Adding Washer Dryer to an Apartment NYC

Can You Add a Washer Dryer to an Apartment in NYC?

You will need to file for permits with the Department of Buildings when adding a washer and dryer to an apartment in NYC. The building management company and Co-Op or Condo Board will also review this work. A licensed plumber and general contractor must perform the construction. You will need an architect to produce plans and file an application with the DOB.

I am Jorge Fontan, an architect in New York and owner of Manhattan-based architecture firm Fontan Architecture. In this post, I will review some of the fundamental issues involved in adding a washer and dryer to an apartment in NYC.

 

Building Management Approval for Adding Laundry 

If you live in a multifamily building, whether a Condo or Co-Op, you will need approval from the Board and/or management company to add a laundry machine to your apartment. Some buildings forbid laundry machines inside the individual apartments, but many allow them. You should talk to your building manager and read your Building’s Alteration Agreement to see if they have a stance on the issue.

Below is a photo of a loft we renovated in Chelsea, where we gut-renovated the bathroom and added a new laundry closet.

 

Permits For Adding a Washer Dryer to an Apartment in NYC

If you add a Washer and dryer to your NYC apartment, you must file for permits, which an architect files. All work must be properly permitted and performed by licensed and insured contractors.

Exhaust for Dryers

Gas dryers require an exhaust vent to the outside of the building. The NYC Department of Buildings (DOB) has issued Building Bulletin 2009-005 to clarify that electric ductless clothes dryers are exempt from having exhaust vents to the outside.

In most cases, when you add a washer and dryer to an apartment in NYC, you will put an electric ventless dryer because you may have difficulty adding an exhaust vent. The building management may often object to your attempt to add a vent. We typically use ventless dryers in NYC, but in some cases, you may be able to use a ducted dryer.

 

Construction Requirements for Adding a Washer Dryer

Sanitary and Plumbing Hookups

In order to add a washing machine to your apartment, you will need to connect the sanitary and plumbing hookups. The washing machine needs a water supply and a wastewater line (sanitary line). You will need to connect to existing plumbing risers or use existing branch piping if code compliant. Usually, you will add the laundry to a space near a bathroom or kitchen to have plumbing access. This work will require a plumbing permit.

Electrical Requirements for Laundry

The Washer and Dryer will need an electrical supply. Adding the electrical outlets will require an electrical permit. The Electrician must verify if the electrical panel can support the additional load. The Electrician should provide an electrical load letter with their determination. You may need new breakers and an electrical panel or service upgrade.

In some cases, the apartment may need more amps to support the new equipment. It is important to figure this out before starting the work and purchasing the washing and drying machines. Only trust licensed and qualified professionals.

Waterproofing The Washing Machine

There are different methods to waterproof, and sometimes individual buildings may have preferred methods. 

• Waterproof membrane underneath the finish floor. This will go up the walls at the laundry location a minimum of 6″ high.
• Provide a Waterproof Pan for the Laundry Machine to sit in. 
• Water Detector With Automatic Shut Off

Soundproofing

Laundry machines can make noise and cause vibrations on the floor. There are many methods to soundproof, including underlayments in your floors, if you are installing new floors at the same time. You should also install the machines on sound isolating pads as this will absorb vibrations.

 

Adding Laundry to an Apartment

The most important thing I can tell you is to always work with qualified professionals and follow all regulations.

NYC regulations are complicated and quite involved. In this article, we reviewed some of the fundamental issues with regard to Adding a Washer Dryer to an apartment in NYC. This post does not assume to cover every possible issue or condition but provides a general overview.

 

---

Thank you for reading our blog post on Adding a Washer Dryer to an NYC Apartment.

I hope this was helpful. If you would like to speak with an architect about a specific project you are planning, you can contact us at Fontan Architecture directly.

 

Contact Fontan Architecture