What I meant was allowing shareholders to install washers and dryers in their own apartments. (We already have a laundry room with communal washers and dryers.)

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You really need to know what your building rules regulations will be for those that are considering installing W&D. Questions such as.

1. Scope of work.
2. Will the building archict be involved.
3. How will the dryer be vented.
4. Who will do the electric and plumbing work?
6. What safety/preventive measures will be required (should the washer leak)
7. Is it possible to tie into a water source and waste line very easily?

You need to do your homework before you consider if is feasable. Good luck MRM.

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I echo MRM's list. But I'd add that your shareholders and board need to come to an understanding about the future of these machines.

For example, a recent expensive renovation included a washer and dryer, moved for proper venting, etc. according to an architect's specs... all reviewed and approved properly by the board, as was its right. (There are apartments in the building with w/d, many installed outside proper channels in bygone years.)

But... the following board has now outlawed all w/d in individual units... and gone a step further. If the machine breaks, one can FIX it, but not REPLACE it - though a) in many cases, it will cost less to replace than to fix; b) it may be impossible to fix; c) it could be beneficial to replace with more efficient equipment.

Is this a sound policy? Isn't it a kind of breach of contract for a board to approve expensive plans -- and a year later, turn around and negate a lot of the resale value for the individual shareholder? Would it not have been more prudent for the board to announce that all w/d must meet certain plumbing codes, and if they do not, they must be updated to do so?

I would even understand a moratorium on new installations... but not allowing a shareholder to replace a broken machine seems punitive and a little silly.

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i would think that downstairs neighbors be furnished with proof of adequate insurance.
The co-op is not responsible for damage. the w/d owner would have to pay for all the repair work,
you would need a auto-shutoff for the overflow.

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Those sort of go without saying, if your board has any savvy at all...

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