PFT #69 Personal Finance Tip of the Week: The Hidden Value of Measuring Furniture and Appliances

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">This week’s topic is about the hidden value of measuring furniture and appliances before purchasing them.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">It is a great feeling to buy new big ticket items such as a refrigerator or a furniture set. It is fresh, it is untarnished and everyone loves the way it looks in the house. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">So when it comes to making a new purchase, a common mistake occurs when the area an item will be placed is not measured. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">For example, let’s take a look at appliances. With dishwashers and ranges, they have standard dimensions, while refrigerators and laundry units have much larger variability. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">So here are some tips:</span></p> <ol> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style= "font-weight: 400;">After measuring an opening, it is important to account for open airflow in the space, including electrical cables or obstructions.</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style= "font-weight: 400;">Take some masking tape and plot out where the future item will be placed which will help with visual cues</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style= "font-weight: 400;">Remember your new items need to fit through each door, and every corner or staircase. </span></li> </ol> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Recently, I finished my lower level and I live in an older home that has irregular dimensions. Hence, when I was planning for my washer and dryer, I determined that an opening wouldn’t be large enough to fit the appliances.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Therefore, I have to take out part of the wall and then would have to repair it afterwards.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Keep in mind that the delivery people may not take risks if they may damage your home. Otherwise, this only leads to bad things.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: