It probably depends on the maker. Every one I've seen comes without a front panel. You can use it. The works are enclosed enough, but it's machine cowling, not a finished panel. This is different from my panel ready warming drawer which came with a front panel and handle ready to be removed. My theory is that they don't sell enough panel ready for it to be worth running separate inventory, that it would cost more to do than the savings from the panels. So there might be some dishwashers like that. Regarding research, panel ready dishwashers tend to run on the high end, mostly because it's a low demand item, due to the extra work and expense panelling is. Still, they're the same dishwashers as the same model that comes with a panel. Perhaps you should choose a major maker, like KitchenAid or Miele, and look at what's available at what price for panel ready, and how much you could save getting a standard finish like stainless would save you. Small carpentry jobs can cost more than each piece of a larger job, but I'm guessing it would be a few hundred dollars plus materials from a good carpenter. Maybe a bit more if there's a minimum. Added to the higher end DW, it might not be for you with everything else that needs fixing. If it's insured at replacement cost, it might be worth a splurge. If you can salvage the old DW and at least give yourself some breathing room before you have to make yet another expensive decision, that would be best. Other possibilities: You can buy ready made dishwasher panels from cabinet companies, especially for integrated models. They do require installation, however. You could see if one was close enough. You could also just use a nicely finished piece of plywood, and stain it as close to your cabinets as you can, paint it with chalkboard and/or magnet paint, or bright red, or, if you're talented, trompe l'oeil paint a kitchen matching drawer stack and handles. Or you could wrap your plywood with sheet stainless or copper or something else interesting. You do need an installer who can fit and instal the custom panel no matter what. It requires being able to follow instructions, drill and use screws. They usually provide a template. Some appliance installers will attach a panel for you and many won't touch it, so it takes being a bit handy. Doing something like that, that you can do mostly yourself, and worrying about the carpenter down the road, is also a possibility if you think you'd be happy living with something different. Best of luck with all your repairs. Sorry for rambling. :)

I assume that the dishwasher is not to be installed in its normal position, which is on left or right side of the sink cabinet, if this is so the plumbing should have been planned before the cabinets were installed. Most dishwashers are hooked to the sink plumbing. If you can route the pipes thru the cabinets thats one way to go, if not I think that you will have to have someone look at it. Hard for me to give an answer since I'm working long distance without knowing what the situation is. Sorry. ......................................... "If all else fails, read the directions"

Hey Anthemguy, sounds like you may be moving to Vegas by your name. Both kim-in-LV and I are here to help a bit. I'm not a plumber but have had a pool here for 15 years. Spas integrated with the pool are expected here. Make sure you can heat the spa separately for winter, you will not be doing any winter swimming. We swim til late Sep only. I have a heater for the pool, but don't really need it. I put a solar cover on in the spring when air temps are 80's and can warm the pool in about a week from 60's to mid 80"s. I use the solar cover all summer at night to stop water loss, we can lose an inch overnight with wind. If the pool gets too warm I just leave the cover off for a night, it will cool the pool at least 5 degrees. If you are going to some other desert location than Vegas, we need some of those Phoenix/Tuscon folks to advise. My girlfriend came from Phoenix and they used to throw ice blocks in the pool in summer. Hope this helps, Barb

Red, since it's a utilitarian zipper and you don't really care how it looks, you just need to securely sew one side of the zipper tape to the fabric attached to the frame and the other side of the zipper tape to the additional piece of fabric that will have the quilt attached to it. Since you need it to be strong, I'd use heavy thread and a large needle and either several rows of straight stitch or a wide zigzag. You can either sew the zipper tape on top of the fabric or the other way around - I don't think it would really matter in this application. Donna