Fitting a stacked washer/dryer in a small space
 

I'm putting together plans for a new bathroom in a rental house. I have the raw space for what I want to do, but it would require stacking the washer/dryer, and putting them in a very tight closet. There would be only 1-2" on either side. The spacing front to back is more generous, with about a 14" of clearance behind the machines.

Behind this space is an insulated garage. I was thinking of creating access doors from the garage that would allow you to get at the back of the machines to do the hooks ups. The outer door would be lockable to prevent children/dumb adults from getting in and messing with things.

Any reason to not do this? Alternatives?

I'm pretty sure I can make this work. What worries me is that I will be out of the country, and the washer will go out, and I'll have some jackhole repair guy that can't figure out how to pull the machines.


(For the record, I realize that the real jackhole in this scenario is the moron who came up the floor plan.....)

Code where I live requires fire rated doors between garage and dwelling.

+1

Most places require min 5/8" solid drywall between garages and living spaces. Twin 1/2" with offset joints is better.

Check your local building codes...

Could you put a standard-size washer and drier in the garage? Very common in rental houses around here. I once had a house on Mercer Island like that (the ex ran out of remodeling space). With an insulated garage, the interior of the garage always stays 40+ even in winter, so frozen pipes aren't a worry. Also, with all the rental houses like that, it seems like a proven option.

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install a fire rated door to the back of the washer and dryer, if that's what you really want. I have my share of installing washer and dryers in tight places. Have a long enough hose and whatever you need back there. Hookup all the necessary stuff and push the dryer in there. Is it on a raised foundation? Install a flood pan under to save the floor. WEll, a little of the floor. if the supply hose breaks, you are in deep water. Money I would spend is to have a air activated fan that pull the hot air and lint out of the dump pipe. This will aid the hot gas from the system. Drys clothes faster with less stress.

My folks have a condo that has the tiny all in one washer/dryer stacked combo deal that fits in a closet with the water heater. Standard sized closet. I would stick it in the garage if I could.

The garage is only 18'6" as is, I don't want to make it any shorter.

I guess my use of the word 'door' was a bit off. I'm thinking more about a panel that is screwed down. A bit more permanent that a door, a bit less permanent than a wall.

Tell you the truth, it will be fine. If you are really worry, build a frame and cut out a fire rated door and screw it down. I am not sure if that legal. What are your chances of the garage catching fire?

How about extra long, kinkless hoses?

Sounds fine by me.

I've got a small rental home with stacked W/D.

I'm a big fan of keeping everything up to code. If there ever was a fire, I'd hate to be sued by the renter and denied by the insurance company.

Why would you need to get back there? I thought all hoses and cords are long enough for you to do the hookups first and then slide units into place? If the back is a door, where is the drain and hose bibs?