You might also look at a combo unit, which is both a washer and a dryer in one box, not two units stacked. LG makes them. One advantage they have, besides requiring half the space, is that you won't need to vent the dryer.

You say your landlord gave you permission for an electric outlet. What about permission to reroute the plumbing? You need to get a plumber and electrician in to estimate the costs. Probably also sheetrock work needed as well. Also, you or your landlord will have to pull permits, most likely, to have the work done. Personally, I think it's a waste of money to improve a leased apartment unless you're planning to stay there for a long time.

Save the money so you can eventually buy yourself a condo/house.

gizmonike: thanks for the combo idea. Problem is, LG seems to be in the $1300-1500 range. I found a couple of Kenmore combinations for around $1000, but some comments about repair issues are making me wary. Any thoughts on Kenmore?

weissman: agree with you, it IS going to be a hassle, but I'm going to stay there for 2-3 years. It may sound like a waste of money... but considering laundry costs ($25/week X 52 weeks X 3 years = $ 3,900) it may be worth it. Let's see what the plumbers & electricians say. How much can this type of work cost, after all?

Even if you could get the required electrical outlets, the plumbing obstacles may be insurmountable. Plumbing codes in most localities require a 2" standpipe for a washer hook-up. It's unlikely that a condo would be set up for a 2" drain line, as most sinks don't require a drain that large. The next problem will be properly venting the washer standpipe. Unless there's a nearby vent stack that you could tie into, or you're on a top floor and the building owner will allow you vent through the roof (highly unlikely), you're probably out of luck.

Then there's the question of an energy source for a dryer. Do you have a 220V circuit with sufficient amperage in your unit to support an electric dryer? If not, is there a gas line in the kitchen that could be tapped for a gas dryer?

And finally, let's not forget venting for a dryer. Unless you go with a condenser dryer, you're going to need to vent the dryer exhaust to the outside.

All in all, I think you're being overly optimistic if you think this would be a simple project. You probably should have held out for a place that included washer and dryer hook-ups.

Hi,

I put a washer and dryer in a large closet on the 2nd floor of my townhouse. The contractor gave me an estimate of $3500 which included the electrical and plumbing work necessary. Also, I'm in Tennessee so the costs of labor may be cheaper than at your location. I don't know yet how close that estimate was to the actual cost.

Venting the dryer proved to be a nightmare. I made the mistake of asking my condo board for permission to vent outside (rather then use one of those little water boxes). The condo board was a major hassle to deal with as they were concerned about the vent ruining the outside appearance. Many residents said I shouldn't have asked and just done what I wanted without their approval.

I too thought it would be more convenient to have a washer and dryer in my home. But I think "weissman" brings up a good point about the money you would be investing in a rental unit. Maybe the landlord would cover some of the cost since it will make renting that unit that much more desirable when you move out? I'm sure he will increase the monthly rent accordingly!

Good luck!
Karen

If code requires a pan under the washer, getting a stacked unit into the pan (over a flexible 1.5" tall lip) with no room to stand on either side is a backbreaking nightmare. For a customer, we just installed a FL washer (really heavy) and dryer in a side-by-side configuration in a closet and that was a really bad experience. And you can forget about leveling it.
YMMV, I hope.
Casey