el_brio

My wife and I own a small 1 bedroom condo. The unit currently has an under-counter euro style washer/dryer combo unit in the kitchen. Anyone who has had any experiences with these things knows that they are complete garbage. Anyway, the building has a laundry room and we do our laundry there. Our issue is that we are planning to move and rent out the condo. I don't want to rent the condo with the washer/dryer combo unit in it because it will be nothing but a headache. Even when it works it doesn't work well and I think it is probably better to just tell the new tenant that they will have to do laundry downstairs in the laundry room rather than to rent the unit as having a washer/dryer. I'd like to take the washer/dryer unit out of the condo and put something else in the space. We already have a washing machine so I don't need another one of those. I was thinking about a wine cooler or an additional ice machine/cold storage or freezer unit. From what I can tell, however, these things are also likely to cause me repair headaches. I'm not sure if it is a good idea to put a new cabinet there.... we probably will buy a new euro-style washer/dryer unit when we are finally able to sell the place so that it has a warranty and the new buyer can find out for themselves how much they suck. Anyone have any thoughts on what to do with the space?

sdhomeguy

Depends on how big the space is. I like the idea of a wine rack keeps the construction pretty simple. I also think that the cabinet can be a good idea becuase new home owners will never mind the extra space to store their things in. You can also make it into a closet ? or some sort of storage unit like that. In my opinion going with the cabinet is the best choice. Hope that helps a little

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el_brio

Well, a closet won't really work since it is an under-counter unit. It is the size of a dishwasher (and we already have a dishwasher). I don't really know how much value a wine cooler adds though.

Is it possible to get cabinet space installed there that will match the existing? That would be the best option probably.... but as I said before, I think that buying a new washer/dryer for the space when I sell the place will probably be necessary.

nealtw

With a little research you may be able to find the company that supplied the cupboard for the condo, if not you should be able to find a custom cabinet shop that could match what you have. The wine fridge may be just as cheap and I have seen a little deep freeze with front door that would fit that space although not cheep.
http://www.coolrunninghs.com/scff552d.html

Garenius

Mmm, how about a dishwasher? It is very useful and although I'm not sure how much it costs, marketing it would be quite easy no?

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beckya

We used a small playroom for our kids - or pets

BridgeMan

Perfect location for a hamster (or cat) cage.

sdhomeguy

Yeah I think the cabinet adds the most value. I am sure you can get a cabinet installed that matches your kitchen. Are you planning on remodeling that area by yourself or are you going to hire someone?

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el_brio

No remodeling is needed. The condo was a gut rehab 5 yrs ago. I just will have a hole there and need to put something to fill it. To whoever recommended the dishwasher.... we already have one in there. Don't need two haha.

Anyone have an idea of how much the cabinet solution will be vs. the wine cooler? I am leaning towards the wine cooler or freezer drawer because I don't want to have to tear out the cabinet in a couple years to re-install a washer/dryer combo.

I'm not sure that I made this clear in the first post (some of the answers here are way off base such as "small playroom for the kids")

1. I have a euro style washer/dryer combo in the space now. It is an under-counter unit the size of a dishwasher.
2. This type of machine works like crap. They frequently break down and don't work well even when new.
3. If I leave it there and rent the condo out, my tenant will try to use it and I will get unending calls about it not working and it needs to be repaired etc. (Yes, these things suck that bad)
4. I want to put something else in the space temporarily until I plan the sell the unit
5. When I go to sell the unit I am going to buy a new euro style washer dryer to go in this space. Yes, the same thing I am removing from the space now. I know they completely suck but I need a washer/dryer in there to be able to sell the unit. There is no space for any other type of washer/dryer. Whatever I buy will not be my problem after I sell the place.

Thanks for the help so far.

BridgeMan

Why not go with a pull-out trash can holder, with a new door to match the others in the kitchen. Not too expensive in the big box stores, and certainly would add value and practicality to the place.