aww legz! I too spat at this disease for you!
I already live in a ranch with wide doors, and easy access stuff. We have a large pantry type area in the kitchen, that we converted to a laundry area. its awesome! We lost a broom closet to do it, but who cares! I dont have to climb a single stair to live here.
Tell the DH if he insists on laundry in the basement, he either needs an elevator, or a maid. take his pick.