Any more input on the Northlands? I'm leaning heavily toward the 72SS-WS, a 36" all-freezer and 36" all-refrigerator combo with white aluminum interior from EliteAppliances.com for $8.3K which sounds way more reasonable than any other brand which can cost $5-10K PER piece. I was going to get the Electrolux 32" twins at $1700 each + grill kit for $350, but now they're well over $2K each. Then I was going to get the Frigidaire 32" twins at $1.2K each (literally twins of the Electrolux, as I've been told Frigidaire makes both, but the Frigidaires have better reviews), but my mother-in-law is telling us to get bigger ones (even offered to pay for them). The Northlands are larger capacity than just about anyone else, at 24.1/24.2 cu ft each (vs 18.6 for Electrolux/Frigidaire, 19-22.X for other brands). Plus that 72SS model is sold as a 72" side-by-side but it's actually the 36" twins plus 72" wide trim at LESS than the cost of just two twins (instead of paying for the 72" wide trim kit). As for noise, I'll let you know how it goes, since ours is built-in and we'll try to put weatherstripping or something to seal out the noise. We have upper cabinets over them as well, though we intentionally put 3-4" of space behind the fridges for convection currents to rise above the fridges rather than build up inside the fridge/freezer bay. David

HI Sapphire, I did not look at the Speed Queen Frontloader. I am no expert on the differences between the Wave-Touch and the IQ-Touch. Electrolux has one Wave (the 70) and three IQ (models 50, 55, 60). You can see differences on their website by clicking on the four machines in white, and comparing them. I believe that you can also see the manuals for each by clicking on the individual model. The list price increases by $100 for each of the IQ models and then by $150 for the Wave. These links (from people much more astute than I am) each offer something different to consider, and are helpful; most are from GW Laundry Forum. The list is not exhaustive, but a good place to start. I don't know if or how you can post more than one link, so I have put them here (roughly in reverse date order) with the initial title and the dates the threads were active. If you find any others, please let me know! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vwCGQjITeVE http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bnC9s7t3HOA A You Tube explanation from a store sales rep, and his amendment from Jan and Feb 2012. http://ths.gardenweb.com/forums/load/laundry/msg0801511930778.html existing owners of elux washer/dryer iq touch and wave touch... (from Aug 2011 - June 2012) http://ths.gardenweb.com/forums/load/laundry/msg071430459001.html?7 Any new opinions about Electrolux Wave washer/ dryer? (July - Aug 2011). See a list of the differences posted by jmith on 8/14/1 and note the recommendation of silvercanadian on 8/14 to "download the user guides for both the Wave-Touch and the IQ-Touch and read the sections on the different cycles/options." http://ths.gardenweb.com/forums/load/laundry/msg0109280211657.html Electrolux Wave Touch or IQ? (Jan 2010 - Feb. 2011) http://ths.gardenweb.com/forums/load/laundry/msg0716252415778.html Electrolux IQ Touch pair first impressions (July 2010). There was also something intersting on eHow on 'How to Self-Clean an Electrolux Washer Basin.' http://www.ehow.com/how_7897655_selfclean-electrolux-washer-basin.html Finally, a worthwhile reminder from Richard last month on something I never thought about: using a surge protector: http://ths.gardenweb.com/forums/load/laundry/msg0419444124107.html?2. I saw four more threads on that topic when I searched for 'Surge Protectors and GW Laundry Forum. I haven't had a chance to read these yet. Hope that this is helpful. This post was edited by wannaknow1 on Fri, May 3, 13 at 10:56

I've never seen a DW under the sink. Where do the pipes go? I really like the idea of putting it to the left though, it would be less noticeable there. I wouldn't get a panel (not with my lower-end cabs) anyway. My DH said, "Why do you want to hide the fact that we own a dishwasher, is it embarrassing?" One of those things, where, If you don't get it, you don't get it! I am unsure about the vintage sink. I've been looking for one for ages but they all need reglazing. The salvage store sells them reglazed, but I've heard it doesn't hold up. Also, I measured, like Francy suggested, and realized that if all three walls are "fitted" the sink area will be less than 55" and I like counterspace next to the sink. I am not opposed to the undermount sinks (That have no lip?, am I using the right term?) I think they may make clean-up easier? I have seen some pics on here: wilsonb, klb 2000, and vjrnts - they have great vintage-style kitchens with undermounts and soapstone counters. I'll have many questions to ask about maintenance - I probably should start another thread for that. I want to thank all of you for giving me so much attention - I'm not used to it :) Most people I know have new houses. Even those I know in my part of town (the historic part) have brand-new kitchens. Dh is only interested in cost and maintainability. It's great to find people who speak your language!

Forgive the blunt commentary by Windexo, but as WoW stated, it is with a high degree of regularity that highly respected contractors do poor window installations. It is really a specialty service, much like tile, or auto body, or any number of things. You wouldn't hire a highly respected body man to replace the motor in your car because he was a well-regarded "car guy", or go to a podiatrist for persistent migraines. For some reason it is a widely held belief that that "carpenters" pretty much do everything, which is generally not true. .... and this is all speculation of course. Perhaps your connection is an expert at installing windows and there is nothing to worry about... I'd recommend that you read through this article and have a lengthy conversation about how his procedures will either mimic or vary from what is described. http://www.finehomebuilding.com/how-to/install-replacement-windows-and-flashing-correctly.aspx