Ask an Expert: Appliance Edition
This month has been all about the WOW factor. From adding a wow factor to your kitchen to bringing unique wow factor combos to life, we’ve been exploring how you can create a space that brings you joy!
One way to bring in some wow? Upgrading your appliances! Who better to take a deep dive into the world of appliances than an expert? We were fortunate enough to spend some time with Kirk Fisher from Albert Lee.
He shared his industry-tested knowledge to help guide homeowners from day one to installation day (hint: measure your space!) We are so grateful to be able to share his insights with you—happy reading!
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
Photography by Mary Hatch
Meet Kirk, our appliance expert!
Sami: I always like to kick things off with a little introduction. What is your job title? How would you describe the work that you do?
Kirk: I'm an appliance sales representative! I work closely with architects, designers, their clients, and anyone in need of major appliances. I also work on the multifamily side of the business with builders doing ten-to-twenty-unit homes.
I started in appliances in 2003 and joined the Albert Lee team in 2007. So about twenty years in the appliance industry and still going strong.
The selection and decision making process
Sami: Next, let’s talk about something I think is on many homeowners’ minds. What do you think is the first step for homeowners planning a design project involving new appliances?
Kirk: The first step for me would be to start with a checklist—what you’d like in a new appliance and what may have frustrated you about your old appliance. Then be sure to measure your space and bring all the dimensions of that space. The fit is really important when it comes to built-in appliances, cooktops, and wall ovens—especially when cabinetry is involved.
Sami: How can homeowners prepare for their appliance consultation?
Kirk: One of the things I suggest is to talk with your family and friends about the appliances they have in their homes—ask them what they like and what they don’t like about their appliances.
In years past, you’d pick up a buying guide for consumer product reviews, however, over time, those have become a little jaded. They’re not as trusted by consumers. I find word of mouth to be more genuine and trustworthy. Just knowing the basics of what you what and where it’s going is a great start!
Sami: What are three questions someone should ask before shopping for appliances?
Kirk: One—what do I want to spend? This really sets the groundwork for what we are going to be looking at in the showroom. If your budget is $5000, I don’t want to waste your time showing you a $6000 range.
Additionally, ask, “What do we need as a family? What is best for our lifestyle? And how long do we plan to be in this home?” These questions will help you set the expectations for your appliances.
Common challenges (and how to avoid them!)
Sami: What do you wish that more homeowners knew about the appliance installation process?
Kirk: Pathways, pathways, pathways! Major appliances are not small nor easily moved about. Our delivery and installation teams, in my opinion, are the best of the best but cannot work miracles and always err on the side of caution when it comes to the homes of our clients.
When purchasing appliances, we tend to overlook the path the appliances need to take to get into the home, and that can complicate things. Especially in Seattle, where there are tight walkways, stairs, massive elevations, seven-foot ceilings, rounded doorways, and so on.
Consumers need to think not only about where the appliances are going to go within their kitchen but how they will get from the delivery truck to the kitchen. Delivery and installation teams work in finished spaces, so it’s always best for our team to know any obstacles ahead of time. We should also know if it’s new construction. Bring us out there early in the process, or let us be the last one in the house before you move in.
Sami: What are the most challenging appliances to shop for and install?
Kirk: Know what's behind the appliance—meaning the locations of your hookups—and how the gas and/or water lines run.
Here’s an example of something that can happen: We go into a home and find rot and mold behind the dishwasher because there was a leak that nobody knew about. It’s also happened with refrigeration, where the waterline has leaked and taken out the floor. No one knows until we get there to replace the appliance. We are unable to install the unit until the previous damage is fixed. This causes delays and, ultimately, headaches for the consumer.
Plumbing and electrical should always be top of mind! CPVC plumbing, basically plastic PVC, was used in homes for the last thirty years. What we're finding now is that it's deteriorating and becoming very brittle. It’s breaking off in the wall with a simple turn of a valve.
Very few licensed plumbers will work with PVC material. It's quite a mess for us if we can't shut off the water and repair it. So as a company, if you have it existing, we cannot connect to it as a safety protocol that protects both Albert Lee and the consumer.
When it comes to electrical, knowing that you have enough wattage to run the appliances you want to purchase will avoid unnecessary delays and further costs. For example, induction is a hot topic. It’s not well-known that an induction range takes 240v versus the basic 110v of power to run. Just knowing if you have gas or electricity as a power source is good knowledge to have.
What does success look like?
Sami: What are the measures of success during an appliance installation project?
Kirk: Right off the bat, everything arrives on time and is installed to a perfect fit—no modifications needed. We’re in and out in a couple of hours with a complete kitchen installation. That's a major success!
Prior to installation, review the rough openings that were created by your cabinet maker. Sometimes they can be off, or they didn't do them at all and assumed it was going to get done in the field. All of that needs to be prepped when we get on site so we can install an appliance in a prepared space.
I also strongly encourage homeowners or the builder to review the space after the installation. Too often, they rely on the electrician, plumber, installer, or contractor to put things in correctly without verifying. It never hurts to double-check. Run the dishwasher, and check for leaks. Turn your gas range on and off and smell for the residual gas. Make sure your refrigerator is cooling. Double and triple-check— verify.
Sami: What is your number one tip you would like to share with homeowners?
Kirk: Working with a seasoned sales representative—an appliance expert—makes it all a little less daunting. Your questions are answered with wisdom and knowledge of the industry. It’s nice to have someone who can help you navigate through all the different options.
Our sales culture at Albert Lee is to help the consumer find the right product for their lifestyle, to be the liaison, and to help marry their wants with their needs. We have over 92 brands—that's a lot, and we’re here, so you don’t have to stumble through them alone.
We have been the original appliance experts for over eight decades. I’m proud of our culture. You don’t walk into an Albert Lee and feel like you are fighting off a bunch of used car salespeople. You don’t walk in and meet someone who doesn’t know what they are talking about because they were just selling lumber five minutes before that. You get real quality appliance experience and knowledge, and that’s the Albert Lee way.
“We foster our relationships with both the client and vendors, which goes way beyond the sale. ”
Schedule for success!
Sami: When is the best time of year to shop for and install new appliances?
Kirk: When I started twenty years ago, there used to be something called “appliance seasons”. For example, a new refrigeration model would come out in the third quarter, ranges were in the first quarter, dishwashers were in the second quarter, and so on.
I would say things have changed with the introduction of brands like LG and Samsung that introduce new technologies and products very fast. They don't keep anything on the market for more than two years, and they’re always innovating.
Manufacturers like GE, Frigidaire, and Whirlpool had to follow suit, so now products are released as they launch. We're consistently receiving new models. The season doesn’t dictate specific sales time anymore.
When it comes to shopping discounts, holidays are still a good time to shop. July 4th, Labor Day, and Memorial Day are popular shopping times— it's not so much about Black Friday anymore. The industry is moving away from the “Black Friday” culture because it's been damaging to try and push that much product through a funnel all at one time.
It’s always a good idea to order early and be prepared to accept the product a little earlier than you may need it. Have a storage space or a place in the house where you can put things.
Ordering early gives everyone a little more breathing room for the unexpected. It minimizes stress on all parties if challenges arise and gives you time to pivot.
“Ordering early gives everyone a little more breathing room for the unexpected. ”
Rising design trends and inspiration
Sami: Can you tell us about a recent project that inspired you or that you’re excited about?
Kirk: It’s a cool pilot project of about 80 units that provide a home base for families where they focus on a work-life balance and live sustainably without having to commute. The project involves creating small sustainable cabins that are being built here in the Northwest for California.
This group found a lot of low-income families have a job but live far away from where they work. While they're making money, it’s not enough for them to live close to their jobs. These cabins change that dynamic for them. They're tiny moveable homes so they can live closer to their employer.
Sami: Are there any trends that you’ve been noticing lately?
Kirk: The current hot topic is induction versus gas. Both have their benefits in the kitchen. It all comes down to your personal preference and what you have in your home—and what you can have in your home.
In terms of design, a trend I’ve been noticing is clean designs on appliances. People are shying away from “busy” appliances with a lot of buttons or design features. At the end of the day, they’re looking for simple clean lines.
Photography by Emily Keeney
Budgets, costs, and more, oh my!
Sami: Breaking down the budget: If a homeowner was doing a full kitchen renovation—updating their fridge, range/ventilation, dishwasher, etc.—what are the typical low, medium, and high budget ranges they could expect?
Kirk: For a value kitchen package, you're going to find great options between $3000 to $4500. Possibly less if you look at what rebate promotions manufacturers are offering during that time in addition to any in-store savings that may be offered.
For an affordable luxury kitchen package, you'll find options anywhere between $7000 to $15,000, getting into some of the built-in product categories and larger appliances such as the 36” versus standard 30” range.
For the luxury, ultra-premium kitchen package, it can go sky's the limit. Likely starting around $20K. If you're doing a full Subzero/Wolf, Miele, or Viking kitchen, then $20-40k is an expected range to be in.
You can do all sorts of exciting stuff and be well over $40K. For example, a La Cornue range, just the range, can run anywhere between $25K and $180K.
Sami: Do you have any tips for homeowners on a budget?
Kirk: Watch for independent dealer sale events. Check their clearance centers for scratch and dents, and shop around the holidays and/or promotional times.
We've got a link on our website to look at all the inventory we have at all the stores. So, at any given time, you are able to view our inventory, and there are really good buys on a floor display and scratch and dents. There's nothing wrong with the units. Most of the time, the “scratch and dents” are something that will never be seen by the human eye.
Sami: Realistically, what should homeowners expect cost-wise when they take on an appliance installation project?
Kirk: Installation costs vary on a number of factors. Location and product, to name a few. I have a few examples, but again, these are rough estimates.
The basic package—a low to mid-range package—could be around $500. Could be a little more, could be a little less. If you choose a gas range, that may add to the cost. If you're doing built-in appliances, wall ovens, or built-in microwaves, those can extend your installation costs up to $700 to $1,000.
Plan on about $1500 to $2000 for installation if you're doing a higher-end kitchen, like a Sub-Zero or Wolf with custom panels where everything is built-in.
I want to give a big thanks to Kirk for taking the time to share his expertise and experiences with us! Visit https://www.albertlee.biz/ if you’re ready to begin a conversation with an appliance expert.
