Nearly every home today has space for an installed washing machine and dryer, whether theyre freestanding in the garage, part of a separate mudroom, or in an upstairs closet near the bedrooms. The cost for having a new washing machine and dryer installed varies depending on the existing plumbing and electricity connections, the location in the home, and the machines themselves.
The laundry space must be equipped with hookups to hot and cold water, a drain line, electricity and/or gas, and a vent. If homeowners are moving the laundry space within the house, such as from the garage into the kitchen, hookups must be installed in the new space. The installation cost can be $350-$600 in a space close to existing water, electricity and gas lines; connecting the space to more distant water, electricity and gas may cost $700-$2,000, depending on the amount of labor required. For example, adding a new 240V circuit for the dryer costs an average of $500, while adding a standard electrical outlet for the washer costs about $100.
To move a washing machine from the garage to an indoor laundry room, the homeowner must ensure the space is properly plumbed. A local plumber, such as G. Plumbing or in San Antonio, Texas, can locate a suitable drainpipe in the wall and connect the washer drain.
Dryers require a 240V circuit, while washing machines use a standard electrical outlet. If the homeowner is moving the laundry space, its likely that a 240V circuit will need to be installed as well as a 30 amp breaker. On average, this costs $500, while adding a standard electrical outlet for the washer costs only about $100. Like most electrical projects, this should be done by a professional electrician, such as Boyer Electric in Enfield, Connecticut, or Electric in Sunnyside, New York.
Once the hookups are in place, installing a new washer and dryer is a simple, straightforward project. Many appliance retailers include basic installation with the price of the machines; others may charge a fee ranging from $50 to $100. A handyman is likely to charge $25-$150, depending on how much labor is required.
All electrical and plumbing work must meet local building codes and, if a new hookup is installed, may require a building permit. Depending on the location of the laundry area and the extent of remodeling being done, building permit costs range from $25 to $150 or more.