Why is the washer traditionally on the left and the dryer on the
right? I have a front loader (Whirlpool Duet) and the washer door only
opens from right to left and cannot be swapped. My new house has the
dryer venting and power on the left and the washer hoses and drain on
the right, which to me is completely wrong. Can anyone find me the
answer why traditionally the washer is on the left? The only evidence
I hace is annecdotal where you go into the home improvement store and
ask for a Washer/Dryer, not a Dryer/Washer. I need somehting to bring
to the builder to get them to swap it.

Without researching, I'm going to have to guess that you associate
movement (and steps) the same as how you've learned to read Left to
Right.

Hmmm, something I've never thought about.  I can't wait to see what
the researchers come up with.

In the meantime, tell the builder, "I'm the one writing the check, and
this is the way I want it."

toorobinson,

I looked for washer & dryer installation instructions. There is no
reference that I can find to this being "standard" but as I think
back, my washer has always been on the left. I think it has more to do
with most washers being top loading and it's easier for right-handed
people to put clothes ...down and to the right... into the dryer--and
right-handed people are in the majority.

I found this:

REVERSING THE DRYER DOOR SWING
http://www.geappliances.ca/images/english/pdfs/175D1807P380%20Eng.pdf
..."1. Open the dryer door. Remove the 4 hinge hole plugs or
screws from the left side of door opening. Place nearby
for future installation. NOTE: You may need a plastic knife
to help pull out the plugs. Be careful not to scratch the paint.
2. Remove the four screws that secure the door hinges to
the dryer front panel. NOTE: Remove 1 screw from each
of the 2 hinges first. Hold the door firmly before removing the
last 2 screws.
3. Rotate the door 180° and reinstall the door hinges to the
dryer front panel with the 4 screws.
4. Install the 4 hinge hole plugs or screws that were
removed in step 1 into the open screw holes on the right
side of the door opening..."



If the left right thing was a building standard, there would be no
need to have the door reversible...

I work for a Realtor that sells new development homes. I want to
mention that from my experience, if the "left & right" placement of
the washer's water and drain, and the dryer vent are not in the
purchase and sale agreement, or in an addendum, or in a floor plan
that you were shown (even a "W" and "D" would be good enough) then the
builder, in my non-expert opinion, is not contracturally bound to
place it where you want. I feel for you, but my bet is he will refuse
to do it for free.

The correct way handle it is to call your agent and allow him/her to
negotiate for you with the builders agent (or builder). You might be
able to make a trade on something else that you don't really care
about.

I would look very closely at the floor plans you were shown. If you
can find a "W" on the left and the "D" on the right, I think you'll be
in better shape, but read the disclaimer. I make the marketing
materials for the Realtor I work for, his disclaimer on my finished
brochures and flyers reads this:

..."Renderings, floor plans and maps are for illustrative purposes
only, are not contractual documents and are subject to change without
notice..."

This pretty much says that anything you see can be changed by the builder.

Anyway, I know this isn't what you want to hear, so I'm posting it for
your information only.

In my house the washer is on the right.

Ours, too, in Germany.  I think Cynthia has the right idea:  designers
 - with or without research -  have decided that for most people,
being right-handed, it is convenient to fill the washer with their
right hand, having the basket of dirty laundry to the left, either on
or in front of the dryer, and then easier to fish the wet laundry out
with their right hand.

I have never heard of the washer always being on the left. In my
current house the washer is on the right and there is nothing unusual
about that. Unless you specified it that way in advance, the builder
should not be obligated to change it unless you pay for the extra work
and materials.

Whew!

When my wife and I moved into our house 10 years ago, we too struggled
with the washer on the left routine.  Our laundry room door would have
hit the dryer door when open.  We put the washer on the right, and
have not had a problem since.  We had forgotton all about it until we
just replaced our washer/drying and noticed the hookups were
backwards.  Still works fine though. :)  Good luck!