Replacing an integrated washing machine with a larder fridge

Hi

In our house I’d like to replace the existing integrated washing machine with an integrated under-counter larder fridge.

I’ve measured the width of the existing washer as 2ft wide (or 60cm), does that mean I’ll need a 60cm wide fridge? or should I get the 55cm, so that there’s wiggle room to get it in and under the counter?

Do I need to measure the depth?
And look for ventilation options before I choose with integrated fridge to buy?

I presume as well that I’ll need to:
– find a plumber to remove the washer make good the water/waste pipes
– properly install the fridge… OR can I do this from the instructions that will come with the fridge? (seeing as you say lots of ‘professionals’ don’t do a good job, if I read the instructions perhaps I stand as good a chance as them?)

Have I missed anything?

Then secondly, the reason for taking some appliances out of the kitchen, is that it’s not a huge space and we have a big family to fit in and feed. So the plan is to put a tall fridge, a tall freezer and washer and dryer in the garage (and yes I’m a bit nervous about this idea as I’ve read your advice about putting appliances in the garage!).

In an attempt to justify that this might be okay in our situation, I’d like to explain that garage is attached to the side of the house, and there are heated bedrooms above, and the stairwell and bathrooms on the side. As the house was built in the 70s there is actually also a solid fuel boiler in the garage, so when we viewed the house in winter time it did appear to be reasonably clement in there.
And whilst I don’t know the actual temperature in the garage every day of the year, it might not be terribly cold (under 10 degrees) much of the time. So perhaps my fridge and freezer, sited on carpet about 3-4 meters from the warm boiler cupboard will be ok. (crosses fingers)

Also in the garage will be the dryer and washing machine, (plumbing pipes still to be discussed and put in by our plumber). I think the water pipes will need lagging so that they don’t get chance to freeze.

Advice – even if it’s not what I want to hear! – appreciated on both the integrated swap over, and makeshift garage utility! (NB we hope to extend the house in 2 years time and make a proper utility, so this isn’t a forever solution).

Thanks for your help!!