New Build Issues

5 years ago

Just bought a new build using construct to perm loan. Did final walkthrough and for the most part everything looked great. We signed over the rest of the funds on Thursday and started moving in.

Realized yesterday when washer/dryer were installed that the laundry tub and dryer hookups are in the wrong spot. Laundry tub is supposed to be by the door and the dryer should be by the window. The dryer protrudes and the door won’t close. I ordered the units off the plans and they would have fit if the hookups were in the right spot.

At this point - is the builder required to do anything to fix? Or am I stuck with it like this? We live in Maryland.

Also the photo is reversed because we have a reversed plan.

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Comments (4)

millworkman
5 years ago
What type of build is this? What did the contractor say when you pointed this out to him?
chispa
5 years ago
Another option would be for the builder to install a pocket door into the laundry room.

Washers and dryers have been getting larger over the years and builders still build to the appliance dimensions from 30 years ago! The average washers and dryers are not counter depth and will never be even with a 26" counter. I had my architect allow 35" for the W & D plus some extra space.

Off topic, kind of -- have you used that type of washing machine? The temporary rental I am in has one and I hate it. They are nothing like the old style top loaders. I will be buying a front loader again for the new house.
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Mark Bischak, Architect
5 years ago
Invite the builder to be part of the solution.

It would be interesting to know if ANY clothes dryer would work in that location.
dani_m08
5 years ago
last modified: 5 years ago
From a purely legal perspective, a construction contract will specify that the house will be built in accordance with the attached/approved specifications and plans (plans = generic term for all applicable plans and construction drawings). If there is a material deviation from the plans = a construction defect, even if the work was done in a proper manner.

The issue here is whether switching the location of the hook ups will be viewed as a material deviation.

I just spoke with my brother-in-law because I remembered that he had to move their utiltiy sink over for some reason in the laundry room in their new house (”new” = new to them - not a new build). He said it was pretty simple to extend the water/drain. My SO said that it’s easy to switch a washer and dryer. We just ordered a new Samsung front load washer and dryer- he said that we have to do that because my laundry room is set up with washer is on the right (by the door) and dryer on the left (closer to exterior wall). Samsung washer’s door only opens from right to left - if we don’t switch them, the doors will open into each other vs. away.

I think that you should just let your builder know - it should be easy for him to fix for you.

Maybe I’m missing something - I didn’t sleep last night so my brain is a bit tired.