Will Cover

Anyone on here have any firsthand experience with Sonance? If so, what do you think of it?

I was originally planning to go with Sonos, but the company I’m working with used to sell Sonos and doesn’t really recommend it anymore — mainly because of the app problems. They’re big on Sonance now instead. Could be better margins for them too ... the little research that I have done indicates they are more of a premium item.

I heard a Sonance setup in a home at a normal listening volume and thought it sounded really good. The install also looked super clean and low-profile.

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excellent advice all around, especially on the no ice/water on the fridge door. Never had one, never will

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:cheers:

I've been listening to your advice on building -- and BlueStar! :cheers:

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What’s yalls best but affordable options on the following

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Washer/dryer

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Spend the money. Speed Queen Washing Machine TR3/TR5 or TR7. The numbers represent the warranty in years. The 7 has more electronics, whereas the 3 and 5 are very basic. Same goes for the dryer.

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Fridge

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Buy one that does NOT have the ice maker in the door - very limited options if you do this, but you'll save yourself the future headache. Fisher Paykel has a model. It costs more, but could save you in the long run.

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King size mattress

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I found a guy locally that makes custom mattresses. Saved a lot of money, and it's great quality.

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Personally we will never go back to not having double wall ovens

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I decided to go with a Wolf range top, and BlueStar double oven.

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If you have any way to not put the dishwasher in the island that could make it better.

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Since I will have a Scullery, are you suggesting placing the dishwasher in that area?

By defintion, a Scullery is a place for prep and to store dirty dishes, silverware, bowls, etc. while preparing a meal to keep your kitchen clean.

Miele makes fantastic appliances. I will look into this. Appreciate the suggestions!

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The layout with the sink/dw backing up to the cooktop creates a traffic jam

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It's mostly just me, and my kids every other week. I'll have 48-inches between my island and range/range top, but I do realize this will be decreased if the dishwasher is open. I appreciate your input and will give this some thought.

I selected a GC, and after doing my own due diligence, I feel really good about the person I chose. He came highly recommended by one of his subcontractors, and I’ve seen his work firsthand at a couple of homes he built. I also had the chance to meet with homeowners living in one of his homes, which gave me even more confidence in my decision.

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you have room don’t put the sink in the island.

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I actually designed my kitchen with the sink in the island intentionally. I'm not one to leave a dirty dish in the sink, and I don't let things pile up either, even when I am cooking. I know this placement may not be for everyone, but it will be new for me.



Rough draft of my plans, tweaking is still taking place.

If I decide on going with a wall oven, I certainly will go French Door. To be able to actually get closer inside the oven to deep clean it makes a difference to me. That alone, is worth it, plus I like the look.

I’m currently stuck trying to finalize my kitchen layout and could really use some outside perspective. I’m torn between a standard 48-inch duel-fuel range or doing a 48-inch rangetop in the kitchen with two electric wall ovens located in my scullery.

The interesting thing is that the rangetop and wall oven combo is actually looking to be about $1,500 to $3,000 cheaper than the full range for the brands I’m looking at. I’m specifically eyeing French door or side-swing ovens from brands like BlueStar, Thermador, and GE Monogram. I love the look and ease of the French doors, though I’m a little nervous about Monogram’s reliability compared to the others. For the rangetop, I’m considering Wolf, Thermador, BlueStar, and Miele.

I’ve pretty much decided on a 6-burner setup without a built-in griddle since I’d rather just buy a griddle accessory and have the extra burners when I need them. I’m also skipping the built-in microwave entirely and just planning to put a small countertop one in the pantry since I rarely use it.

One thing I’m really interested in is the steam feature found in some of these ovens. I think it would be great for reheating food and baking bread, so that's a factor.

My main hesitation with a traditional range is the ergonomics. Most of the time it’s just me and my kids, but I’m trying to plan for 20 or 30 years down the road. I feel like having ovens at chest height in the scullery will be a lot easier on my back as I get older compared to bending over a low range.

Also, if anyone has thoughts on the reliability of the Monogram French door ovens versus BlueStar or Thermador, I’d love to hear them. And lastly, if anyone has a recommendation for a blower/vent hood system -- something that is often overlooked, please let me know.

:cheers:

:bow: :cheers: