I appreciate the feedback I got after my last post, regarding my medium sized 18-year old Kenmore front-loader made by Frigidaire that had bearings go bad, and spacing issues to replace it in my kitchen.
I ended up choosing the Speed Queen FF7 (a front-loader). I showed pictures, measurements, and my diagram of the layout to the salesman. He said their installers could remove my door if necessary, and that that was included in the usual installation fee. So was their separation of my stacked unit to take away the broken washer, and keep my dryer that still works great here (to be used side-by-side). For now, I have moved my storage cart, toaster oven, and more out of the kitchen.
There were snafus. The installation part of the business refused to handle door removal. I had to choose if I would cancel the sale, or figure out how to get the door removed by someone else. A handyman I have used before and who knows how to work with old houses was able to fit me in quickly and remove the door. I don't know what the charge will be -- I asked, but he won't tell me until he returns to reinstall it.
I kept my scheduled installation date. There was delay because their truck broke down mid-day and the installers had to get a different truck. And this was in very cold weather. They arrived, but then could not get my stacked unit apart. They called a supervisor and still could not resolve it. They tell me they think the previous installers from 18 years ago connected the washer and dryer incorrectly. I had taken a long time to decide on which washing machine to buy, but now I had to choose quickly if I was going to have them leave the stacked unit with me (where one broken machine takes up good real estate), or have them haul away the stacked pair, and I lose a perfectly working dryer that fits well in my space. I ended up having them haul away the stack. So now I am dryer shopping and have that new expense. Can you tell by the screws I circled if separating the stack can be done (reasonably), or not?
As to the new machine: I knew to be cautious about signing the paper too soon that lets them leave. I asked if they leveled the machine. We had had a language barrier the whole time, but he seemed to be admitting no. By feel from the top of the machine and pushing on it, he seemed to be saying it was level, and I accepted that. I asked about the power cord, and he got it plugged in, and the power came on. It was about 7:52 pm and they had had a long, cold, bad day, and I signed and they left. About three minutes later I see a hairline crack in the front left top corner of the machine, and mold in the fabric softener dispenser. (I know SQ says it is normal for there to be some water in the machine at the time of receipt, but I don't know their stance on mold upon arrival.) I wiped away the mold with rubbing alcohol on a wad of TP, but could not access the mold behind a short wall. I will post before and after mold wipe-away pics. I do not want to use liquid chlorine bleach, because I don't want my colorful clothes to accidentally get discolored.
There is a rattle sometimes from behind when I spin the drum with my hand. I think I recall a thread I read where this was discussed, and it goes away after around 6 loads of laundry use? I have not used the machine yet.
There is also unattractive adhesive residue on the front of the machine, which I know is not important, and can be addressed, but the whole list of things is so frustrating for me when this was a huge purchase for me, that should be extra spiffy when brand new for such a price (and with me facing new expenses).
How do you think I should handle this with the seller?
I ended up choosing the Speed Queen FF7 (a front-loader). I showed pictures, measurements, and my diagram of the layout to the salesman. He said their installers could remove my door if necessary, and that that was included in the usual installation fee. So was their separation of my stacked unit to take away the broken washer, and keep my dryer that still works great here (to be used side-by-side). For now, I have moved my storage cart, toaster oven, and more out of the kitchen.
There were snafus. The installation part of the business refused to handle door removal. I had to choose if I would cancel the sale, or figure out how to get the door removed by someone else. A handyman I have used before and who knows how to work with old houses was able to fit me in quickly and remove the door. I don't know what the charge will be -- I asked, but he won't tell me until he returns to reinstall it.
I kept my scheduled installation date. There was delay because their truck broke down mid-day and the installers had to get a different truck. And this was in very cold weather. They arrived, but then could not get my stacked unit apart. They called a supervisor and still could not resolve it. They tell me they think the previous installers from 18 years ago connected the washer and dryer incorrectly. I had taken a long time to decide on which washing machine to buy, but now I had to choose quickly if I was going to have them leave the stacked unit with me (where one broken machine takes up good real estate), or have them haul away the stacked pair, and I lose a perfectly working dryer that fits well in my space. I ended up having them haul away the stack. So now I am dryer shopping and have that new expense. Can you tell by the screws I circled if separating the stack can be done (reasonably), or not?
As to the new machine: I knew to be cautious about signing the paper too soon that lets them leave. I asked if they leveled the machine. We had had a language barrier the whole time, but he seemed to be admitting no. By feel from the top of the machine and pushing on it, he seemed to be saying it was level, and I accepted that. I asked about the power cord, and he got it plugged in, and the power came on. It was about 7:52 pm and they had had a long, cold, bad day, and I signed and they left. About three minutes later I see a hairline crack in the front left top corner of the machine, and mold in the fabric softener dispenser. (I know SQ says it is normal for there to be some water in the machine at the time of receipt, but I don't know their stance on mold upon arrival.) I wiped away the mold with rubbing alcohol on a wad of TP, but could not access the mold behind a short wall. I will post before and after mold wipe-away pics. I do not want to use liquid chlorine bleach, because I don't want my colorful clothes to accidentally get discolored.
There is a rattle sometimes from behind when I spin the drum with my hand. I think I recall a thread I read where this was discussed, and it goes away after around 6 loads of laundry use? I have not used the machine yet.
There is also unattractive adhesive residue on the front of the machine, which I know is not important, and can be addressed, but the whole list of things is so frustrating for me when this was a huge purchase for me, that should be extra spiffy when brand new for such a price (and with me facing new expenses).
How do you think I should handle this with the seller?
