Get the right features on your new appliancesAvoid costly mistakes in selecting plumbing fixtures and appliances Customers sometimes ask for basic appliances with no bells and whistles. However, it's important to be specific. Here's an example: After purchasing a "basic" dryer from one of the big box home improvement stores, this customer wrote:...no alarm to tell you when it is finished, had nothing but wrinkled cloths from day one because of this. Why would anyone build a dryer without an alarm is beyond me, not like you can stand next to it until it is done so clothes don't wrinkle."The truth is that the difference between a $299 dishwasher and a $399 dishwasher is not just $100. There are likely to be very important features missing on the entry level model such as delay start, heavy wash, or a sani-cycle. The time to find out about the features or bells and whistles on your appliance is before you purchase. If you wait until after your gas range has been in the home and used for a couple of weeks before you discover that you do not have a low simmer setting, it's too late.Here are some basic tips on getting the right features on appliances: Avoid "loss leaders". There's nothing wrong with buying an appliance that is advertised at a good price, but when you see something that is priced way below the market price for a comparable appliance ask the sales associate for an explanation. Get a sales associate
