to it or put head tape on the pipes as added insurance?