Duplex Washer & Dryer Connections in Garage

[Grant Lovelady]

I recently closed on a small duplex in the Houston TX area. The detached garage is where the only set of washer and dryer connections are.

I believe the previous landlord leased out the garage to just one tenant and the other had to go to a washateria.

I have bids to tie in plumbing and electric to make a second set of hookups. My idea was going to be to add a partition wall to split the garage so each tenant had the own side as well as added privacy / protection. Based on the layout of garage and the way it was built (old and not properly constructed) my general contractor says there is not a way to properly add a partition wall.

With that said should I add second connections and just have the open garage available to both tenants? My fear is theft, using each other’s machine, etc.

Or should I just leave the one set and have one tenant look for the nearest washateria for their clothes?

[Ashley Brooks]

I'd recommend adding a second connection. As a tenant, it would be disappointing to see my neighbor using the washing machines and being reminded you have to leave your home to wash your clothes. Both options aren't the most convenient, but having to leave to do laundry is much more inconvenient.