Building Plans / Layout for New Construction Laundromat

[pvg1]

Does anyone know where I can buy plans for an approx. 4000sf store? I am thinking of building a new store and wondering if you know any shortcuts or inexpensive ways to obtain plans?

[kate]

Is there a place to find existing plans or a venue to see a typical configuration of types of machines and how they are layed out in a new store? Do the manufacturers provide "ideal layout" plans?

Also, the cost of a new building, even an approximate price per square foot would be extremely helpful. I've built 2 houses, doing most of the GC work myself, but doing commercial is completely new to me--especially with the complex engineering involved with the plumbing/electrical and will be contracting this job out.

[laundryman79]

The distributor you choose should be doing this for you, or assisting with it. That's part of the process. The manufacturer's won't have anything and they will just refer you to their dist. in your area.

[pete f]

Does anyone know where I can buy plans for an approx. 4000sf store? I am thinking of building a new store and wondering if you know any shortcuts or inexpensive ways to obtain plans?

Once you pick a distributor, and cut him a check for a substantial amount to solidify the deal, meaning no distrib is going to run prints for someone just kicking tires, he will get the floor plans and mechanicals for you,. Then your General Contractor will have them engineered and stamped, and present them for permitting. If building a building you may have to have engineering for everything from water run off, drainage ponds, parking spaces, ingress, egress, traffic studies, landscaping, sprinkler, etc. Depending on your location, this may be simple, and you can do it, or may be reviewed by a multi step process within your city's permit and land development departments and only a GC will be able to submit plans. Again, your distrib should know GC's who do mats, the installers, etc. If you are in a small town with little code enforcement than it could be very simple for you to buld.
As for short cuts and inexpensive plans, it is easy. Sit down with a pencil and a pad of paper and start designing your own floor plan. You can get machine measurements from any manufacture website. Leave 3 feet behind dryers, at least 3 feet between bulkheads, and at least 6 feet between machines where people will be. Having a a rough draft will save you some time and money. Don't forget the ADA compliant restroom(s), with 4000 Sq ft you may be required to have 2, along with an area for storage, water heaters, office space.

[Anonymous]

3 feet behind dryers? 18-24" max

[CharlieS]

3' is great if you own the building and can still leave a minimum 6' aisle. I built my access behind the washers and dryers at 30 inches, leaving a 5'6 aisle. In retrospect, although it makes maintenance easier, I wish I'd gone with 24" access and 6 foot aisles. If renting, remember that you are paying for that access (really, even if owning, but its less noticeable). In my case an extra half foot for 110 feet of access area means that I am paying $350 a year just to have a little more room to maneuver on the few occassions I need to go back there. Even at 300 pounds and 6'2", I can work in 24" (OK, I walk a little sideways!) I would rather have had the extra room at the aisles.

Charlie

[MyLaundry]

3' seems too much, 24" seems too narrow. I take the average, which is 30" behind dryers. I think this should be the standard.

[pete f]

3 ft is required by code in some municipality, it allows emergency response personal to evacuate a person behind the dryers. I think 30" is about right, if you can get away with it. 24" MAYBE if you have dryers with clean vent system.

[pvg1]

Hey, this forum is great. Thanks to all who answered, particularly Pete F

[pete f]

Hey, this forum is great. Thanks to all who answered, particularly Pete F


I could write a book~!

[CharlieS]

A side note. I ran into problems with my electric inspection because even with 30" aisles behind the washers and the dryers, there were also some electric panels. The inspector said they were too close to the equipment, not allowing someone to work on them without getting electrocuted. I had to relocate 2 boxes outside the aisles.

[Anonymous]

3 feet unobstructed is required in front of all electric panels.