Utility door size is too small to fit a standard washing machine

In fairness the OP is not looking for a workaround but more-so they are wondering what the next steps are when talking to the builder as the builder hasn't offered a solution yet.

At the end of the day it would seem to me that the builder has put them at a disadvantage in terms of the selection of washing machines and dryers as they are now restricted to <60cm devices.

I suggested that they post here as there would be more experience with dealing with these type matters, rather than on the previous forum.

Is this room also the downstairs bathroom?

Washer/dryer under a stairs is a fire hazard.

Correct. I would have thought the ceiling above the washer/dryer needs to be double slabbed with fire rated plasterboard as the stairway is an escape route.

Hmm ok. Does the door have strips down the sides, like plastic inserts all down the length of it?

I really don’t fancy your chances OP! I think you would have to prove that the builder claimed that the room would accommodate a “standard width” washing machine which I’m sure he didn’t? I know hindsight is easy but surely you would measure the width of a door before buying an appliance that needs to pass through it … particularly when it is obviously not a full size door?

This is the main point is it built as as designed? it is that design that you agreed to purchase... ie did you get what you paid for?

You haven't established that its the builders fault. It coud be, it could be the architect/designers fault, or it could be your fault. All depends on what the contract and documents show.

Do the contract plans show a design for larger than 60cm door, but builder has built ir smaller. If so, it is builders fault.

Do the plans (specifically door schedule) indicate that the door is in fact <60cm with the expectation that it is a standard laundry. Then the designer is likely at fault.

Or do the plans indicate that it is a compact laundry suitable for a given size of washing machine, but you wanted a bigger one. Well, that's not the fault of the design or the builder.

I’m actually not sure exactly what you’re getting at tbh.

But if a purchaser made alterations to a design during construction. That would absolutely indemnify the designer abd contractor.

What do you mean by an "out"?

If the builder changes the design, they are responsible for those changes.

If that's what he means, it's still incorrect.

Measurements can vary within reason as long as what is constructed is compliant and functional. But a full door becoming an 580mm door is not reasonable. I mean, if the washing machine can't fit into the utility, then it isn't functional. May even be non compliant.

So would I.

The most talked about door on Boards.

I once had to remove the door and the door stops to get a large fridge freezer into a kitchen.

Appreciate you might not have door stops - possibly a rebated frame - but if so could you remove the rebate and use door stops thereafter.

Not sure if the utility door has a fire performance so you might need to check if that can still be achieved.

There wouldn't be a great deal of difference in cost for a 2' door and a 2'3" door - so not sure why the builder changed the door size unless space was a critical issue - assume this is for a utility cupboard rather than a utility room.

Longer term it might be worth having a larger door - you should probably speak to the builder on this - especially if building is still ongoing - easy enough to modify if they still have people on site. Should be fit for purpose.

F