No matter how well you take care of your home and appliances, they are bound to break. During spring cleaning season, you might notice one or two things that need fixing. It can be tough to decide whether you should bust out the tool kit for a quick fix or replace them.
Always ask yourself if the item can be repaired before buying a brand new one. You might be surprised to learn that you can fix minor issues and scuffs through proper tools and equipment. Most home items have a specific lifespan. Here’s a quick guide to help you determine whether it’s time to repair or replace them?
Furniture and Upholstery
Believe it or not, there will always be scuffs, scratches, and water rings on your furniture. Don’t fret if you’ve noticed these marks. Minor furniture damage can be patched up with the right products and tools. You can remove the marks with sandpaper and polish the surface with paste wax.
Moreover, furniture issues like broken cabinet doors or busted handles can still be fixed by a handyman. Repairing or even redesigning them is much cheaper than replacing them completely! However, if your furniture has termite damage or an unsettling smell, consider vacuuming the upholstery or replacing the entire piece.
Beds and Mattresses
Mattresses usually last eight years, anything older than that should be replaced. While broken bed frames can still be repaired, damaged mattresses are not. If it has noticeable sag, lumps, or worn-out box springs, then it’s time to shop around for a new one.
Don’t wait until you consistently get dust allergies or wake up with a sore back in the morning. You can make it last longer by using a mattress protector, washing the bed linens regularly, and following the manufacturer’s cleaning directions.
Faucets and Plumbing Fixtures
We know you also hate the annoying sound of a dripping tap. An old, leaky faucet in your bathroom or kitchen needs to be fixed with a wrench and replacement parts. Expect to pay from $65 to $150, but the cost may be higher depending on the finish options you choose. Other fixtures like showerheads and pipes can be repaired easily. Fixing these issues are less expensive than the overall replacement or remodeling costs.
HVAC Systems
The average lifespan of an HVAC system is 10-15 years. After this timeframe, it is advisable to replace your old HVAC mechanical parts to ensure reliability. Parts like fan blades, compressors, and thermostats can be replaced without purchasing an entire HVAC system.
Routine maintenance and inspections can help add five more years to the unit’s lifespan. Avoid premature unit replacement by regularly replacing the filters. You should also have your system checked by a professional handyman or HVAC contractor at least once every six months.
Shower Tiles
Having mildew stains on the grout and bathroom tiles is one of a homeowner’s nightmares. Your tiles can look dirty and outdated over time, but you don’t have to replace them right away.
Your bathroom can still have a fresh, new look through proper cleaning. Mold and mildew issues can be fixed using bleach or hydrogen peroxide to eliminate the stains. You may also apply new caulk to seal cracks and gaps on the surface.
Interior and Exterior Doors
If your doors don’t open or close properly anymore, you need to fix the screws and ensure that it fits squarely within the wall. A handyman can re-drill the holes and add bigger screws to the hinges. Since the hinges could have moved, they need to be realigned and tightened. Once done, your door can now function properly as it should.
Hardwood Flooring
Repairs or resurfacing are more common for damaged hardwood floors than a full replacement. Hardwood can last up to 100 years or more, so you want to make the most out of it. To prevent the floors from getting too dingy, you can do surface sanding and refinishing.
If the flooring boards are too hard to be patched or repaired, call a handyman to replace the damaged sections with new pieces. Hardwood flooring installation costs between $6 to $12 per square foot, depending on your preferred wood type and materials.
Leaky Windows
If you’ve seen issues like cracked or broken glass or minor leaks, then repair is the likely solution. You don’t have to put in new ones because a handyman can address these minor window problems. They may opt to re-route your drainpipes and system, repair the sash damage, and add new weatherstripping to address the leaks.
Count on the Home Repair Experts
Save time and money on window or electrical repairs when you choose Handyman Pittsburgh & Co. We handle all sorts of projects, from repairs to installations. Our team will show up at your home, complete the work, and make your life stress-free. Call us for a no-obligation estimate.