That has been my pet peeve since they first started selling the “new” washing machines — especially the front loaders on pedastals. There are millions of houses, all over the country, that have built in cabinets around their laundry room set ups. And then the washing machine people started making the machines in different sizes that don’t fit. Actually, I didn’t think it would last, but they are still doing it and I’v been complaining at least 10 years.
My situation is a little different. We were getting a new floor installed in the laundry room, kitchen, powder bath; and front entry hall.
All the appliances were new when we bought this house in 1987. The sellers were insistent that we take the machines at the time, so we did. About 3 weeks after moving in, I noticed something strange about how the washer (an oversized model) was installed. I looked closer and saw that in order to squeeze this 29” washer into a smaller space, someone had cut the ends of the counter off, removed the side of the coabinet, and ripped out the sheet rock down to the studs where all the plumbing comes in and out.
My husband said he’d fix it. That was 27 years ago! So, now he fixed it (which was a 2 week ordeal, fitting all the pieces in). In the mean time, I pointed out that my perfectly good washer was probably on its last legs and we should consider getting a new washer/dryer because we didn’t want to take the chance that the old one would fail and leak all over the new floor!
We bought a set of LGs and had them delivered. An hour after they were installed, they leaked all over the floor (which was still the old floor). I raised holy he!! with Best Buy and LG and sent them back. (In the mean time, Best Buy had taken my old machines). Then I ordered as set of Whirlpool Cabrios from HH Gregg. They kept changing the delivery date and then finally brought them out at 9:30 PM and they arrived all dented. We sent them back.
In the mean time, we found out that the leak all over the floor was from an outdoor water faucet that had sprung a leak over the winter. We hadn’t used it yet, but recently had a delivery of hydrangeas that are sitting in their pots waiting to be planted.
So, we went to Home Depot and re-ordered the LGs. I’ve only got the washer so far. The dryer comes next week. So, I’ve had to learn to use the laundromat, an experience I haven’t had since 1961. I have a bump on my head where a dryer door hit me, and I lost $6 in quarters in one of their machines.
But, things could be worse. We could be living in Iraq and be threatened with beheading by ISIS.
One thing I have learned, since this is my third move in the last 5 years, is that appliances are getting bigger and bigger.
The last place I lived, I had problems buying a side by side ref rig that would fit. The appliance makers say Americans want big TV screen and bigger machines.
My last house was built in 1924 and really had limited space. I spent 3 years looking for “slim-line” or any kind of compact washer and dryers ... even stacked. I even hired someone to try to knock out the walls to fit. Nothing worked except putting in European all-electric which mean re-wiring parts of the house. I gave up and sold after 3 years. In the meantime I washed at the laundromat!!!
I lost $$$ bigtime.
The W&D I have now are big. I bought the optional pedestals .... they add height to save your back but you can get them without. But, I agree, it’s an ordeal!