Stackable washer/dryer vs side by side for new construction

[Mike Smith]

We are getting closer to finalizing floorplans for new construction multi-family.  We will be putting washer/dryers in our two bedroom units.  Our current plan is to use standard side by side washer/dryers based on advice from our appliance vendor.  However, on much of the new construction multifamily in our area I'm seeing stackable washer/dryer units and even some of the combination units, where one unit is both the washer and the dryer.

We are considering the stackable units because space is at a premium and it would allow about 30" wide of storage that tenants could use.  I feel the combination units are too new and expensive for our market.

I would like to hear opinions of other multi-family property owners on which solution is best (stackable vs side-by-side) and the reasons why.

Mike  

[Clay Kallman]

I always try to build side by side if I'm building to rent (and hold long term). Repairs are less expensive, it's also less expensive to replace just the washer or dryer, rather than buy a whole new stackable if just the washer or dryer breaks beyond repair. 

Stackables make the closet area more difficult to access. I've seen people build a panel on the side of a stackable closet just to be able to get in to reattach the dryer vent, or fish out errant clothing, etc. 

The all-in-one combination units I've had success with on 1 bedroom remodels, but they allow a smaller load per cycle, and take a long time to go through a whole wash/dry cycle. I think they would not be appropriate for larger units with more washing/drying done.