Laundry Issues - # of load predictions and machine brands

Laundry Issues - # of load predictions and machine brands

New York City, NY · Member since 2014 · 155 posts · 41 votes

I have a triplex I'm just renting out.  It has three 2/2 units.  I need to provide laundry facilities.  There are no laundromats nearby, and not having laundry will be an issue in attracting tenants.  I had the basement set up to install laundry, so the installation won't be a problem.

I have two questions:

Is there a standard estimate for the number of loads per week per unit, given a certain number of bedrooms per unit?  I would assume there will be at least two adults per unit, and maybe children.  I've rented one unit so far, and the tenants are a family with one child.  The assumption I'm using is two loads per unit per week.  Does this make sense.  I would think in some cases (like the family with children,) it could be more.

Second, there are not enough units for a laundry company to rent the room and supply/maintain the machines (I tried.)  So I have to buy my own.  I was in Lowes, and they have a fairly reasonably priced Whirlpool coin-op washer drier set.  The machines alone are about $1600.  However, even on Lowes website, the reviews on these machines are not positive.  I also got a bid from a commercial laundry vendor for a Speed Queen set.  Speed Queen has a very good reputation, but will end up costing my at least $500 more up front.  Does anyone have any direct experience with these brands in a commercial environment.  I'd like to save money, but I don't want to buy myself a problem.

Any help appreciated.  Thanks

Mike

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  • Investor · Ventura, CA · Member since 2016 · 264 posts · 70 votes
    10y

    we only buy Speed Queen. No experience with any other brands. This is on the recommendation of appliance repair people. We have a total of 14 washers and dryers. We had to replace one unit last summer. Can't remember when there was another replacement. Have had repair people there twice this year. 

  • Curtis BidwellPro Member
    Rental Property Investor · Olympia, WA · Member since 2014 · 781 posts · 744 votes
    10y

    I also have speed queen and have only done occasional maintenance/repairs over a 10 year span.  I am buying another used set from a laundromat that recently closed.  They will run about $500/ea from my repair guy.  

  • St Thomas, Ontario · Member since 2013 · 575 posts · 408 votes
    10y

    @Michael Wolffs  Two loads per week per tenant group seems light to me. I would follow the reviews on the equipment, where there is smoke there is fire and the last thing you need is defective laundry machines and agitated tenants. @Christine Swaidan 's advice makes sense. Repair costs could easily be greater than the $500 price differential.

  • Property Manager · Livonia, MI · Member since 2011 · 4k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    10y

    if u want it to last,  get what laundromat has...  do not buy from stores where homeowners shop. 

  • Investor · Rochester, NY · Member since 2016 · 477 posts · 426 votes
    10y

    Speed Queen, Speed Queen, Speed Queen. The price is comparable to the Home Improvement Wal-Marts, but the quality is in another league completely. And it's American made! You just won't get a bunch of stupid flashy buttons or idiotic 'features' that break the first year. They're built about twice as heavy as anything else on the market, and the designs are well tested.

    Quality is better, design is better, warranties are better. I would pay twice as much for them if I had to - they're just that much better.

  • Real Estate Agent · Los Angeles, CA · Member since 2016 · 5 posts · 2 votes
    10y

    +1 on speed queen

  • New York City, NY · Member since 2014 · 155 posts · 41 votes
    10y

    Everyone, thanks for the replies.  

    There's a new contestant.  I sort of discovered the concept of getting this equipment used yesterday, and started looking for used dealers.  One got back to me offering a used Maytag commercial set.  Maytag has a good name in the consumer market, and we've had them in the building where I live (a coop.)  They were okay from a user standpoint.  Anyone ever  has any experience owning their commercial products?

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