Young House Love

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Picking Out A New Top Loading Washer And Dryer

In what can only be described as a one-two punch of home-ownership havoc, our washer officially died right on the heels of the big plumbing debacle that we detailed for you guys yesterday. Yup, remember when we mentioned that we hoped it would be a simple and inexpensive fix here? Well, the appliance gods must have been softly giggling as we typed that.

WDHunt Fixing Old One

The repair guy took one look at the corroded interior of our old machine (rusted bolts, a broken belt, etc) and said “I could attempt to band-aid this for $200, but I don’t think it would run for very long – honestly, I wouldn’t put another dollar into this machine.” And that was coming from the man who would be taking said money… so… not a good sign. But we definitely appreciated his honesty.

And that’s how we suddenly found ourselves digging back into our “emergency fund” just days after writing a plumbing check to go laundry appliance shopping. We briefly considered trying to get something secondhand (from the ReStore, Craigslist, etc) but we decided that to spend once on something for the long haul would be more settling than getting another “in the meantime” fix and hoping it held out. So after checking out a few online appliance outlets, as well as some mainstream big box stores to see what was on the market, we hit the streets to check things out in person.

WDHunt Clara In Store

We had actually been looking forward to the eventual laundry appliance hunt, because we knew someday we’d get to upgrade these guys (the repairman guessed our washer was over twenty years old, so that’s a pretty good run!) but it was certainly nothing we expected to be embarking on so close to our little plumbing snafu.

WDHunt Clara On Washer

When we moved in, we’d daydream about getting what I affectionately call “mac daddy appliances” someday (both in the kitchen and the laundry area) all of which would be pretty and sparkly and have all of the features we’d ever wanted (like projecting laser shows on the ceiling and making us waffles). Okay, maybe those last two are a stretch, but this sudden rush to get a working washer while our laundry piled up wasn’t the scenario we originally pictured ourselves shopping under (“what do you mean I can’t wait for a Presidents Day sale???”).

Luckily John’s parents welcomed us into their laundry room to do a couple of loads to tide us over while we researched and price-compared (and you better believe I asked John to do those loads so that if something broke he would be the one answering for it). Thankfully, we were able to catch up to our quickly-growing piles, and nothing broke on our watch.

WDHunt Laundry At Parents

We have sort of a new appliance mantra in this house, which is essentially that this time around we don’t want to just chase a deal. We want to do more research, be open to spending a bit more than before, and really think about the features we’ll enjoy and use, because we plan to be here for decades.

We got one of the best deals of our life on our last washer/dryer purchase because we selected the most heavily discounted models on the showroom floor (they were the same brand as our first set, which we liked, so it seemed like a no-brainer). But while we don’t regret the savings (nearly 50% off!), or the quality of them (they worked great for us), we did sacrifice some features in those heavily-discounted models that we ended up missing over time – like a digital display that showed the amount of time left in the cycle, for example. A little thing, yes, but something in retrospect that we would’ve paid extra for – especially since we had it in our first home’s washer & dryer, so we knew what we were missing.

Washer Buttons Close Up

After a ton of discussion and research, we narrowed our search criteria to the following:

  • A Top-Loading washer. We liked our last two front-loaders a lot, but with our existing set-up we’ve both enjoyed not bending over as much. And we didn’t like having to keep up with mildew maintenance on our two previous front-loaders (we’d take time to wipe it down, leave the door open to air it out, and occasionally run Affresh tablets through it) which we understand is a persistent problem in front loaders. Plus, top-loaders now come in high efficiency versions which minimize front-loaders’ previous advantages of load size, spin speed, and water usage.
  • Whirlpool or Maytag. Both brands are made by the same folks who made our last two washers & dryers, which worked really well for us (Whirlpool Corp). We also heard from lots of you that brands like GE and LG can be expensive to repair (and boy did we have repair costs on the brain!) while many of you agreed that Whirlpool/Maytag did you right (like on this comment thread for example). Plus, we liked our last two Whirlpool Duets and the top loading washer in this house that we’re replacing is a Maytag (that thing lasted 20+ years, so it definitely was reassuring).
  • The ability to silence the buzzer. Again, it’s a little detail, but our current dryer doesn’t let us disable the crazy loud and annoying buzzer that shouts at us three times as a cycle comes to an end. So we couldn’t run it during Clara’s nap for fear that it would jolt her awake since it’s just down the hall from her door.
  • A digital display. Mainly for the cycle time countdown mentioned above. What can I say, we’re divas for the are-we-there-yet how-much-longer details.
  • A dryer with steam. We just heard good things about that throughout our research and it sounded like a feature we might actually enjoy and use.

Our search first lead us to this model (here’s the washer & the dryer) because it’s a Whirlpool and actually very similar to what we used at John’s parents house (they’ve had theirs around a year and have really enjoyed them so far). They each earned a 4.5 star review on Home Depot’s website too, so that was reassuring.

WDHunt Whirlpool Specs

We narrowed our shopping zone down to Home Depot and Lowe’s, since we’ve had success there in our previous appliance hunts (prices from other vendors like Best Buy, HH Gregg, and sites like Whirlpool Outlet didn’t get as low as theirs for the same models) and both of our previous laundry sets were from Lowe’s.

The sale prices shown above and below are from both stores who each had them marked down 10% below MSRP and were running a 10%-off-all appliances promotion, which could be stacked. They also both were offering free delivery and haul away, and would honor 5% off if we used our store credit card (the Lowe’s card does it automatically, and if you ask Home Depot to do it at the register they should be able to manually apply that in the interest of “price matching” their competition).

Initially we were torn between the Whirlpool above and this extremely similar model from Maytag (here’s the washer & the dryer).

WDHunt Maytag 880 Specs

After hunting for some reason or review that would sway us towards one or the other (they both were very highly rated, had similar capacities, similar Energy Star ratings, and identical price tags), this third option appeared to us at Home Depot (here’s the washer & the dryer). It was just a slight step-down from the ones above (the washer capacity is .3 cubic feet less – oh the sacrifice!) and the front is designed differently (no gray trim, and no window into the dryer). But the price tag promised to save us over $130 between the pair and their online review boasted a nearly 5 star rating – which was better than the other two we had been weighing!

WDHunt Maytag 725 Specs

Home Depot carried it in stock (the display price of $724 was before the 10% off promotion was applied) but Lowe’s didn’t. They offered to special order it for us, but they’d only be able to apply one of the 10% discounts. We showed them the printout that Home Depot had given us that showed $651 as the final price (before the additional 5% credit card discount was applied at checkout) and they said they’d price match it. But ultimately we gave our sale to Home Depot, since they were the ones to show us this option first, as well as having it in stock (truth be told, we liked that salesperson better there too, so we wanted him to get the credit).

WDHunt Units In Store

In case all of those words make your brain hurt and you like images and arrows, here’s a cost breakdown (mostly because John takes great pleasure in making them).

Washer Pricing

We’re glad that we weren’t forced to pay full price due to being under the gun and needing to replace them rightthissecond instead of waiting for a special holiday sale, but it also felt good to take the time and make a detailed list of what we really wanted this time (and check out a bunch of reviews) instead of jumping on the “this one’s the cheapest” bandwagon. Honestly, even if these were less discounted, the features and reviews probably would have tipped the scales in their favor.

They’re set for delivery a little later today (WAHOOOOOO!) so we should have an update for you next week once they’re here and we’ve taken them for a spin.

We also have some plans for the floor under them in the laundry nook (there are actually small scraps of old carpet hiding under the ones we have now). So just cross your fingers that we don’t peel back those carpet scraps under the old washer and dryer to find a giant hole/huge leak/live animal/other debacle lurking. Don’t they say these things happen in threes? Le yipes.

Psst- None of the links in this post are affiliate links. Also, your hair looks pretty and I like your smile.


Comments

  1. Lesley says

    Thanks for doing the leg work, I need a new set for the new house! I can tell before even moving in their days are numbered…

    Reply

  3. Somer says

    We love our top loader! My husband and I did a lot of research after our washing machine over flowed a few times on our first floor (which meant it was raining in our basement). I love that we went for upgrades and even splurged on getting the dark gray versions over white because we’re so cool like that. Not really. Lastly, with a new baby on the way Sherry, I’m sure you’ll love the features for cloth diapering! I want to hug my washer every time I do a load.

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      Ooh, you got dark gray ones! That’s awesome! I was totally eying them at the store. And as for cloth diapers, it is funny how timing works – I’m sure it’ll be really convenient to have these guys :)

      xo
      s

    • Elizabeth says

      I totally second the comment about the cloth diapers. We had to buy a new w&d for our new house and specifically went with top loaders for the cloth diapers. They are so easy to wash and even though they are high efficiency, we don’t have any issues with water levels. Y’all are going to love these!

  5. Michelle says

    I have the Maytag Bravos – can’t remember the series number but they are all white too but it has the dryer window. Have had them for nearly 3 years. Love them! Lots of good features and no problems.

    Reply

  6. Lori says

    I just replaced my Whirlpool Cabrio washer TWO DAYS BEFORE CHRISTMAS. I put into it in repairs over it’s 5 1/2 year life almost as much as I paid for it in the first place. Wouldn’t recommend that washer to my worst enemy.

    Reply

    • Laurie says

      I think you must have gotten a lemon! I’ve had my whirlpool cabrio washer and dryer since they first came out and not a problem!

      Good luck with the maytag. I am very anti-maytag since my top of the line dishwasher and washing machine both flooded my house within a week. Both appliances were less than 2 years old. Water damage is the worst….

    • JennW-M says

      Maytag has always been a washer & dryer manufacture. When they branched out to other appliances, stoves/ovens, refrigerators, dishwashers, etc. they are not that well made. We had a Maytag refrigerator that constantly had to be serviced – from day 40 of ownership. The Maytag washer & dryer, never has given us an issue.

      It is all confusing too because Maytag, whirlpool, GE, Kenmore, Fridgidare, Electrolux and LG are seem to interchange who makes what.

  8. Lee Ann says

    Love the look of these units. Do you anticipate having to remove the molding, etc., to get them into place? That’s always a “darn it” moment. I really hate those desperate appliance search-and-purchase situations. My refrig/freezer died in the middle of the summer. No, it couldn’t die in the middle of an ice storm so I could just put everything outside on the deck to stay cold! Thank goodness for friends with freezers (sounds like a bad movie), living nearby. Adding insult to injury, almost no one stocks decent smaller “condo” size refrig/freezers. Can you say “special order?” Agh!

    Reply

  9. Susan says

    I’m so glad you didn’t go with the WP Cabrio. Mine just died, too! When I took it in, the man said he sees them all the time. It would costs more for the parts than a new one. He said they are terrible washers. So I had to just go spend over $700 on a new one.

    Reply

    • Allison says

      Whirlpool actually owns maytag so the cabrio and bravos are the same design. The non-agitator top loaders have been a more troublesome design – especially a few years back – and we would see many people with this design come in to replace 3-4 year old machines that the bearings had gone bad on. We never recommend this design even though we sell all Whirlpool and Maytag machines (they are by far the most American made brand). We usually stick with front loaders for the high efficiency machines. (Sorry! had to share as my family owns an appliance store)

    • YoungHouseLove says

      Thanks for the info! Thankfully we have heard from a good number of folks who have these Bravos (and even use them for cloth diapers) who are really happy with them, so we have our fingers crossed like crazy. Will share an update, good or bad!

      xo
      s

  10. Shannon says

    Loved the comment at the bottom….”Also, your hair looks pretty and I like your smile.”

    Totally made me laugh! Thanks guys! :)

    Reply

  11. Hilary says

    I love my Maytag Bravos washer and dryer! I hope you enjoy yours. This is our second time buying them – had them in my last house too.

    Reply

  12. Amber says

    We inherited my grandparents Kenmore set. They are over 30 years old and still run great! While I don’t want to spend the money, I do get a little excited thinking about the day that they die and I just have to buy new ones. Even though new ones are a ton more efficient, I just can’t justify spending the money until we have to. Hope your new toys make laundry a little more fun!

    Reply

  13. Sharon says

    Congrats on your new appliance purchase! I have the Bravos series washer & steam dryer. They are nearly 3 yrs old. Totally happy with them. The steam dryer is an amazing thing!! Hope you’re thrilled with yours as well :-) !!

    Reply

  14. Cat says

    I really like the cost breakdown graphic! It provided a little clarity for my sleepy brain this morning. We got a high efficiency top loader last year and we have been very pleased with it. I hope you enjoy yours. Quick question, where did you guys get the white hamper? The one in the picture of John doing laundry at his parents?

    Reply

  15. Melinda says

    Seriously, this whole debacle is one of the awful trials of home ownership. And TRUST, I’ve been there, I feel ya.
    But the best part of this post was you acknowledging my hair! How did you know I needed that pick-me-up today ;)
    Hang on guys, and enjoy that inaugural laundry load – nothing feels better!

    Reply

  16. Lex says

    We have the same set and they are awesome! They even make these adorable little dinging sounds when you are selecting a wash which somehow puts me in a good mood despite having to do laundry. Its the little things!

    Reply

  17. Sarah says

    Great choice! I’ve had a similar whirlpool Cabrio set for about 3 years now and they are probably my favorite appliances! Ours doesn’t have the windows but I honestly have never minded that. I’m hooked on the energy efficient top loaders though! It seems to be the best of both worlds, no worrying about the mold/mildew issue but still uses less energy and water.

    Reply

  18. Alyson says

    Oh, I feel your pain. Just a few months ago I came home to a tree in my back yard which I thought i could maybe cut up myself (I like the challenge), but came to my senses and just hired a crew. Upon doing so I realized there were a few other trees that probably needed to come out too so I wasn’t re-doing this in a few months. Thankfully a few smiles and frowns later, the nice tree guy did it for $600. And not 2 days later a glass container fell off a shelf above my toilet (and yes, I left the lid up like an idiot) and shattered the toilet bowl. Like nothing you’ve ever seen before. HUGE chunk out of the toilet bowl. Keep in mind this is a bathroom that I’d torn down to the studs and re-tiled, sheetrocked, painted, replaced all toilet, sink, hardware, everything just this past April. So I also got to go to HD and buy a new toilet. Thankfully I was able to install that bad boy myself, but geez!

    Glad you guys found a good deal! Here’s hoping nothing else happens and it’s smooth sailing from here out!! :)

    Reply

  19. April says

    Looks like you did the best research you could on a tight timeline. I hope the Maytags will be good to you!! I don’t mean to be doom and gloom but my FIL always says that things like this happen in 3’s. I hope that’s not the case for you all! Yay for ER funds though!

    Reply

  20. Andrea says

    great choice. I would pick a top loader too if I ever live in big enough place where I can have a laundry room. I don’t like the smell of the front loaders.

    Reply

  21. Nicole says

    You made John do the laundry because you were too afraid of using the washer dryer at his parents house because you might break it??

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      Haha, yup! We have been having such bad luck with things rebelling that I worried the curse of threes would carry over into John’s parents’ house and I would touch them and they’d self destruct! Thankfully mah man doesn’t mind doing laundry ;)

      xo
      s

  23. April says

    We switched to a HE top loader after our front loader started to make our clothes smell (and this is with impeccable maintenance), and have been pretty happy. My only gripe is that it takes some practice to learn how to balance the loads… otherwise the thing starts walking away, then errors. Just a heads up.

    Reply

  25. Claire says

    I know that you guys get a ton of comments, so I hardly do; but this post rocked my socks–we just built a house and just recently made the decisions on appliances. My husband looves the front loading look, but for all of the reasons that you stated above, most importantly the mildew and smell maintenance, I convinced him to do top loading.

    Just love when my morning blog read reaffirms my original thinking. Sounds small, but it’s a great way to end the week after big decisions.

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      Aw, I’m so glad! I still have that “ahh, did we do the right thing?” feeling too. I can’t wait for them to come so we can try them out and hopefully really like them.

      xo
      s

  26. erin says

    yay for new washer and dryer! we’re supposed to get our new ones delivered this weekend, but we’re in the middle of our laundry reno and i don’t think we’re ready for them just yet… unless the tile fairy came sometime today to tile the floors for me… but i’m not counting on that miracle. but your compliment at the end of your post made me feel better, so thank you! your hair looks lovely today too! :)

    Reply

  27. Michelle says

    Not to be a Debbie Downer, but… We went through this last year. We bought the maytag set and were so excited. The delivery guy said his mother returned hers because she felt like her clothes weren’t getting clean and the washer was too hard on fabrics. He seemed to be picking on her rather than warning us so we didn’t worry about it. Within 10 days we exchanged ours for a front loader for the same reasons. Whites still stayed stinky and every load seemed to pull strings out of some garment. The front loaders can be fussy to care for and we don’t like leaving the door open, but we’ve been very happy with ours after the experience with the top loader. I hope you have better success with yours than we did.

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      Thanks Michelle! We’ll definitely keep an eye out for that! Our model has a very small agitator (like a tiny nub on the bottom) which we hear makes a difference on how gentle it is, so we’re hoping since it doesn’t have a big one like some of the other models it’ll be smooth sailing. Will tell you guys if we’re unhappy with them for sure though!

      xo
      s

    • Julie says

      Just had to mention the problem we had with the smell in our front loader until we got a washer fan! Sounds unbelievable but there is a vent in the back of the front loader and the fan is magnetic and goes over the vent. It just gently fans away…and the smell gradually fades. We occasionally leave the door open a crack, but it is such an improvement…previously we had to leave the door wide open and it still smelled…well worth the $70 or so that it cost. washerfan.com (by the way, I don’t work for the company lol)

  28. Erin says

    Looks like a great purchase. We just had to replace our washer and dryer too, and we are loving the digital display! We saved an additional 10% after the Lowe’s sale by buying gift cards at a 10% discount online. There are a bunch of sites that sell unwanted gift cards at a discount these days.

    Reply

  29. Jessica M says

    We are going to replace our washing machine tomorrow after it gave up on us last week :(

    I’ve never seen a top loader washer on sale in Ireland, maybe it’s not so common in Europe!

    Reply

  30. Cyndy G says

    Thanks for doing all the research for ME (and others)!

    Also, I love the “psst” at the end of the post. It’s Friday and I needed a smile. :)

    Reply

  31. Katie says

    Hope they treat you well! How fancy will you feel washing your first load, I’m almost excited for you. :)
    Random question, I’m having trouble finding your blogroll on my computer. Could it be a weird glich on my end? Any tips or tricks? I wanted to treat myself to some blog browsing.

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      So sorry, we clicked a button to turn that off last night (we’ve received a few complaints about it not being updated, linking to blogs that were inactive or that people didn’t like, etc). It has always been a challenge to keep that current, so we just disabled it for the time being. We noticed a lot of other blogs seem to have been phasing them out as well, so we’ll have to see where we end up :)

      xo
      s

    • Lisa in Seattle says

      Oh man, I’m sorry to hear this! I actually use your blogroll as my jumping-off place to Centsational Girl, Design Sponge and Pancakes and French Fries. I can definitely understand that you’re not looking for extra work, though. I shall come up with Plan B.

    • SB says

      I would say a fortunate consequence of the blogroll not being active is that you don’t have a link to Bower Power anymore. You may have caught the controversy about her blog post about a “crackhouse” she may be buying. She may not mean harm but her insensitivity and ignorance are astonishing! how would she feel is someone called her house a “redneck palace”? I am a big fan of YHL. I may not have loved every single one of your projects but overall I have a ton of respect and admiration both for you and John as people and for what you are accomplishing professionally. It would pain me to see you associate with someone like that!

  32. Lisa says

    Did you guys opt for an extended warranty? We recently bought a new washer and dryer and decided to go for it. I think the warranty was about $100. The past few years we’ve done extended warranty/insurance on major purchases and it has been well worth it. Spend $0 on a cracked iPhone (1 week after purchase!) and a (potentially $430) VW Golf repair.

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      That’s awesome! The washer and dryer came with a 1-year warranty (included in the cost) so we didn’t add anything onto that, just because most things we read say the average person doesn’t recoup those costs, but we have 30 days to add one if they get here and we get nervous!

      xo
      s

  33. Jennifer says

    So glad y’all didn’t get the cabrio. In my family we have three…different years diff models and we all HATE them!! As much as I dont want to replace my washer or dryer…”if it ain’t broke”…I could go on and on…

    Reply

  35. Katie Rose says

    Glad to see the top loading washer is still an option, and now is energy efficient!

    I grew up with them and it wasn’t until I was forced to use a front loader that I sincerely missed them! For some reason I just feel better about my clothes being cleaner when they are completely submerged in water with the top loader.

    Looking forward to an update after a few months of usage!

    Reply

  36. Denise says

    My sister has a small closet for their washer/dryer and when they moved in, they realized that the front loading machines did not open fully in the closet space (after I helped carry it up the stairs!). Hopefully your space is much larger but either way, smart choice in the top loader!

    Reply

  37. Tanya says

    For future appliance purchases I recommend consulting “Consumer Reports.” I like their consolidated advice and reviews.

    Reply

  38. Marissa says

    Haha, I like your hair and you have a pretty smile yourself! ;)

    Good choice on the washer and dryer. I loved getting my new set! I may or may not have slept in the laundry room with them that first night!

    Reply

  40. april w says

    I just purchased the exact same set three weeks ago! And I am thrilled with them… so much so, that at times I catch myself just staring into the top of the washer, mesmerized by the washing. And possibly enjoy a peaceful moment away from the kids.

    Reply

  41. Kendall says

    This is perfect timing! We are on the hunt as well for a new set. After all of my research I also ended up zeroing in on these same models! Good to know the research was peer tested? It sure was confusing to find information so I’m happy to have a little reinforcement that I wasn’t too off base.

    Also, did ya’ll nix the blogroll? I used it almost daily!

    Reply

  42. Stephanie says

    I’m glad you did this post, because we are in the market for new a new washer/dryer set… and buying new instead of taking Mom and Dads old set is a little daunting.

    Also, you’re sweet.. but my hair does not look pretty today ;)

    Reply

  44. KathyG says

    I had a feeling, when you mentioned the rusted stuff that it was a goner-But the new will be SO worth it! This is seriously WHY WE ALL NEED an emergency fund! I got in the kinda same situation, gotta do it now, can’t wait for Presidents Day. We bought the WP Duet set. Got it from Sears, they were running a “more you buy” deal, and it ended up beating HD and Lowes and BB. I get mine on Monday, excited!

    Reply

    • Blaze says

      Okay I have to type this – it’s not directed to you KathyG but yours is the third or forth mention of this being covered by the emergency fund so I’m putting my comment here! Please take this in the spirit of me just offering some insight based on my mistakes and am just trying to promote a different way of looking at this and hopefully help someone else.
      I’m going to play devil’s advocate for a minute and say the cost of replacing these appliances isn’t something that should come out of the emergency fund. True emergency funds are intended to cover sudden, unpredictable, unexpected expenses. Things that are completely out of left field and would derail your normal budget/spending plan. Having an old rusted appliance breakdown shouldn’t have been a surprise at all, but something that’s been gradually saved for in anticipation. The plumbing repairs for the master bathroom would be valid EF expenses, since you couldn’t know your plumbing had been installed incorrectly in the first place.
      Having funds set aside for whatever life throws at you is of course terrific no matter what you call that money, I just worry that people figure having a bit of money tucked aside for “emergencies” means they figure they don’t also need to regularly put aside a little toward things they can predict will need replacing in the future (appliances, vehicles, roofs etc). It’s not a surprise that your car’s tires need replacing if they’ve been showing signs of wear for a year; it is an unexpected expense when you drive over a nail with a brand new tire and have to replace it the week after you bought it. See the difference? Imagine you use up a large chunk of your EF to replace old appliances and then before you build it back up you are hit with several true emergencies that couldn’t be anticipated (flights to an unexpected funeral, pet surgery, removing storm damaged trees (sudden damage, not removal after several years of looking like it’s dying and giving you lots of warning…)
      Of course you can’t predict everything in life – that would make it entirely too easy would it? But many of life’s expenses aren’t really surprises as much as we’d like to pretend they aren’t looming on the horizon. Better to have the money for major expense saved up and then not be needed as soon as you thought, than being caught off guard and resorting to the emergency fund. Right after you empty the emergency fund is exactly the time a true emergency will come along and bite you. Okay, getting down of my soap box now! (PS. this is the only blog I read that’s not focused on personal finance and early retirement, so now and then something finance related just bursts out of me uncontrolably!)

      BTW-in yesterday’s post someone asked about how much to budget for home maintenance, and I’ve read in many places that as a guide 3-4% of the value of the home should be set aside every year. This fund is meant to cover the ongoing predictable repairs and replacements that are just a normal part of home ownership (removing diseased trees, replacing rotting decks, refinishing wood floors, replacing shingles and windows, etc). If you get to update/restyle your kitchen in the process of replacing old, failing cabinets great, but this isn’t really a renovation budget. If you change your nearly new builder’s grade countertops with granite, that’s not maintenance, that’s a non-essential cosmetic update. Budgetting 3-4% per year can seem like a lot and perhaps it’s a little high for a brand new home with many items still under warranty, but as a home ages the big ticket items start to fail and then it’s like a spending avalanche. We built 20yrs ago so everything is starting to go at once. Two years ago our new roof (large and complicated) was $18K. The windows were $23k when we built – I assume they haven’t gotten any cheaper in the past 20yrs so I’m not looking forward to that one. The deck will be replaced this summer. We’ve already done the hot water tank, and I assume the furnace will need to be replace in the next 2-5yrs. Our hardwood floors are lasting well but eventually we’re looking at refinishing 1700+ sq feet of hardwood, then there is all the carpeting. The finish on the kitchen cabinets is starting to show signs of wear but they still work fine for the moment… and so it goes. After a couple of decades of very minimal mainenance costs we are now moving into the expensive years of this home’s life and I foresee at least one major item ($20k+) needing to be replaced every year for the next decade.

  45. Melissa R. says

    I refuse to buy any appliance that is “more intelligent than me”. People laugh, but I like knowing I can repair them myself. I have a set of hand me down washer dryer (MAYTAG) from my parents that they bought in 1986.. I just replaced the heating coil on the dryer for $65 and did a happy dance I was able to do the repairs myself. Most new technologically advanced appliances require a repair technician which I hate being at their mercy. But congrats on the new appliances =)

    Reply

    • emma says

      so smart! the washer that the previous owners of our home purchased is a samsung super high tech and 90% of the features i can’t figure out (with the manual). my aunt was staying at my house and called to ask how to work the space machine that look like it should wash clothes.

    • Corinna says

      My husband is right there with you. I sometimes crave a fancy steam dryer or a intelligent gentle wash cycle or whatever these gorgeous machines can do lately (waffles sounds nice). But I do recognize that things that have motherboards (!!) are generally above and beyond the talents or interest of my fix-it husband.

      Side note: maybe I missed this in the post – do people usually go with the store warranties or not? Is there usually a 1 year from date of purchase? Just curious.

    • YoungHouseLove says

      We go with the free one (most come with a 1-year warranty with purchase) but don’t spring for the extended ones since most places (like Consumer Reports and Money Magazine) say they’re not typically worth it for the average household. But it still feels a little like roulette to me! So far in our first and second house (after 8 years of Whirlpool) we didn’t have any issues, so I’m hoping we have the same luck with these!

      xo
      s

  47. Kate says

    Have you all ever been to the Sears Dent and Ding on the North side? We just got all of our appliances there for a total steal. It’s amazing what people will return things over.

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      We did! There were some awesome finds, but a few things on our list made it harder (they only had one matching set that was top-loading, with steam, by Whirlpool or Maytag and it was more than the set we ended up with). We hear there are awesome deals to be had though, so I think it’s probably a lot to do with inventory at the time you check them out (ex: next week the perfect set might come in).

      xo
      s

  48. Marlena says

    We got a new washer and dryer shortly after we moved in. We noticed the washer wasn’t really “washing,” and did all kinds of clean rinse options, etc. We went shopping around Labor Day, after doing research, etc. and the sales guy knew which washer we had just by me saying, “ours doesn’t really wash anymore” – the make, model and year! We’re lucky to have an independent store that matches big box prices, so we picked up our Maytags there, since they were offering better sales and warranty options. It’s space age, and we love it!

    Reply

  50. Sarah Stirling W. says

    We received the Bravos XL 880 washer and dryer as a housewarming gift from my boyfriend’s parents when we moved in last year and it’s an AWESOME pair. My best friend has the same ones and we totally screamed when we realized we we washer/dryer twins. You can fit so much in those things. I’m pretty much obsessed… can you tell…

    Reply

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