topic Re: Washer & Dryer in Basement in Community Chat

Washer & Dryer in Basement

On It — Sun, 28 Aug 2022 15:10:52 GMT

I spend hours looking at real estate across the country. Houses in the northeast seem to place washers and dryers in the basement. Why?

Re: Washer & Dryer in Basement

RetRN — Sun, 28 Aug 2022 17:30:08 GMT

Maybe noise. I know a doctor who spent a lot of money because his wife wanted the laundry room moved to the first floor. After it was done she made him move it back into the basement because she didn't like the noise.

Re: Washer & Dryer in Basement

SeaMaiden — Sun, 28 Aug 2022 15:22:52 GMT

Also, if you have a leak or the like....better not happening upstairs!

Re: Washer & Dryer in Basement

ScrapHappy — Sun, 28 Aug 2022 15:24:42 GMT

I grew up in the NE. Older home in particular have the washer and dryers in the basements but newer build homes have them on the main floor or upstiars where the bedrooms are...which is nice.

Re: Washer & Dryer in Basement

VanSleepy — Sun, 28 Aug 2022 15:26:05 GMT

I don't know about the northeast in particular, but I thought most were in the basement. Maybe because the concrete floor can handle the weight better.

I live in the northeast and in my 60+ years old house, my laundry room is on the second floor near the bedrooms. It's one of the things I've always liked best about this house

Re: Washer & Dryer in Basement

Janey2 — Sun, 28 Aug 2022 15:27:07 GMT

I have been in many houses in the northeast where the washer and dryer are both in the basement and in other places. It probably depends on the size and age of the house. I know I would not want a washer and dryer taking up space in a smaller house when a basement area is available. Noise is a definite factor.

Re: Washer & Dryer in Basement

On It — Sun, 28 Aug 2022 15:27:21 GMT

@ScrapHappy wrote:
I grew up in the NE. Older home in particular have the washer and dryers in the basements but newer build homes have them on the main floor or upstiars where the bedrooms are...which is nice.

I am glad to know that. I was thinking about the elderly or mobility impaired trying to do laundry in a basement.

Re: Washer & Dryer in Basement

SilleeMee — Sun, 28 Aug 2022 15:38:19 GMT

Mine are in the bottom-most level of my house (garden-level) and I prefer it that way b/c I've had the washer-drain water back up all over the floor down there. TG that didn't happen upstairs.

ETA-

It's bad enough having to worry about my dishwasher getting a leak which is located upstairs. I pray that it doesn't. I've had a dishwasher leak before and it ruined my floor in that house.

Re: Washer & Dryer in Basement

brandiwine — Sun, 28 Aug 2022 15:30:57 GMT

In Colorado if you don't have a designated laundry room on an upper level, you put the washer/dryer in the basement on a concrete floor. If it leaks, no problem. Very quiet as well.

Re: Washer & Dryer in Basement

Sooner — Sun, 28 Aug 2022 15:38:12 GMT

In a lot of the U.S. like where I live we don't have basements. So laundry rooms are in the house usually near the kitchen or garage, or in older homes often in the garage.

My preference? One built alongside the master bath area. Our last house had that and it's great! Ours now is across the hall from the kitchen.

Re: Washer & Dryer in Basement

Blondie59 — Sun, 28 Aug 2022 15:41:30 GMT

I live in the northeast as well. My neighborhood started back in the late 1890s. No driveways or garages, bathroom on the second floor and washer dryer in the basement. It's how they were built back in the day. My house still has gaslight fixtures. But I love crown molding in every room, and genuine tongue in groove floors. Over the years, most homes added a powder room, driveways, etc...but the laundry is still in the basement. Old homes are not for everyone!

Re: Washer & Dryer in Basement

depglass — Sun, 28 Aug 2022 15:42:15 GMT

I was adamant about a first floor laundry when we built 15 years ago. I was in good shape back then, now, not so much. Broken ankle, replaced knee, balance problems. I am so thankful I stood my ground.

Re: Washer & Dryer in Basement

CrazyKittyLvr2 — Sun, 28 Aug 2022 15:44:19 GMT

2nd floor laundries would be easier but I would worry about a leak.

Re: Washer & Dryer in Basement

Shelbelle — Sun, 28 Aug 2022 15:51:09 GMT

Are these older homes? most newer ones are off the kitchen or upstairs if there are bedrooms up there.

Re: Washer & Dryer in Basement

judianne — Sun, 28 Aug 2022 15:51:54 GMT

Mine is in the basement , not a problem until l had 2 knee surgeries and couldn't do stairs for 3 months . My husband had to do laundry , never did before . So every thing was washed and dried on the last setting l used , he wasn't interested in changing anything , just pushed the buttons .

Re: Washer & Dryer in Basement

sunshine45 — Sun, 28 Aug 2022 15:52:51 GMT

our washer and dryer were on the main level initially (as you come in from the garage.) we decided to move it into the basement to make space AND just in case of leaks or other water issues. we did have to add a utility sink and a pump to pump the water up and out.

after several years of that, we decided to remodel a couple of our bathrooms. one of them off of the main hallway had a good amount of space to put a full size stackable set. best thing we ever did. it is hidden behind a louvered door. so much easier and more convenient to use this set than the one that is in the basement.

bonus......we have 2 washers and 2 dryers at the moment!

Re: Washer & Dryer in Basement

kaydee50 — Sun, 28 Aug 2022 15:59:20 GMT

From what I can tell there are many areas in the country that do not have basements. In the Northeast they are pretty common. Plus if it's not a big house I would not want a w/d taking up valuable space.

Our 1 story house in NV had the w/d in the garage.

Re: Washer & Dryer in Basement

Citrine1 — Sun, 28 Aug 2022 16:05:47 GMT

I thought washers and dryers were always in the basement.

Re: Washer & Dryer in Basement

dancingwoman — Sun, 28 Aug 2022 16:21:01 GMT

@SilleeMee 21 years ago we remodeled the kitchen. Put in new DW. DH wanted a wood floor...I didn't but at the floor store we went to the sales guy showed us a hickory floor and said this was the only floor approved for the kitchen..

Well at one point a few yrs ago the floor started warping. We thought termites because it looked like our friends floor in AZ that had an infestation.

Before the Orkin guy came I mentioned maybe look under the DW. Well it was leaking. DH pulled it out dried everything....fixed the leak..and put under the DW an electronic (battery operated) water leak alert detector. If it detects water it sounds a VERY loud alarm. So we don't worry anymore. He checked the battery a few months ago and it still worked but he changed them out anyway....yeah he had to pull the DW out...

BTW the floor dried out beautifully...no warps. Guess the guy knew his flooring...DW

Edited to add...he said he just had to take off the little wooden panel under the DW to check it..DW

Re: Washer & Dryer in Basement

Bri369 — Sun, 28 Aug 2022 16:11:07 GMT

My laundry bag is upstairs and it is so convenient. I could never go back to having my washer and dryer in the basement.