Under Counter Washer/Dryer

9 years ago

last modified: 9 years ago

I have a 850 sqft 1 bedroom condo. It's about 10 years old and the appliances are original. I was considering upgrading the washer and dryer. They are in the kitchen island along with the sink and dishwasher.

I come to find, Frigidaire doesn't make washers/dryers with the same dimensions anymore - they've gotten an inch taller from 35" to 36". I haven't found any manufacturer that makes a 35" high washer. Depth is an issue too, with only 31" including space for hookups.

It looks like my only options are to go compact, which will halve my laundry capacity and look funny in the spots, or to raise the counter an inch.

What's getting me more worried though, is I know a ton of units in the condo have a similar setup. At 10 years old, it's not going to be long before many need replacing. If too many owners opt for compacts instead of adjusting counter height, I fear that will reduce the desirability of their units and therefore the comps.

Very worried about how this will all shake out.

Edit: distance from floor to bottom of granite is 35.5" Removing floor may buy 1/4 inch

Featured Answer

Alex Chicago

9 years ago

1. Are you 100% certain of the dimensions, and that a 36" washer won't fit? I see a pretty sizeable gap in the photo. I'm guessing you've measured, though.

2. I'm no real estate expert but can't imagine going from full-size to compact would have a big impact on comps. If you're talking 5 bedroom home (read: large family) it may matter. In 1BR condos, the presence of any in-unit laundry is a plus.

If you're forced to go compact (and some of us have CHOSEN to go "compact" over full size), the key will be to trim out the space so they don't look undersized. A carpenter or competent handyman should be able to do a nice job.

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Comments (13)

tristenhannah
Original Author
9 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Not a gap, a piece of trim. It's only 1/2 inch. From floor to bottom of granite is 35.5"

All the 1 bedroom apartments and condos in the area have in unit washers and dryers, and all full size from what I've seen.
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moebus
9 years ago
Just went through exactly the same problem with the same units.

see the comments in "Laundry pair suggestion" thread in this forum.
tristenhannah thanked moebus
tristenhannah
Original Author
9 years ago
I can't find that thread, can you post a link?
mamapinky0
9 years ago
One bedroom means one or two people and a compact is plenty big enough. If comps are a concern just make sure the compact is TOL. Miele comez to mind.
armjim
9 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Having recently sold my house I can tell you that comps don't consider the size of the washers and dryers. You have to remember that most of the people who post here know and care more than the average person about laundry appliances. Even appraisers are not that knowledgeable about these-they are more concerned with structural upgrades and the quality of building materials when they are doing an appraisal. I would recommend you do what is right for you-i.e. what will make you enjoy your home.

Look for some used appliances that are similarly sized-you may find newer machines or even used Mieles that will fit in the space and meet your budget without resorting to remodeling the space.
moebus
9 years ago
Sorry tristenhannah, it's 'Front loader pair-suggestions'. While mine are stacked, the vertical space problem remains the same as I only have 70".The current version of the Frigidaire units requires 72.5" for stacking.
enduring
9 years ago
That space is begging for a compact w/d setup, lol. Miele, Bosch, Electrolux make compact. Is your dryer electric? Is it vented? Miele only makes a condensing type dryer these days. I'm not sure about Bosch. The Electrolux compact only comes in a condensing type dryer too. If you can find a relatively new Miele set that has a vented dryer, that could work. I love my Miele set with electric vented dryer. I have queen sized bedding and have not had a problem with washing anything, other than thicker than medium comforters and very thick mattress pads. I prefer to layer my bedding anyway, so I don't use thick comforters. Mine will wash a moderately stuffed down quilt without problem.
erminiam
8 years ago
hi Moebus
moebus
8 years ago
Question?
erminiam
8 years ago
would u be open to talking to me via phone regarding gaggneau appliances? I am also in Toronto and I am in the process of deciding whether to buy their 30" double oven unit or 30" oven with a 30" warming drawer.
PRO
Joe Henderson
8 years ago
One possible hiccup. Is that dryer gas or electric? If its gas you have a major issue since no gas unit will fit. Check the model tag and if it's a FGQ332 or GLGQ model that you need to make those last as long possible!

I wouldn't stress about the compact units. There are really good options out there and depending on your budget you may even have the space for a unit with the same capacity as yours (asko logic series).
moebus
8 years ago
Sure erminiam, send me a number.