Home Remodeling: Buying Appliances

Did you know that January can be one of the best times of the year to buy appliances?  Once the New Year arrives, appliances from the previous year are discounted in order to make room for new stock.  Although the selection may not be abundant, this time of the year can be the best time to snag a great deal.  Here are some other tips to make appliance buying a breeze.

Review the Reviews

There are two kinds of people that post online reviews, the item’s biggest fans & the item’s biggest critics.  Seek out recent reviews from people that actually own the item.  This will help you quickly weigh the pros and cons and decide if it’s the right item for you. Be sure to check reviews on the manufacturer’s website and social media platforms. And don’t forget large retails sites such as Amazon and Target. Seek reviews from friends and family.

Size Matters

One of the most common mistakes when purchasing appliances is not measuring or not measuring properly. You’re not going to be too happy if you purchase an oversized appliance that either can’t fit through your entryway.  Take the extra time to measure the path your appliance has to travel to get to its final resting place along with the area you plan on placing it.

Looks Are Deceiving

Bold hues such as aqua, red and orange are making their way onto the exterior of many appliances.  For the moment, these colors can turn heads in a positive way.  But it’s important to have the foresight to know that color trends change regularly and it’s highly likely that the life of the appliance will outlast the popularity of the color.  Manufacturers often charge a premium for daring shades, even though in the long run, they are going to be less valuable than an identically equipped appliance in a neutral shade.  So save yourself some money and stick with a neutral palette.

Take Your Time

It’s okay to take a look around and scope out all of the possibilities and sleep on them before committing.  An appliance should be a long-term investment so make sure that you are happy with your purchase before forking over the money.

Balance Wants & Needs

Sure, dual ovens and warming drawers can be part of a dream kitchen but if your cooking expertise is limited to pizza and popcorn, it may be wise to skip these costly extras.

Open Doors

Doors on major appliances can swing open to either the left or the right.  Look at the room’s layout to see which opening makes the most sense for your home. There’s nothing more annoying than an open refrigerator that restricts access to a room or one that constantly hits your counter when open.    

Accessories Sold Separately

Getting a new appliance home and then realizing that an additional accessory, such as an installation kit, is required is a quick way to ruin your day.  Ask what else may be needed to make the appliance work properly before leaving the store.