Cohousing-L Mailing List: Re: Laundry in common house

[Berrins (Berrins]

In a message dated 12/20/99 9:25:03 PM, sundog [at] gburgtimes.com writes:

<< Hello all you communards (ugh! - referring to Time article), 
We here at Hundredfold were wondering if anyone out there has any opinions
on the advantages and disadvantages of having a laundry center in the common
house.

Marya Tipton
Hundredfold Farm >>

Hi Marya-
    We don't have any direct experience (still under construction), but both 
of our architects live at Pioneer.  One of them said that the washing 
machines and dryers are great socializers, and some people use them for this 
reason even though they have machines at home.  They also get used when the 
ones at home are broken.  Another advantage is that dining room, kitchen and 
guest room linens don't have to be dragged to someone's house.  We're putting 
a laundry room in the basement, near the areas that will eventually be for 
crafts and exercise.  Some folks won't have laundry machines at home and will 
obviously be using them.
    Not too many downsides that I've heard of.  Maybe financial (coin-op or 
honor system?) and maintenance, but I sure those get worked out.  I'd also be 
curious to know of any other ad- or disadvantages.

    -Roger