Things break. It is a fact. These unavoidable broken things always beg the same question too.
Should this item be repaired or replaced?
That’s not always an easy question to answer.
Many items are simply not built to last and there seems to be a pervasive mentality of disposability.
The dilemma is that things cost money. There are also concerns about overflowing landfills.
Whether it is an automobile, a cellphone or a pair of sunglasses, sooner or later it is going to break.
Then, a decision about fixing it or ditching it and replacing it will have to be made.
Many things break just because of normal everyday use.
Despite efforts to be careful and avoid abusing or misusing them they occasionally bend, crack or tear.
When this happens, there are some things to consider before throwing it away.
These include checking for warranties, repairing it yourself or hiring someone to fix it.
If the garage door needs repair or that brand new food processor needs to be fixed, here are some points to ponder during the process.
Warranties
While easily missed, most newly purchased items come with some form of warranty.
This is the manufacturer’s promise to its customers about the quality of their products and workmanship.
After purchasing a new item, it is worthwhile to examine the paperwork that accompanies it and look for both warranty information and for registration instructions.
If an item doesn’t work or quickly fails, a warrantee may provide a replacement.
Manufacturers generally intend to produce quality goods.
One way they try to win new customers turn them into repeat customers is by offering to repair or replace their products if they are flawed in some way.
Warranties take two general forms. They are either expressed or implied.
Express warranties are simply those that are written out or otherwise made available to customers in some tangible form.
Often, these are included with the owner’s manual or instruction paperwork.
Implied warranties are those not specifically spelled out but are just as important.
They essentially guarantee that the item will perform whatever its intended purpose is, reasonably well.
Repair It Yourself
Some people are naturally gifted with the ability to fix things.
Often, someone else has experienced a similar problem and may have made a video or written a blog describing how they repaired the same item.
When it comes to fixing things around the house, the internet is a treasure trove for do it yourself types.
Many of these repairs are not terribly difficult and do not require special tools.
Before pitching an item, it may be worthwhile to spend a few minutes with a search engine to see what can be found.
Pay Someone to Repair It
Some repairs around the house need an experienced or professional repairman.
Handymen of all skill levels are available for all sorts of odd jobs and are often happy to provide an estimate prior to taking on a project.
The local paper classifieds are a great place to find just the right person for the job.
Despite the temptation to chunk that broken item in the trash, a repair may be an easy way to avoid replacement expenses and continue to get good use from it.
When something breaks, checking for warranties, fixing it yourself or getting a handyman to repair it are three things to consider.