A sprinkling of Latte Creations makes an everyday coffee break extra special
Get sorted for the January sales
Don't succumb to a sales frenzy - plan your purchases carefully, put in
some research and your hard-earned cash will be well spent
Reproduced from the January 07 issue of Good Homes magazine. This month's issue on sale now. Subscribe now and save 40 per cent.
Most high-street stores have such good January sales, it's a wonder we buy anything else for the rest of the year. If you want to get ahead of the pack, though, invest time before the Christmas festivities to have a good look at the ranges
you like, so that when it comes to sale time, you'll be bagging your bargain ahead of everyone else.
It's also worth taking room
measurements with you,
so you'll know straightaway
whether large items will
fit into your home.
Buying a kitchen or bathroom?
When it comes to serious buys, such as bathrooms and kitchens, use these tips to guide you through the process.
- Visit the store a few weeks before sale day, and take a floorplan of your room so you can make decisions there and then.
- Make a list of the must-have cabinets, fittings or features you'll require and set a realistic budget.
- It's unlikely that any fitting costs will be reduced in the sale, so if you're not doing the work yourself, get some estimates from your builder, electrician and plumber to compare with in-store prices.
- Members of the Kitchen Bathroom & Bedroom Specialists Association (www.kbsa.co.uk) adhere to a strict code of practice, so start your search with one of its members.
Appliances without the extras
Rock-bottom prices on appliances may mean they're lacking some of the latest functions - so before you buy, decide what you can't live without
Washing Machine: Look for the more efficient AAA-rated machines, with a spin-speed of at least 1,200 rpm and a large-capacity drum - most are at least 6kg these days. A delay timer is also useful if you want to use off-peak electricity.
Tumble Dryer: Many are very energy inefficient, so look for a B or C-rated model. Condenser dryers need to be plumbed in, or the reservoir regularly emptied; vented dryers need to be positioned near a window or have the vent hose-ducted directly through an outside wall.
Oven: Choose an A-rated model. Ovens with pyrolitic linings, or other self-clean features will save on elbow grease.
Range Cooker: These are often on sale because the side panels may be slightly scratched or dented - a great buy if your kitchen cabinets will hide the damage.
Fridges and Freezers: Look for A+ or A-rated models and it's worth buying a frost-free freezer to avoid the dreaded task of defrosting. Models with ice-makers or water dispensers need to be plumbed in, so they will jut out around 10cm further than standard cabinets.
Dishwasher: Choose an AAA or at least AAB model. Desirable features include a quick-wash setting, rinse programme and timer delay.
Getting guarantees and warranties
Add value to your bargains by taking advantage of special offers on guarantees. One-year guarantees are the norm. You may be invited to pay for a warranty, to extend the guarantee to five years. Don't feel pressurised, as appliances are more reliable than ever before, so don't assume you'll need to cover future repairs.
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