no-- this is a known issue with even properly installed washers, particularly with some of the newer high efficiency washers. If you research the topic online there are many homeowners who have expressed concerns re this matter, particularly those living in older or wood frame houses and who have washer/dryers installed on upper floors. Mine is a new but more traditional stacked washer and dryer, professionally installed and with a platform to boot. Initially I had thought that there were no vibrations being transmitted but it so happens that my kitchen is located directly below my laundry, and I have a loaded pot rack installed in one of the joists in the kitchen ceiling. I began to notice a faint sound generated from the pots bumping ever so slightly together whenever I was doing laundry.Inundated with visions of my ceiling eventually crashing down- and at minimum being knocked unconscious by all of the pots-I ended up ordering these pads that you place underneath the feet of the washer/dryer---- they are called Good Vibrations (GVI Enterprises) Vibration Dampening Pads. Approximately $25- there is a "demo" on the website. They look like thick rubber hockey pucks and they are really good-they also reduce the sound being transmitted. I would suggest installing your washer and if you do feel vibrations on proximal walls/ceilings, consider these or similar pads. It has been worth the peace of mind for me.

Posted by: oceans247 at January 6, 2009 1:22 AM in response to How to minimize washing machine

That's an idea! And also- who says having a garage AND a yard are mutually exclusive? There are plenty of homes in Brooklyn that have both. There are a number of corner lot homes with detached garages (sometimes 2 or 3 car garages) and fairly big yards.

Posted by: oceans247 at September 2, 2008 10:43 AM in response to The Luxury of the Garage

Is your floor already installed?
If not, you can put in a sound isolation pad between your sub-floor and finished floor.

I would worry more about protecting the area from leakage than noise.
Make sure you have:
- waterproof membrane between sub-floor and finished floor.
- Drip Pan under washer with leak sensor
- Automatic shut-off valves
- Backflow prevention device on the water supply line
- A 'no burst' water supply hose

And don't forget to add fabric softener :)

Posted by: bayridgegirl at January 6, 2009 11:05 AM in response to How to minimize washing machine

definitely go for the drip pan/sensor and automatic shutoff, especiially if you dont have a floor drain in the area that the w/d is installed, although that is common practice on most new construction/ renovation...a backflow device on the supply is code, so that should already exist...re. the vibration isuue , just go to economy hvac supply on the bowery in manhattan, or i think they have another branch by costco and get 4 hvac vibration isolation pads, and place one under each leveling leg on the unit

Posted by: eman1234 at January 6, 2009 9:00 PM in response to How to minimize washing machine

You can also try the interlocking rubber flooring mats. You know, the stuff you see in playgrounds or day-cares. I know BJ's sell it. They come in different colors and thicknesses. The rubber will also keep water (you never know) directly off the floor.

Posted by: i_heart_brooklyn at January 7, 2009 1:01 AM in response to How to minimize washing machine