Appliances

One of the joys of building a new home is that you will have all new appliances!

This is a great place to splurge. So much great new stuff is available that it is really fun to explore and make decisions.

The kitchen is one of the really sexy areas of the home. So do yourself a favor and plan to spend a little extra here.

This page is included in this how-to guide for owner builders as a check list for the planning and design phase of your project and to help you as you inspect the actual installation towards the end of your great adventure.

If you are going to be designing your kitchen yourself, keep in mind that most ovens require a 30" opening. Most refrigerators require 36".

Most appliances are now being built with energy conservation in mind. Check with your appliance dealer as to which ones are available with high energy efficiency ratings. Look for appliances exhibiting the Energy Star logo.

Energy Star is a joint program of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy helping us all save money and protect the environment through energy efficient products and practices.

Here are appliances typically included in a new home. When preparing your Plans and Specifications, each appliance to be included in the home should be specified by manufacturer, model number, and color. Upgraded appliances will get you a higher appraisal and possibly a higher loan.

Since you are building your own home, you may want to include the cost of other new appliances such as a refrigerator, freezer, washer and dryer, water filter, etc. in your mortgage payments.

Construction Considerations

WHO WILL PUT THEM IN?
Most of your appliances will be installed by the electrician. Special equipment like intercoms or built-in vacuums may be installed by the supplier or his sub. Keep a laundry list of each piece of equipment you have specified.

MODEL NUMBERS AND COLORS
Check each piece carefully. Check model numbers. Compare each item with literature which may have influenced you to buy it. Check colors and finishes.

DAMAGED IN SHIPPING
Check for defects and damage when each piece comes out of the box - before installation if possible. This will help distinguish between damage resulting from shipment as opposed to that occurring during installation.

Make sure the appliances are exactly what you have specified, are securely
fastened, and fit the spaces prepared for them very closely.

INSTALLATION AND OPERATION
Check the installation. Is it secure? Check all owner operated moving parts. Do they work (open, close, move, etc.) smoothly and properly? Test each item thoroughly. Run each piece of equipment through several cycles. If they don’t work correctly, it may be a lot easier to replace them at this stage rather than later.

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