Shopping for home appliances isn’t as simple as grabbing new accessories for your space. Unlike a rug or a lamp, you can’t casually walk into a store with a cooking range and demand for a replacement.
Think about it this way—appliances are more of an investment. Just like any other big purchase, it requires extensive research and taking your lifestyle into consideration. To help you out, we’ve listed down a few tips that can turn your renovation project into an unanticipated success. Check them out below:
1. Set a budget.
Before you get excited about picking out items at the store, it’s important to set an amount that you’re willing to spend on home utilities. A budget can help you narrow down your choices and lead you into making more practical decisions instead of purchasing things on impulse.
2. Make a list of things you need.
Just because you have a budget, doesn’t mean you have to blow it all on random gadgets you won’t need. Seeing a list of your essentials written down on paper will motivate you to stick to what you need for your home and save you a few extra bucks in the process.
3. Try comparison shopping.
Shopping blindly is never a good idea. Before deciding on a purchase, do your homework—check out different brands that offer the same item and see which one is better, look up shops that offer gently used items sold for half the price or compare the different warranty programs of your go-to stores.
4. Seek out product reviews.
Online testimonials from customers aren’t enough; you need a real-world recommendation. If you’re ever at a house of a friend and you see that he has an item you’ve been eyeing, try asking him about his experience using the product, what the pros are and what he didn’t like about it before you let the cashier swipe your credit card.
5. Don’t sacrifice function for aesthetics.
It’s no secret that you shouldn’t buy an item just because it will look good with the rest of your home decor. While it can be very tempting if you’re going for a certain look, remember that appliances are made to serve the home so it is vital to buy pieces that aren’t only pretty but can get the job done, too.