If you want to know a secret to attracting more tenants, here it is: have laundry on-site.
Many people look at their laundry options when they determine which units they want to live in. Having washer and dryer services saves them time and money. As such, they may not rent from people who don’t have laundry readily available.
So, you should add laundry to either your units or an on-site facility if you want to make more money. But you need to consider in unit laundry vs on site laundry. Both have advantages and disadvantages, which we’ll get into below. Keep reading to learn more about the best type of laundry setup for you!
The Cost of In-Unit Washer and Dryer Connections
If you choose to have laundry on-site, you will have to get washer and dryer connections. This is true even if you plan on putting washers and dryers in for your clients.
The cost of your washer and dryer connections will depend on where they’re placed in the unit. The closer they are to your existing plumbing, the cheaper it will get. Connections in ideal locations might cost as little as $350-$600. However, you could pay up to several thousand dollars for connections.
Do You Have Space in Your Floor Plans?
One of the things you need to take into consideration is the space you have in your units. If you’ve already built your units, look over their floor plans.
Ask yourself whether you have any room to add washer and dryer connections. You should have enough room in the unit for the devices to open and close and for your tenants to maneuver around carrying laundry.
If you don’t have space in your units, you should consider having an on-site facility.
Can Your Tenants Afford Washers and Dryers?
Washer and dryer connections might not benefit you if you don’t live in a high-income area.
Higher-income tenants have the ability to afford washers and dryers. Lower-income tenants, though, will prefer you to have washers and dryers ready for their use.
In addition, people who live in units for a longer period of time might be more willing to purchase washers and dryers. This is because washers and dryers can get expensive to move. So, people who move often might not want to own washers and dryers.
You can figure out how long a tenant might live in your unit based on the length of the leases they sign. The longer the lease, the more likely the tenant is to live in your unit for a few years.
Do You Have Space for an On-Site Laundry Facility?
If you want to have a common laundry room, you’ll need to do some planning. First, make sure you have the space for an on-site laundry facility.
For a well-functioning laundry room, you’ll need about 1 pair of washers and dryers for every 8-12 units you have. This will ensure that a washer and dryer will usually remain available whenever someone wants to do laundry.
So, you should have space to build a room with at least a few washers and dryers.
If you’re dealing with complaints about not enough free washers and dryers, you can try a few things. You can put up a sign listing some laundry room etiquette tips. Encourage clients to remove their clothes from the machines as soon as they finish.
If this doesn’t work, you might need more washers and dryers. Buy or rent 1 or 2 new units and keep getting them as needed.
Laundry Facilities Attract a Wider Range of People
Most apartment complexes charge people more when they rent in-unit washers and dryers. Yet, not everyone can afford this.
So, having an on-site laundry room can help you attract a wider range of tenants. Lower-income residents will like that they don’t have to go to a laundromat to get their clothes cleaned. Higher-income people looking to save more money will also appreciate that they don’t have to pay more on a monthly basis.
Generating Revenue with Washers and Dryers
Washers and dryers can also help you make more money.
You can install coin-operated washing machines. To use these, your residents will need to insert a few coins before they can use the washer and dryer. Coin laundry isn’t so expensive that your tenants can’t afford it, though. So it’s a good way to make money without driving your tenants away!
Keep the Laundry Room Well-Maintained
When considering in unit laundry vs on site laundry, you need to think about whether you can afford to maintain a laundry room.
A poorly maintained laundry room might result in dissatisfied tenants. You want the laundry room to remain clean and inviting. So, you should pay someone to clean it on a regular basis.
In addition, you need to keep the washers and dryers in proper working condition. Have a professional take a look at them every once in a while to ensure they remain safe to use. Check the filters on the dryers to avoid fire hazards. You should also ask your tenants to clean out the filter after they use it.
Make sure your tenants know how to contact you if they notice a malfunctioning washer or dryer.
Ready to Get Laundry On-Site?
If you’re ready to get laundry on-site, we can help you.
We provide high-quality washers and dryers for commercial use. Whether you want to buy or rent your washers and dryers, we have machines for you. We’ll even take care of the installation process for you!
Want to learn more about what we can do for you? Contact us today!