Kelly, pretty astute. A number of builders in Southern California routinely build second story laundry rooms. It sure beats using the dumbwaiter for double duty. ;-) Brian
Kelly around here it is pretty much the norm to have the laundry on the second floor in new construction---pretty rare to see it anywhere else. Check out this link for a dang cool washer tray:
Definitely want the drip pan but also a drain in that pan like the bottom of a shower so water spilled, overflowing in with high seas laundry does not ruin the ceilings, floors, walls and cause lots of moisture with follow up mold in the drip drip drip tsunami in the laundry on the second floor. But laundry on the level where it is made and no up and down stairs, even with the laundry chute to save a little of the climbing must makes sense! If the new home is designed for them, they have their special place! I see many stackables on dollies so they can wheel out to clean and it does not get so disgusting below, behind, beside them in tight little quarters that are typical.
Contact Kelly Bogan for all your Eugene OR real estate needs (541) 683-2200. Keep up the good work!