Well, the saga continues. To make a very long story short the Affinity washer and dryer was too deep for my space. I did get a guarantee that I could return it without penalty if it did not fit. The "expert installation service" we were told about really was an in-house delivery service - nothing more. The guys put the washer in the spot and said "look see - it just fits - isn't that great". We were focused on the dryer which looked pretty hopeless so we didn't even take delivery on it. After the guys left DH took a yardstick and put it from the "pony wall" across the front of the washer where the bubble door was and only then could you tell that the bubble door actually stuck out beyond the wall. It was an optical illusion that it fit because the part of the washer adjacent to the wall fit but the middle part of the washer stuck out beyond that. Anyway, they came and picked it up on Saturday and promised us a full refund. Not sure that the paperwork has been processed - yet but I am hopeful. As you know we are looking for the largest capacity we can get with the smallest depth. Now we have been recommended the following:- and I would love feedback: Washer: Bosch Axxis WAS24460UC 3.4 CU capacity only .1 smaller than the Affinity. Dryer: Axxis WTV76100US - 3.9 CU - This dryer is quite a bit smaller than the Affinity - I am concerned that this dryer can work as well on drying the same capacity coming out of a 3.4 CU washer?? I wash alot of blankets and quilts (queen size) and it is important to me to be able to wash and dry these. I am going to see these models in the store and will bring my puffiest queen size quilt to see how it fits. Would love any feedback.... Back to square one - but I'm hoping this one will do the trick....

It's a shame when slate tile goes down for the count. Are there some salvagable? They do have some value. Even if somebody won't give you top dollar for it, they will at least haul it away for you. That happened to my sister's beautiful slate roof. Her's was easily 80-90 years old. The first thing about the slate tile is that they "out-live" the nails. When the nails rust out they start sliding and shifting until they slide on out. sometimes the price of repairing can exceed the cost of a new asphalt shingle roof. I've always had good luck with the Certaiteed brand. I get fiberglass mat instead of the organic. The organic sometimes have algae growth. They also have different product lines; some which look like slate. (unfortunenly nobody will ever mistaken it for slate, it doesn't look that similar) As for your Roof & Dormer; it would be advisable to do them together. Like a lot of home improvement (repairs or remodeling)it is best to do everything at once, get it over with.

The Novik shingles have character. If black is a suitable roof color in your geographical area, it would look pretty good. More reddish brown, like the current roof color, would give a more unified look. It looks like you and your neighbor may need to sort out the gutters in this process. The balcony may have some creative drainage that should be looked at. The middle shrub could be pruned way back and transplanted to a better location. The flowerboxes can be removed, repainted, and replanted with all new potting soil and some spring flowering bulbs. If you need to repaint the porch ceiling, sky blue is the traditional color. https://www.houzz.com/photos/window-boxes-and-containers-traditional-landscape-boston-phvw-vp~50209

Thank you Cpartist. That is what I meant to say (instead of move the cooktop). I just think that is too much renovation for us at this point in time. Just looking for a little freshen up. Kids are almost ready for College and my discretionary funds are being diverted elsewhere other than my kitchen!! We will have to make do with the cooktop in the island but after these discussions I am leaning towards getting the best downdraft I can fit in my space. Although in all fairness, I rarely use the downdraft that I have now.