Unexpected repairs are some of the greatest sources of stress. One minute, you’re sipping your morning coffee, and the next, something goes wrong. However, an upended morning is the least of your worries if you don’t handle the situation appropriately. Here are some quick suggestions.
Stay Calm and Call for Help
It is easy to panic when something goes wrong. From a dodgy router to a collapsed roof, anything can ruin your day. But it never helps to bury your head in the sand or go bananas! In many cases, a repair job is simple, and you may be able to fix it yourself or call someone who can. Despite your best efforts, things can get worse. Any handyman or repair company in the local area with a good reputation will be more than happy to come over and help you out.
Assess the Unexpected Repairs
Once you have gotten over the initial shock, take a step back and assess the situation. One US survey found that 38% of Americans can’t complete basic repairs. But this doesn’t matter. What matters is how you deal with the issues, especially when communicating with professionals:
- Inspect the problem and identify what is broken, and relay this to any experts to talk to.
- Determine how severe the issue is and whether it is a minor inconvenience or major.
- Take pictures, note the issues, and provide any relevant details to repair technicians.
Ask, “Is the Repair Urgent?”
The shock of something going wrong when you don’t expect it can conjure up all kinds of emotions, and smaller issues can feel bigger. But when the dust has settled, it could be the case that it isn’t actually that bad. Before committing to a potentially expensive repair job, ask if it is really urgent. A hanging cupboard door is annoying and a hazard for a bumped head, but it isn’t the end of the world. Of course, if there is a major hazard, then call someone ASAP!
Find Solutions to Unexpected Repairs
Knowing when to call the experts is a valuable skill. However, a UK survey found that 55% of Brits have a “Fix-it-Yourself” attitude. There are some unexpected repairs you may be able to tackle yourself with some quick thinking and a can-do attitude. So, give these a try first:
- Jump on the web to find solutions to problems with tutorials, videos, and forums.
- Assess the problem and see if it is something you can repair yourself.
- Shop around for quotes and time slots before committing to a specific repair service.
Prepare the Area for Repair
Whether you are tackling a repair yourself or waiting for an expert to come, you can do both a favor and prepare the area. If there are specific tools you need, then gather them and organize them in the order they are needed. Needless to say, secure the area, too. Remove any hazards that are safe to do so, and prevent access to avoid an accident. It will also help to secure pets and children, especially while an expert is trying to get the job done in a safe and secure way.
Budgeting for Unexpected Repairs
Repairs can be pretty expensive, and the cost can be shocking and even unattainable. A recent survey by Bankrate found that 56% of Americans don’t even have a $1,000 emergency fund for an unexpected expense. But a fund like this is absolutely essential to offset the expense:
- Make a list of the things that could potentially go wrong and order by priority.
- Work out the costs of repairs and build an emergency fund to offset an issue.
- Consider purchasing relevant insurance policies to cover you for emergencies.
Keep an Eye on the Repair
So, the job is done, and everyone is happy. But sometimes that isn’t the end of it. Even with an expert touch, a repair job can go wrong afterward. If you have any questions for a professional, then don’t be afraid to ask. Any reputable handyperson is happy to give advice. It also helps to take before and after pictures for liability reasons should the issue come back. Of course, you can also make a note of times, dates, and costs and follow up with a repair provider later on.
Summary
Staying calm and calling an expert is the best way to handle unexpected repairs. Once calm, you can look for solutions on the web, and you may be able to fix them yourself. But even after a professional finish, keep an eye on the repair as some things can become undone later on.
