Do you currently have a problem area in your home? All homeowners do from time to time. Are you not quite sure how to proceed? Is it better to repair or replace?

The decision itself can be a tough call. Here’s how to determine when to repair and replace the items in your home.

Before You Jump In

As you think about repairing and replacing the broken items in your home, think about the following elements: 

• Factor in the General Cost

  • Keep in mind that the cost of fixing an appliance can be as much as buying a new device outright. It's good to weigh this option before spending the money to restore an item. 

• Check Appliance Warranties

  • Many manufacturers have warranties. Be sure to check the length before repairing a device, window or roof because it could still be eligible to claim under warranty. 

• Observe the Overall Damage

  • Another factor is the underlying damage to the item. Quite frankly, the device could be broken beyond repair, requiring you to replace it. You don’t want to waste your time or money trying to repair something that can never be fixed. 

A Guide to Home Essentials

Use this guide to determine if you need to repair or replace items in five different areas of your home. 

Windows 

The bottom line about windows is that they leak air, causing energy inefficiency.

Repair: If your window frame is in good condition and you like the look of the style compared to the rest of the house, consider repairing the windows so they're more energy-efficient. Do so by modifying the window sash and replacing it with double glass to reduce heat loss in the winter. 

Replace: Another option is to replace your windows with storm windows to increase energy efficiency. You could also hire a professional contractor to do a complete window replacement. 

Gutters and Roofs

Malfunctioning gutters can cause rainwater to seep into the foundation of your house, causing instability and flooding. We all know what happens with a leaky roof.

Repair: Evaluate your gutters – are they rusty or loose? If so, you can likely replace a part or two and apply a coat of sealant to clean up the deterioration. If you're missing just a few roof tiles from a bad summer storm, you could consider repairing that portion yourself if you have DIY roofing experience.

Replace: Is the rust damage to your gutters widespread? If so, you’re better off replacing them entirely. The same goes for shingle loss and roof repair. Most roofing contractors have teams that can survey the damage and easily install a new roof that will hold up for many years, making it worth the replacement investment. 

Faucets

Note that, on average, faucets should last between 10 and 20 years. It all depends on the quality of the product, and that affects the amount of money you'll need to invest.

Repair: Try to find the age of your faucet, as that could help you get a sense of whether or not you’ll need to repair or replace the unit. Then try to initially fix the situation with new hardware like washers, stem cartridges and O-rings. All parts are relatively cheap and available at your local hardware shop. If repairs are all that are necessary, installing these items should prove to be a simple fix.

Replace: If the leak doesn’t go away or you find you’re investing a good deal of money into repairs, consider replacing the faucet itself. Do your research to ensure you purchase a quality faucet to replace your current unit.

Kitchen Appliances

When it comes to kitchen appliances, the main factor you’ll want to consider is the age of your current device. 

Repair: If your appliance is still relatively new but looks a bit rough around the edges, give it a touchup. You can deep clean your machine or purchase a DIY panel kit for a quick makeover. Some of these panel kits can be pretty creative, such as a magnetic chalkboard that’s fun for the kiddos. Others can match your existing appliance or kitchen cabinets.

Replace: If your refrigerator is over 10 years old, you might want to consider switching to a new Energy Star appliance. You can save $200 over the machine’s lifetime by adequately recycling and replacing your old unit. A new dishwasher utilizes significantly fewer gallons of water to operate, saving you money and providing minor wear and tear on the machine.

Electrical Outlets

It’s time for repairs if the lights flicker every time you plug something into an outlet or turn on your coffee machine. 

Repair: You might live in an old house that isn't updated to today's electrical standards. Blown fuses and tripped circuit breakers aren't always dangerous but can be if left ignored. It's wise to hire an electrician to ensure your panel is up to date. They might be able to add another line, so you can safely utilize electricity in your home without tripping the breakers. 

Replace: It could take some time and money to ensure you get the best electrical upgrade possible to your home. Hire a licensed electrician with a reputation for updating older homes. 

Time to Repair or Replace

The question of when to repair or replace something around your home can be confusing and time-consuming. Take the time to review the underlying damage, research general cost, and check warranties. These factors will help as you consider whether or not you repair or replace faulty items.