The first tech also thought it was the pump but didn't sound convincing (more of a "we might want to replace the pump" approach). Since it will cost us about $500 to do this we were hesitant (next time definitely getting an extended warranty). I asked for the "best" and most senior tech to come and see to "confirm" the first tech (which Miele kindly did). However, the 2nd tech believes the problem is "acceptable" and didn't confirm if it could be the pump. grapepeeler - we thought about the granite overlay but the noise level didn't get any louder until 4 months after it was completed. I would have expected to notice the change right away. I haven't had a chance to phone Miele back but my guess is we will just have to live with it. However, I will be sending a "formal" letter so it is on record (in case there is a underlying problem and it gets worse). Thanks for all of the advice and help, ml25

Below is a link to the spec of the Pozzi windows (Jeldwen architectural series). On page 5-2 it says that the frame is extruded, but the sash is rolled. The spec for the Siteline EX says that both the frame and the sash are extruded. http://www.jeld-wen.com/architectural_specs/specs/Windows%20&%20Patio%20Doors/Wood%20&%20Clad-Wood/Premium%20Wood%20Siteline%20Ex%20Windows%20&%20Patio%20Doors/Clad%20Double-Hung%20Wind We were told that the builders & Siteline EX have the same spec, but that the difference was color selection for the cladding and that there are just a certain, standard set of sizes available. However, this is not the case as the spec says the frame is extruded and the sash is rolled on the builders line. Oh well, we worked our @sses off to get most of our windows sized so we could use the less expensive builders because we thought the spec was the same & we could live with (& wanted) white. Live & learn & always read the spec even though it is buried layers deeper on the vendors site. Jo Ann Here is a link that might be useful: Jeldwen Arch. Seris Spec

Sorry i didnt not get this earlier Jamie. They were ok but you have to stay on them or stuff wont get done. Their contractors drink beer on the job site. Make sure the contractors are using your specs cause they originally put my shower in the wrong way which would have messed up my bathtub and tile set up. Contarctors spilled a whole bottle of some red sauce they had for lunch on the sub floor and was going to leave it there. i brought to the attention of schumacher and they barely wiped it up, so i went in and cleaned it myself so I would not have ants down the road because their spill on my sub floor (when i say spilled the entire bottle, they left the spilled bottle ontop of the spill, that bottle was full the prior day when i was at the site). I will just say this stay ontop of your builder/project manager like you are monitoring a toddler. i didnt want to micro manage them but if you do not things will get missed even though its on your contract. Example: Shower plumber put in wrong direction, Missing lighting, missed painted spots on the exterior, cleaning is not the greatest prior to you recieving the house so be prepared to go in a do a deep clean once you officially get keys, door swing. These were just the things i did not catch during the build and pointed out after, there were plenty of little things during the build i had to point out to the builder during construction that were add in Precon that they were not doing per my contract. Overall house is good, but i did not like that i had to micro manage them to get what i paid for or i would be missing alot of my paid for items and upgrades.

This is long, but has a lot of detail. I hope it helps-- Importing big stuff isn't for the faint at heart. If I was buying Gaggenau (or pushing my comfort zone) I'd probably use a group like Importappliances.com or buy from someplace in the UK, with no language barrier and an American-ish idea of customer service. If you have basic (and I mean VERY basic) German skills, my favorite site is… wait for it… Amazon… I've imported many things from them, from trash cans to appliances. Just type "Amazon.de" instead of .com in your browser. Your login is the same as your US login. Expedited 2 day shipping is a manageable up charge on accessories/parts. German Amazon has better kitchen stuff than British Amazon, by the way. I will say that the German site has weird "typos," so you want to make sure the item number matches the picture/discription before finalizing an order. For example, on Amazon.de, the Bosch Domino Lava-Grill (PKU375N14E) is listed. If you search for the grill, you'll get a picture of a 12" induction cooktop, and the product title-- Bosch "Warmeschublade." Unless you have good enough language skills to figure out which one is being sold, you might end up with something unexpected. I always double-check item numbers w the manufacturer. The only problems I have ever had is with packaging coming open in transit. Clearly, this is a bigger problem with a cooktop than a trash-can. UPS is pretty good, but inspect the item before accepting. I've never had to deal with a big return, but the process is the same as in the US. If you use Google Chrome, it can automatically translate the pages. The format is so similar that you can generally navigate, even without translation. The basic keywords to search w/o translation are "Induktions Kochfeld" (Induction Cooktop). Usually, searching in English works. 60cm = 24 inches… figure up or down from there. On the right side of the Amazon.de website, where you do filters like Prime, click the button for "AmazonGlobal Bestellbar" this means it is available to ship internationally, with minimal fuss. If you are lucky, you'll find something sold directly by Amazon, as they will subtract VAT, calculate reasonable shipping (including 2-3 day for a minimal up-charge!), and "pre-charge" duties. Basically, if you can get something from them, it is as easy as buying from them in the US. You can also filter by brand. Personally, I agree with Pillog that if you stick to brands sold in the US, you minimize potential issues… Some brands like AEG (Electrolux) have so many options for a low price that it is tempting. That said, a lot of brands (like Bosch) won't let Amazon sell to the US for obvious reasons. If Amazon doesn't ship to the US, under the product description, it says: Leider kann dieser Artikel nicht in die Vereinigten Staaten versendet werden However, under that, you can choose other Marketplace sellers besides Amazon. If there are other sellers, below the Amazon pricing, it usually says something like: "16 neu ab EUR 659,85" just like on the American site where it says "16 new from $659." If you click that, you'll get a list of several sellers. If the individual Marketplace retailers ship internationally (some do, some don't), it says: "Internationale und Inlandsversandkosten." If they only sell in Germany, it just says "Inlandsversandkosten." Add the item to your cart and go through the checkout process (without finalizing) to see shipping costs. If buying from Marketplace sellers, I look at feedback and go to their "normal" online store before buying through Amazon. You can always ask questions. If you write in English, 99% of the time, they can translate and reply. Thank them for that! Many Germans speak some English, and are happy to do so, but are annoyed that Americans ASSUME they speak English. If you thank them for the effort, they soften up. Make sure to figure out customs duties-- only Amazon (direct) calculates that in checkout. Also, you shouldn't have to pay the VAT (which is usually included in list prices) if the item is leaving the EU, but some sellers don't deduct it (or give you the paperwork for a refund.) I consider that a "red-flag" for shifty (or unsophisticated) sellers since they won't have to pay the VAT on their end. Depending on the country, the VAT can be over 20% so its a significant amount, often covering a good bit of shipping and customs costs. Another option for purchases is http://www.importappliances.com. I've never used them, but they look legit. Their prices are higher, but still MUCH less than USA and they can provide the kind of hand-holding that is reassuring. Most induction cooktops seem to be under 1000 EUR (about $1100 USD) My guess is that their business model is to buy appliances in Brussels (where they are based) for normal retail, then simply forward to customers in the North America and Australia. Their site is a good place for research, as they have downloads of product specs, etc. You can also get specs, installation guides, manuals, etc in English on the manufacturers European websites. Just go to the regular website and change your country. I know Bosch allows you to choose English as a default language, even on their German site, which is nice. Again, Google Chrome will translate… Generally, the European economies are hurting, so they are happy to "go the extra kilometer" to close an international sale. Still, be aware that Continental Europe has a different attitude about customer service than what we are used to in the US… Its a running joke that in Germany, "customer satisfaction" means that you should be satisfied that they allow you to be a customer… They are wonderful before a sale and will answer all sorts of questions, but if you are asking questions, it is assumed you are a serious buyer, not just "kicking tires." After the sale, they are polite & helpful, but the American expectation that they can return things "no questions asked" for cash refunds isn't the norm. Anyhoo, hope this helps.