Older Homes With No Dryer Hookups
I know it's hard to imagine that people use to hang their
clothes out to dry on a clotheslines. I don't think anyone that was born
after 1990, even knows what a clothesline is. Well it's true some older
homes weren't built with dryer hookups and homes that were built before
the 1940s might not have wash machine hookups either.
This is something to keep in mind when you are shopping for a home. I'm
writing this article, because I am the person they call, after they buy
the home and notice, there's no spot for the dryer. There is some good
news though, most of of the older homes that have wash machines are
usually next to a large sink, also known as a wash basin.
Most of the time you can remove the sink and replace it with a clothes
dryer. Most clothes dryers and wash machines are 30 inches wide. This
means you will need at least 60 inches to install your wash machine next
to your clothes dryer.
Now that you have this information and you're serious about buying the
house, you pull out your trusty measuring tape and measure the area and
you only have 54 inches. Now you're probably thinking that you can make
it work somehow anyway. Forget that idea and let's go to plan number
two.
Have you ever heard of stackable washers and dryers. You can always use
a dryer that stacks on top of a wash machine. The only problem with this
plan is, you're going to need a stackable washers and dryers. This might
cost you some extra money, that you weren't planning on spending but
remember it's always another option.
You should contact a local contractor or your building department to
find out what the requirements are for installing a new dryer in an area
that previously only had a wash machine. The dryer will need one
electrical outlet,and a dryer vent.
If you are installing an electric dryer, make sure you have a 220 V
electrical outlet installed. This should be hooked up by a licensed
electrician for safety.
If you're installing a gas dryer, you will need the proper size gas line
installed. You can normally contact a plumbing contractor to install
your new gas line.
Don't forget, if you want to buy the home and finances are tight, you
can always use a clothesline.