Q:

I'm a first time buyer with a limited budget.  I' know I'm not going to get everything I want in my first home.  But one thing I have to have is a dishwasher!  Because I'm looking for a single family home, all of the ones I can afford are older, smaller homes that don't have a built in dishwasher.  And the kitchens are too small to put one in!  What am I supposed to do?!?

A:

I guess "Eat out all of the time" would be the completly wrong answer for a first-time home buyer on a limited budget!  But no fears - there are options for you!

I'm sure you've seen the portable dishwashers that were very popular around the same time as the houses you are looking at were built.  Roll them away to a corner (if one is available!) and them roll them over to the sink and hook up some hoses, plug it in, and away you go.  Not overly convenient, but it beats hand washing everything.

If you don't make many dirty dishes, a counter top dishwasher may suit you.  But it takes up counter space, or needs to be stored when not in use.  And you can't put much in them.

Perhaps the best solution for you would be a special under sink dishwasher.  This can work in an kitchen where there are just no base cabinets to sacrifice for a regular dishwasher. 

These dishwashers require quite a few compromises.  First, the sink that is above the washer is shallower than a typical kitchen sink.  And the dishwasher itself has a smaller capacity than a regular under-counter washer.  Finally, the convenience of standing at a sink while rinsing dishes and then reaching to your left or right to load the washer is impossible. 

But if your kitchen can't handle a regular dishwasher installation and you really, really have to have one - this may be just the solution for you!

Best wishes on both your house hunt, and your quest for mechanically cleaned dishes!