In the rapidly evolving landscape of urban living, apartment builders and owners face a unique challenge: reconciling the modern renter’s desire for in-unit laundry with the need for functional living space. While 93% of renters hold in-unit laundry as the most desirable amenity1, the comfort and functionality of adequate living space remain paramount. The conundrum is that incorporating in-unit laundry often compromises valuable living space, creating a paradox in apartment design. However, GE Appliances has a simple solution to offer: the GE Profile™ UltraFast Combo Washer and Dryer, an all-in-one laundry solution.
The unique design of the UltraFast Combo allows for builders to easily install them into places many other laundry solutions can’t be used, including smaller spaces and closets. Ventless heat pump technology allows them to easily be placed in areas that do not have a dryer exhaust vent. Plus, because they are highly energy-efficient, they can be plugged into any standard 120-volt outlet – meaning no specialized electrical work is required. And, as you would expect, it takes up less total space than traditional solutions.
Not only does this allow builders the freedom to conveniently place the laundry anywhere within the unit – it allows them to do so without special design features and added labor costs. Labor cost and availability has been one of the biggest concerns for builders in recent years2, solutions to reduce time and cost are important. On average, laundry vents can cost up to $500 just to install3. Additionally, 240V outlets can be much more expensive than 120V4. With the combo washer and dryer, there is no need to construct a specific “laundry room” with an exhaust vent and dedicated outlet, saving both time and cost.
The Combo Washer and Dryer also fits into half of the space of traditional laundry solutions. Therefore, builders can spend their time, effort, and focus on other features that will set their spaces apart and add value, while still including a convenient laundry solution in every unit.
As hinted to in the previous section, the GE Profile™ UltraFast Combo takes up much less space than typical laundry solutions. Incorporating one into your building design can help you create more space in your unit and increase the value of your rental space. Taking up less space can positively affect the value of a rental in two unique ways – it provides more space for added features or amenities, and it creates more spacious living spaces, bedroom spaces, and bathrooms.
When you can dedicate less of your square footage to laundry, you can open the doors to more than just extra space elsewhere. Perhaps you can differentiate your rental with a kitchen island that features a beverage center. Or you can create a bathroom that includes both a bathtub and a shower. Any space that doesn’t have to be allocated to laundry can be repurposed into a feature that can take your space to a different level in the eyes of renters. The UltraFast Combo is a great way to save precious square footage while ensuring fantastic performance, so there isn’t a compromise.
It comes as no surprise that more and more renters are expecting smart features within their spaces. However, smart features don’t have to just be for the tenants. While the smart features of the UltraFast Combo, such as remote status notifications, feature upgrades, intelligent dispenser, self-cleaning option, and eco-friendly cycles are bonuses in the eyes of renters, they can also benefit building owners and property managers.
Remote monitoring options available on the UltraFast Combo can lead to proactive maintenance and help eliminate labor costs down the road. Big problems are easier to avoid because property managers can easily check machine status of their entire fleet remotely through the SmartHQ™ app and SmartHQ™ Management subscription. They have 24/7 access to appliance status, warranty information, alerts, notifications, and can understand energy usage in a single location. This could mean lower technician costs and increased renter morale because of less amenity downtime.
In today’s increasingly eco-friendly society, we find more and more people dedicating themselves to sustainability efforts, and this trend flows directly into the appliance world. In addition, more renters are looking for energy-efficient and sustainable options, including appliances. This means the need to implement these solutions at the building stage is becoming more and more important.
The UltraFast Combo is ENERGY STAR® rated and features 50% more energy efficient drying4. Additionally, the UltraFast Combo offers an Eco Cool™ cycle that saves energy without sacrificing wash performance. While these efficiencies are great for sustainability and could have an impact of the future, they are also beneficial to the renters at a financial level. Lower water and energy usage means that tenants are paying less in water and electric bills. The money-saving aspect is often overlooked as a value-add feature but can definitely increase the property’s marketability.
On your next build, why not include the GE Profile™ UltraFast Combo? If you are looking for a space-saving, energy-efficient, smart laundry solution with reliable performance, you found the one you need. One and done. The UltraFast Combo allows tenants to wash and dry a large load of laundry in about 2 hours without having to transfer any clothes between the cycles5. Now is the time to offer the appliances that renters are craving.
When considering laundry solutions, the UltraFast Combo provides a competitive edge with uncompromising performance, remote monitoring, energy-savings, and simplified installation. Get started today and partner with the experts at GE Contract Pro. Alongside this washer and dryer combo, we have other fantastic brands for every build, a superior support system to answer your questions, and a nationwide logistics network that can fulfill your orders fast. Let’s build a better future, together.
References:
1. NMHC (National Multifamily Housing Council) survey, 2003.
2. NAHB/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index (HMI).
3. storables.com/home-maintenance/how-much-does-it-cost-to-install-a-dryer-vent.
4. Efficiency rating as compared to the requirements for ENERGY STAR® qualification for standard electric dryers.
5. Based on completing the Normal Wash + Dry cycle with Eco Dry using a 10-lb. DOE or Mixed load in about 2 hours. See Use & Care manual for details.
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