Repair vs. Replace: Which Home Improvement Projects Should You Invest In?

When your air conditioning unit suddenly stops working, or the gas stove refuses to ignite, or the bathroom door doesn’t close, or the glass window is cracked, what do you usually do? Do you immediately run out to the nearest hardware store to get the repair parts you need? Or do you shell out from your savings to have your appliance immediately replaced? 

What’s the difference anyway, between having something repaired or having something replaced? When do you know when to replace or just repair something? In this article, we’ll tell you exactly what to do so you don’t have to wonder. . .

REPLACE IF. . . 

• Your sliding doors are broken – Don’t hesitate to call a door replacement service to install brand new sliding doors for your house. It’s easy enough to repair when something is broken, but if it’s glass doors, it’s definitely better to just get new ones. You won’t have to risk having broken glass shards or protruding metal near your doorways. 
• Your windows are broken – This is the same for when you have broken doors. If something is wrong with your windows, such as broken/cracked glass, broken hinges or bent frames, it’s better to invest your dollar in window replacement. This is the safer option for when you have a broken window and you won’t have to worry about any mediocre repair jobs. Just replace the whole window altogether; you won’t regret it. 
• Your patio has mould build-up – Sometimes you can still deal with mould using a water and vinegar mixture; at other times it’s better to just replace the whole patio itself. Mould is very dangerous to you and your family’s health and it’s absolutely necessary to address any mould buildup even if it’s just starting from the nooks and crannies. Put up a new deck and replace the old wood with new ones; use treated wood that’s waterproof so you won’t have to worry about maintenance costs all year long. 
• Your kitchen tiles are cracked – Due to constant use, kitchen tiles sometimes get cracked or broken, especially when they’re not installed properly in the first place. Use this opportunity as a way to update the look of your kitchen by opting for brand new tiles with a different design. This will instantly improve the look of your home and repair any damage caused by the broken tiles like buildup of water mildew, ant infestations, and possibly mould. 

REPAIR IF. . .

• Your kitchen cabinet doors are broken – It’s easy enough to replace cabinet hardware and you can even opt to do it yourself. You’ll save a couple hundred dollars and you can choose the style of the cabinet hardware yourself for aesthetics. This simple repair project can turn into a remodelling project if you want to update the look of your entire kitchen. 
• Your HVAC suddenly shuts down – In the case of appliances, when something goes wrong, the first thing to do is call for a maintenance repair guy. Appliances are not as easy, nor cheap, to replace, like windows or doors. Air conditioning units and heating systems should first be checked for any necessary repairs before you even consider replacing them with new ones.
• Your light fixtures are out – Broken lightbulbs are a simple thing to address especially if you’ve already got the extra lightbulbs stocked in your garage. Just grab a sturdy ladder, turn off the light switch, wear rubber gloves just to be extra safe, and replace the bulb with a new one. 

There are certain advantages to repairing broken things around the house, but sometimes it’s better to just replace these broken things altogether. It’s the best way to maximise the look and functionality of your home and make it the ultimate haven for you and your family.

Image Source: Freepik