Furniture Is Fundamental: Cost Saving Plan For Intelligent Design (part 2)
Now that you have accessed your home and lifestyle, documented your usable possessions and determined your desired future environment it is time to consider where to start investing from your “wants list”. Start with the fundamentals, such as where you will sleep, sit, eat and even store your possessions.
DETERMINE A BUDGET: It is far too common to try to get more for less when in fact you are getting less for more. Buying furniture that needs replacement every few years or more is simply a waste of hard earned money. Your best plan of action is to spend your furniture budgets greatest portion on the core fundamentals of your home. In other words, the pieces that you will use day in and day out and that receive the highest level of wear and tear should be considered investments and allocated the highest percentage of the budget.
As you design your budget you will allocate some to the essential list while many pieces can be put aside until another time. Most homeowners accumulate their furniture over a period of two to five years.
A good rule of thumb is:
- Home owner’s furnishing investment should equal no more than one quarter the value of their home.
- A renter’s furnishing should value no more than half a year’s income.
EDUCATE YOURSELF: You wouldn’t buy a car without research so why would you buy a sofa or a dining room set without knowing what to look for? Reading a bit about furniture construction, reviewing consumer guides, assessing various furniture manufacturers and designs and even buying design books and magazines can help you in choosing where to purchase your furniture. A sales staff that takes a personal interest in the long term goals of your home environment is essential. While shopping online opens a literal world of stores to you always review customer comments online and ask for references before buying.
Whether shopping in the real world or the virtual one be certain that the store is available to you with live customer service. Ask about workmanship, materials, guarantees and warranties, design concepts, customization options, delivery expectations and costs, finishes, stain and fabric choices.
Above all, don’t be afraid to ask questions. A salesman who plans on your return business is as vested in your happiness as you are. At Amish-Furniture-Home.com the furniture team is built from the tree harvester to the caring office staff. The integrity runs as deep as the customer loyalty and can be witnessed from the first cut of the carpenter to the last handling by the delivery staff.
Tags: Amish Furniture Styles, BUDGET FURNITURE, BUDGET YOURSELF, Buying Furniture, furniture construction, home environment, intelligent design
