13 replies to this topic

[Kevin Rabenaldt]

Ran into a problem on a plan where the utility was too tight for the new (monster I call them) washers and dryers.  Seems the symbols in SP are not big enough for some of the models out there.  How much room are you  allocating  to accommodate these new modern conveniences.?  I use to also put in a 3/0 door to the utility room, had some complaints from builders so went back to 2/8 doors.  I would like to develop a foot print so I have enough room.  What are your thoughts?

[Yvon Gonthier]

If you do a search under manufacturers such as GE, you have some pretty big washer and dryer symbols.

 

We install 32" wide doors for laundry rooms as much as possible but have switch in certain cases to a double double (28" + 12" panels) because the depth of the laundry room wasn't enough with the depth of certain units.

[Keith Almond]

I've noticed the reverse ... most of the newer washer/dryers seem to be in the 27½" - 29" range, where we always used to allow 30" for the old top loaders. I've found that Softplans symbols are reasonably representative of what is available. I normally allow 5'-6" structural for the laundry pair.

 

We also use 32" wide doors (minimum allowed under Ontario code) for rooms containing appliances. I don't like 36" interior doors, they just feel wrong.

 

If customers intend to buy "oversize" appliances they should let you know.
 

[Martin Livingston]

I am still using 30" doors for my laundry rooms and have not run into issues although I have added some extra room depth to accommodate extra space behind for hookups and extra space for the newer, deeper front loading systems. I find 99% of the products out there will slip through a 30" door. The attached drawing shows a GE Profile front loading washer and dryer pair. They each measure 2'-3" in width.

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[Tom Rogers]

I leave 6' width for washer and dryer and the same for depth.  I also use no less than 32" doors and if possible like to use 36" doors.  Builders complain but that is because they are not purchasing correctly.  I prefer to use 36" doors everywhere but linen and pantry on all one level plans and main level of two stories.  Builders should be able to get better pricing with more product.  Homeowners and buyers love it as it makes life easier.  As designers we owe it to educate bother consumer and builders to improve design and plans.  

 

P.S.  Sorry for mini rant.  Apparently a recent encounter with builders and their short sightedness sets gets me on a soap box.

[Daniel Zanoli]

Were not getting any smaller..  32" interior door is standard.  That means a min. of 40" width on the rough for a standard hallway. Out in the field we take the print and change the hall sizes, kitchen window loca, bathroom width to 5 ft, if we have to.. Also when sitting on your sofa or chair a four ft tall window in the living room really isn't tall enough to see out of. 54" is the perfect height. Meets all codes also. Just thought I would chime in Tom.  Its tough out there..

Like Tom, I use 36" wherever possible.  I find that people appreciate the extra width for furniture and appliance moving and when they have guests over with disabilities. 

[Sam Morgan]

Same here.  I'd never put a 2' 6" door on a laundry.  Only way to get them in or out is to take the door off.  32" standard, 36" when there's room.  The cost is no different to the builder other than a little more trim

[Brian Berzinskis]

I always put a 2 foot 8 inch door for the laundry room. If I am doing a side by side laundry closet then I put a 5 foot wide double door. In regards to the width, I prefer to have 5 feet 8 inches wide but I will sometimes go down to 5 feet. I often then bring it up in a conversation with the client that the laundry room is tight so they might not be able to fit oversized equipment. That way I am covered but they will usually forget that select part of our meeting anyway. I also do a minimum of 3 feet deep on laundry closets when I cannot fit an actual laundry room just because of hook ups especially the dryer vent.

[Brad Graber]

I always design 2X6 walls behind the w&d so the builder can use the dryer vent boxes.  It helps save a few inches when the homeowners push the dryer back a bit further against the wall.

[Tom Rogers]

Were not getting any smaller..  32" interior door is standard.  That means a min. of 40" width on the rough for a standard hallway. Out in the field we take the print and change the hall sizes, kitchen window loca, bathroom width to 5 ft, if we have to.. Also when sitting on your sofa or chair a four ft tall window in the living room really isn't tall enough to see out of. 54" is the perfect height. Meets all codes also. Just thought I would chime in Tom.  Its tough out there..

 

I use a 3050 standard window.  Again for same reason with doors.  Builders can buy in bulk and they work for egress and whether it is a 8' header or 6'8" header they look good wherever you sit

[Keith Almond]

Is 3050 - 3'-0" x 5'-0" or 30" x 50"?

[Philip Frank]

3050 would have to be a 36" x 60" to meet egress if it's a double hung window (IRC code)

[Tom Rogers]

Correct Phillip.  3'0" x 5'0" or 36" x 60"