When you move into a new home, you want everything to go smoothly. That’s why buyers get home inspections, after all. But sometimes, you’re not able to test every element of a home, and something goes wrong after the purchase. Items like kitchen appliances, for example, may have worked perfectly fine during an inspection but suddenly fail weeks or months after purchasing the home.

And it’s not just new homeowners who have trouble with home appliances! Current homeowners may have had no problems for years, only to wake up to a leaking freezer or unresponsive oven.

Knowing what to do in a situation like this can be the difference between a cost-effective and quick repair, or buying a whole new appliance.

Is It Actually Broken?

Before you panic, check to see if the appliance is actually broken! Especially if you just bought a new home, there may be a quirk to how the item works.

If you’ve tried these steps and you’ve determined that it’s actually broken, don’t despair! It’s time to make an important decision…

Broken Appliances: Repair or Replace?

Should your appliance be repaired or replaced? A good rule of thumb is that if repairs will cost more than half the value of the appliance, you’re better off getting it replaced.

You should also factor in the availability of repair parts and knowledge. You may be unable to find parts for older appliances, or may not be able to find somebody who knows how to fix it.

Finally, think about whether the appliance has all the features you want. If an upgrade would be welcome, and a repair costly, it may make more sense to simply replace the appliance.

More Than Just Duct Tape

If you opt to have your appliance repaired, you’ll want to make sure you’re working with a reputable vendor. Identify either a manufacturer repair person or a company that you trust.

Looking at online reviews can help you determine the right company to work with. Consider calling a few different service professionals to identify the right fit for you.

HSA Home Warranty Buyer Plans Help Keep You Covered

At Howard Hanna, we want you to feel secure in your investment. Whether you are selling, buying, or currently own a home, an HSA Home Warranty can help protect your investment and give you some peace of mind should a failure occur. The home warranty is a one-year service agreement that helps protect your budget against unexpected costs associated with repairing or replacing the major system components and many appliances in your home.

Call Me for more information about a Home Warranty.