A good kitchen renovation typically includes an upgrade to kitchen appliances. Upgrading kitchen appliances can be intimidating and expensive, especially if you are unsure of what you need. Take the time to research your options. Look for the highest return on investment with your appliance purchases. Here are some tips when upgrading kitchen appliances.
1 Establish a budget for your upgrade
You probably have an overall budget for your kitchen remodel. What portion of that budget is allotted to new appliances? That’s a good place to start so you aren’t tempted to overspend. Certain appliances can come with big price tags and staying within budget is an important goal.
2 Create your appliance wish list
Are you upgrading all of your appliances or just a few? Your budget may determine how many appliances you can afford to replace. Are you upgrading for a matching finish or because of wear and tear on certain appliances? This will also help you in deciding what you need. Take the time to write down what appliances you need and your wish list of features for each. This should be done before you begin shopping. Appliances now come in all types of finishes. If you’re not replacing all of your appliances, be sure the new appliances you incorporate blend well with your existing appliances. You’ll want your remodeled kitchen to have a uniform look.
3 Work with your contractor to determine the size requirements
If a contractor is remodeling your kitchen, the appliances will need to stay within certain size limitations. When upgrading your kitchen appliances, size is crucial in fitting the kitchen design space. This includes the height, width, and depth of the area where the appliances will fit. Professionals have more experience in taking the exact measurements for appliances. Be sure to have those size requirements and space dimensions before shopping. If you’re just upgrading on your own and replacing existing appliances with newer models, measure the space you have available. Keep in mind that you will need to leave space for airflow and electrical cables. You will also need to have the doorway space to get larger appliances into the kitchen. If you don’t have a contractor who can guide you, talk to the in-store experts. Just to reiterate, measure everything before you buy. Also, consider your needs when it comes to sizing. If you have a large family, you may have the need for a larger washer/dryer or refrigerator. They will still need to fit into your spacing requirements, but your needs will also be a determining factor.
4 Consider energy-efficient appliances
Upgrading your kitchen appliances can have a big impact on energy usage in your home. Check the energy rating of the appliances you look at. Energy efficiency and operating efficiency should be top priorities when shopping for new appliances. The Energy Star logo is the trusted, government-backed symbol for identifying energy efficiency. The Energy Star label was established to make it easier for consumers to identify and purchase energy-efficient products that help them save on energy bills without sacrificing performance.
5 Comparison shop
Just like car shopping, appliances are a big expense, and it’s important to shop around before making your final decision on upgrading your kitchen appliances. You’ll want to see and feel the appliances. Open the refrigerator. Does it have the space you’re looking for?
6 Research the top brands
Choosing a reputable appliance brand can be a smart move. You can begin your research online and look at various appliances, as well as customer reviews and feedback. Consumer Reports Appliance Reliability Guide is a good place to start your research. There you will find information on the most and least reliable brands, as well as Consumer Reports ratings and other useful information. Compare the different manufacturers and determine which models have the features you’re looking for within your budget. Check the warranties as well.
Funding your new appliance purchase
Upgrading your kitchen appliances is a big decision and a big investment. Unlike replacing your cell phone or laptop, your appliances will be with you for many years to come. Take the time needed to research and comparison shop. Do the same when it comes to funding your kitchen remodel. Benchmark Federal Credit Union offers fixed-rate home equity loans with competitive low rates and no closing costs. Benchmark FCU also offers a flexible Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) with a special low introductory rate. Tap to learn more about Benchmark FCU home loans.