When something breaks or gets damaged in your home, your first thought probably turns to what it is going to cost you. You may also be wondering whether you need to complete a full replacement of the feature, or whether a repair is the better option. There are a few things to consider that will help you decide what to do when an unexpected break happens.
The Cost of Replacing
Before you decide whether to repair or replace a feature in your house, you should consider the cost of full replacement. If your windows are leaking, consider that replacing one window in your home can cost up to $1,000 with labor costs. Look for ways to repair your existing windows and add weatherstripping before replacing them. Hardwood floors are built to last, and replacing hardwood floors throughout a house can cost tens of thousands of dollars. If your hardwood floors are in really bad shape, sanding and refinishing can help make them look new again.
The Age of the Item
Before you replace a feature of your home you should consider its age. One of the older items in your home that is worth replacing rather than repair is your appliances. New appliances, including dishwashers, refrigerators, and washers and dryers use less energy and less water than older models. If you have appliances purchased in the last ten years, repairing is likely better than replacement because the appliance is new enough that it retains its value. An asphalt roof lasts on average 20 years, so if your roof is leaking, consider completing repairs rather than a full replacement. A damaged roof that’s more than 20 years old should probably be replaced entirely.
Warranty
You should also consider whether an item of your home is under warranty before you replace it. Many home warranties will cover things like HVAC repairs, roof leaks, water heaters, plumbing, and electrical. If something goes wrong with one of these features, a home warranty will cover repair or replacement without forcing you to put up the money for it. Check to see what your home warranty covers before you make any decisions about repair or replacement.
No one wants to have to deal with a broken item or feature in their home, but it is bound to happen at some point. Take the time to consider whether repair or replacement is going to be more cost-effective for you and better for the value of your home in the long run. Making the right choice will help you improve the longevity of important features of your home.
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