Today's washers and dryers, it seems, are located in any number of spots in a house. They're upstairs, downstairs, near the kitchen, near the bedrooms, in garages and in basements.

The Washington Post story below dissects the trends associated with where to locate such appliances and finds that there is no overwhelming preference, which can be good for resale value. Something I've seen in new-construction homes that I didn't see mentioned in the story: Multiple sets of washers and dryers in a home, one for upstairs and one for downstairs.

Any preferences for the best and not-so-great places to locate a washer and dryer?

Here's the story:

Your preference about the location of your washer and dryer may reveal as much about your age as do the clothes you put in them.

Younger buyers of new homes prefer a laundry room near the bedrooms, said Gopal Ahluwalia, staff vice president of research at the National Association of Home Builders. Older buyers, more wary of leaks and noise, prefer their machines on the main level of the home, often near the kitchen.

Overall, statistics reflect the tastes of younger buyers. According to NAHB surveys, 37 percent of new-home buyers prefer a location near the bedrooms; 20 percent prefer a spot near the kitchen; 17 percent still like the old-fashioned choice, the basement; and 12 percent prefer the garage.

Trends in new homes eventually translate into existing neighborhoods as homeowners remodel. The good news for anyone planning a renovation is that no one spot is emerging as an absolute trend. A distinct laundry room, even if it’s just a converted closet, will be an asset when it’s time to sell.

=> Read more!