I was thinking the same as @chispa - curtains would be a simple DIY - something fun maybe?

Shame on your builder, I'd never have him back, for anything. ... if he can't handle a little project like this, he's worthless!

just build it out 6 inches with a door to open when needed.

any thoughts on stacking your machines? add a counter top for folding.

The circuit panel can't be inside a cabinet or closet.

I would mount a white cabinet over the washing machine to the left for storage. Then mount a tension rod between the cabinet and the wall with white shower curtain or or drapery panel to disguise the mess, but keep access. Perhaps a sliding cart to right of the laundry machine for additional storage but still maintaining access to pipes.

Moving the washer and dryer..to the wall on the left…whatever it takes..add a tiny wall at the left of all the pipes ,etc…like a shallow closet with a rod and curtain or pull down shades…if this is pass thru for guests and family…this will definitely be more presentable and safer…obviously a floor plan would help toward other possible solutions

Some time back I saw an online article -- might've been on Pinterest or it might've been on Houzz -- where someone took an Ikea cabinet /removed the back /mounted it over a tankless water heater. Perfect solution -- the ugly thing was hidden, but the homeowner still had complete access to it.

I'm sure you could google something like this.

Wow!! You all have some really great ideas!! Thank you so much for your help!!

"Shame on your builder, I'd never have him back, for anything. ... if he can't handle a little project like this, he's worthless!"

He thinks he can't charge enough to make it worth his while. I never make that mistake.

Stack the machines since they're both front loaders. People do this all the time. Then a curtain rod all the way across.

Northside Chicago · More Info

I'm guessing that the electrical panel is likely the issue that is deterring contractors.

Or, more specifically, the code requirements for clear space in front of and around electrical panels.

Last time I checked, the National Electrical Code requires a clear area in front of and around electric panels to provide access and working space. IIRC, the minimum required clearances for a regular residential 120/240-volt panel, are 30” wide, 36” out from the wall, and at least 78” high. AFAIK, the clear area does not have to be centered on the panel, but a dryer is still not supposed to be set in the space beneath the panel.

You may be able to have the dryer stacked on your washer although that pretty much eliminates any possibility of cabinets on the back wall. Also, might need to have the dryer vent passthorugh relocated to get it out from under the electrical panel. In your photo, I'm seeing what looks like some recent wall work on the right hand corner. Did you recently install a generator?

For screening the area off, depending on what else is on that wall, you might be able to have an appropriately sized utility closet built around the corner with the electrical. Or, maybe build a 3-foot partition divider to separate the electrical from the the laundry and use a curtain across the front of the electrical area. Or, for the time being, just run a curtain (set out at least three feet from the back wall) across the whole area as suggested above by housegal.

How big is the space ? Why not a wall with a door if there is room then no big deal to hide it. The electrical cannot be inside a cabinet period .I have no idea what the rest of that stuff is but maybe the curtain would be the best if you cannot build a wall. I see no benefit to stacking the machines then you give up the only flat spot for folding . I garee that the contractor was honest it is more complicated than it is worth and I need to see the whole space .No matter what the electrical box has to be left visible by code .So no curtain infront of it either

You will have to stack the appliances, as it cannot be in front of the electrical panel. As mentioned you may opt for a wing wall or build a closet. Agree that contractors probably don't want to deal with having their name associated with non-compliant work.