Extension problem - how to sort this?

[SquidgyMaltLoaf]

We're having a kitchen extension and the current small kitchen is being converted into a utility and separate cloakroom. They've just put the stud wall in between the utility and cloakroom, and I can't honestly see how a washing machine and dryer are going to fit next to each other in the utility. This is the whole point of the room and the architect knows this! The other wall of the utility is the old external kitchen wall so can't really be moved.

Does anyone have any ideas how this could be sorted, and at whose expense it should be? I don't think it's the builder's fault, but we were quite clear about what we wanted in there so surely if I'm right and they won't fit it's up to the architect to tell us if it will or not? We did ask him at planning stage if it would fit and he said yes!

well the standard size for washing washing machine/tumble dryer is 60cms so I'd say at least 130cms. how much space is there?

Check the measurements with a tape measure, including space to open doors etc. Most people aren't very good at looking at space and estimating especially in the building process when everything is a bit up in the air. Most people think it's bigger or smaller than it actually is. Utilities work in surprisingly small spaces.

If it really is too small then speak to whoever is supervising your build (architect if you've paid them for that bit or builder). You now need to work out who's fault it is.

Check the plans - have they built what was drawn or is there a mistake with the drawing?
If the builder has built it wrong then they need to rectify it and should do so within their fees.
If it was a mistake with the drawing then it might be more complicated. Did you check & agree the drawings? Was the specific instruction as to spec of the utility written down at all? Is your architect supervising the build? If there was a mistake and you didn't notice it, you agreed the drawings as being ok. and they are no longer working for you it might be that you just need to speak to the builder before they go any further and fix it. This might end up costing you money but it shouldn't be too much if you've caught it quick enough.
If the architect had a specific instruction (preferably written so it can be proved) to make it a specific size and they didn't then you may be able to make a claim against them for the costs to rectify it. Ideally you would pick this up at the drawing stage but that obviously hasn't happened. You need to speak to builders & architects about this ASAP.
I hope you get it sorted.

Could you have your tumble dryer above the washing machine? We have this arrangement as it was apparent that space would be at a premium during building work for our extension. There's a worktop that runs the length of the room with washing machine, etc, and the tumble dryer is on the worktop above. Has worked well for us for a few years now. I'm unsure who's fault it would be, I guess the architect, but the builder should have noticed this early on.

What are the measurements of the new utility?

I make it 1.235m across. I emailed the architect (who is supervising) and he said that the builder does know what the intention is for the room, that we only need to take off 16mm for plasterboard and that it should be fine but he will clarify with the builder. I don't think it's the builder's fault. We did agree the plans but there were no measurements that included plasterboard on them which we didn't realise we had to account for.

Architect says it should be fine but I'll believe it when I see it..!

Mine are stacked and we love it - but it is surprising how small the space for two appliances side by side is. We have our chest freezer next to them as well and they really don't look like they should fit. Stacking was easy and made the best use of the space, but does feel a bit imposing in a small room.

should just fit side by side - or if you wanted storage for ironing board etc too then maybe consider having a cabinet built with WM & TD stacked and up right storage and open shelving for baskets etc too ( like a utility cupboard !) a bit like the attached screen shot !

I have a rigid cupboard, open at the front, designed specifically to stack the tumble dryer above the washing machine. This gives more under work surface space which is very useful. I also have a tall cupboard for the ironing board, vacuum cleaner and mops. If you have a cupboard built to take a heavy tumble dryer make sure it can take the weight. It is actually easier to load a tumble dryer at eye height and when you have had this arrangement, you would not go back to one on the floor. You don't need any special stacking kit just someone who can make you a decent cupboard carcass. Maybe the architect could deduct the price of the cupboard from his/her fees?

If your architect thinks it will fit ask him to be the one to fit them side by side

Our utility is 150cm wide and we have our machines side by side and you need to be able to get your hands either side of the machine and push or twist it into position.

Looking at mine it looks like there is loads of room but trying to twist them out you need room for your hands and the twisting motion. Then think about if you need to get it back out, pushing it in is one thing, pulling it out is another.

Personally I don't think your current utility is wide enough. Are you having skirting board because then that would make it impossible. We have moved our washing machine and tumble drier out of the utility about 8 times because of levelling floor off with new kitchen extension etc so I know how hard it is to get them in and out)

The problem is between the architect and the builder. My architect merely provided plans, my builder project managed it with me hovering the whole time and he ran everything by me. So it was me who signed off on stuff.

get a washer/dryer

We have a washer/dryer samsam. It's crap! Nowhere near as effective. Plus I need to be able to do both at once.