washer woman blues.

[dancingleaf]

did I mention that I bought a new Washing machine?

It's a front load - Which are supposed to be super energy efficient & use less water etc.  We just weren't sure that it would save enough money in water & electricity to make it worth while...but we bought one & we'll see, right?

It's a Kenmore (Sears)  which means I will always be able to get parts for it (My parents are big on this as an advantage - because my dad generally repairs everything they buy.)

It has a soak function - which is something hubby really really wanted.  He likes to soak his shirts in the summer.  Otherwise the sunblock stains his neck & sleeves & only prolonged soaking ever seems to get that out.

Bad news #1 - it's black.   - oh well.
Bad news #2 - they have to order it in... so I won't get it until Wednesday... Since I teach Wednesday night - I elected to pick it up on Thursday.
Bad news # 3 - I still have to get rid of our old one.

I can deal with all these issues.

The real reason that we bought at Sears... Someone had forgotten the boxing day sale price sign in the washer tub. 

So I got it for the Boxing Day price. 

me = happy to save $200.


We've decide that since the washer is out of it's spot now that we might as well pull the dryer out and DRYWALL that section of our unfinished laundry room.  Since it is behind the washer & laundry tub - we should probably use the water proof drywall.

Anyone ever drywall before? Got any advice for a drywall virgin?

Comments

[perversemelissa.livejournal.com]

Kenmore=Good. Our first set went over 15 years.

$200 off, double plus good. :)

[perversemelissa.livejournal.com]

Oh, drywall. Hang it yourself (easy part) and hire someone to tape and mud (an art form), then paint yourself.

We did this once and it turned out very well and was much cheaper than having someone do it all.

Mudding isn't for amateurs; It requires a 'touch' you can't get without a lot of experience.

[dancingleaf.livejournal.com]

We're just going to do the area behind the washer & laundry tub this weekend. But I'll keep that in mind.

so...if I hang it ... Horizontally... Should it be up an inch from the floor? or what?

It seems... like it should not rest on the floor ... but? I'm not sure & I can't seem to find an answer.

[dancingleaf.livejournal.com]

yeah but my last one was GE & it went 18 plus...

and then I found out LG is manufactured in South Korea. :(
I was hoping for locally produced (or at least North America.)

Most of the ones I could find that listed the country of manufacture were from Mexico.

I'm happy with Kenmore - I have other Kenmore products & they've been good.

[tama-grey.livejournal.com]

Drywall - if it's a 4'x8" sheet like it is here in the US you usually hang it vertically. Get a counter-sink bit for your drill/screwdriver so you don't muck up the drywall as you're hanging it. Mudding is definitely an art form, but if you attempt it, remember: 1. You can always apply more and 2. Fine-grain sandpaper is your friend. Go sparingly at first until you get used to using the spatula (flexible metal tool) and get pre-mixed mud. No more than you'll be doing, that'll be fine. Get fiberglass mesh seam tape, too.

Hang it off the floor, at least a half-inch, use baseboard of some kind to cover the gap, then seal with silicone.

I recommend a mold-proof and water-resistant backer if you can get it, or at least HardiBacker (normally used under tile). You want to prevent moisture issues at any cost. Use a good primer before you paint. If you're not picky as to colour, most home improvement stores have "mistints" that sell really cheap. If you find a colour you can tolerate, you can save a lot of money on good quality paint. Look for a latex paint with a mildewicide(?) and use at least a satin finish for easy cleaning.

Sorry to spam up your LJ! The curse of working at Lowe's. [rueful] I hope this is helpful, at least! This link might be helpful if it works [sigh] http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=howTo&p=Improve/pchrepdry.html

[tama-grey.livejournal.com]

Here it is! This is the link I was hoping to find: http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=howTo&p=Build/GypsumWallBoard.html You may need to view it w/ Internet Explorer if you don't already use it (I use Mozilla Firefox).

[dancingleaf.livejournal.com]

Thanks for the links - will check them out.