Thanks for your replies! Do the combo units have any leakage problems? I asked my landlord about putting a 220V switch in the apartment and he said no, because he didn't want the machine to leak. Is that generally a problem or does he just not want it in this unit? Also, how much electricity per load does the LG or Summit washer/dryer combo use approximately? I am trying to see whether I should just stick with a wash/dry/fold service ($1.07 per pound, including delivery) for towels, linens and other large/heavy items that would take too long to dry on my drying racks and the washer downstairs for most clothing items, or if purchasing one of these combo units makes financial sense. How is the reliability of these machines? I have read a bit about "obsolescence", that is, within 5 years, washer/dryers break down far beyond repair, so you just have to replace them. How true is this with the combos (and in general, for that matter)? That will play a large role in deciding if buying a W/D makes sense. Thank you!

I hope someone with a good eye for color is willing to help -- thanks in advance!

I am building and just had my black windows installed and they are beautiful. I will have silver travertine for brick work and pool. I can't decide on exterior color though,. White, light gray or a taupe as those colors are in the stone. I will have black stationary Bahamas shutters on the turret and black pool cage. Also a dark blackish gray roof tile. Look at silver travertine as they do have a brick stone as well as the pavers.

As I mentioned before my property was damaged in a fire and while I was fixing the place I wanted to somehow update the curb appeal. Many of you said the exterior wasn't a pressing issue. I've kinda cooled on the concept of a ventilation curtain cladding but still want some improvements to the front rooftop deck to make it more usable in the hot summer months and to provide some protection from the rain and wind. Do you think a shade structure up there will enhance or detract from the look of the place? I did my best to photoshop it into place. I'd use curtains to soften it and to make it more cabana-like. It is a louvered roof that opens to for more of a slatted trellis. I also need to raise the handrails about 8 inches to make it safe up there so maybe I'd add 1-foot tall ombre sand-blasted panels of glass that gives the effect of white smoke rising around the rails. BTW... I can make that shade structure up there ANY color I want. The frame can be one color and the interior roof with the paddles closed can be another. If I do it I would match the frame to the existing galvanized metal and make the ceiling white. Any input would be appreciated!