If something is damaged during construction, should it be repaired or replaced? It is understandable to expect every item in a new home or remodeling project to be brand new and unblemished. This is any builders’ goal, but the reality is that with over 100,000 components going into a new home and dozens if not hundreds of people working in the home, something may inadvertently get scratched or damaged. The question then becomes, what next?
You should have an agreement in writing with the builder that if they can bring a damaged item to a new, quality standard, it will be mutually acceptable. At Custom Dwellings, we have a clause in our contract that covers this. Sometimes replacement is the only feasible option. However, sometimes individual parts can be replaced, such as a door panel on a dishwasher, versus replacing the whole dishwasher. Other times acceptable repairs can be made. Chips in a bathtub can be repaired where they are no longer visible and will last as long as the original finish. Scratches in stainless steel can often be buffed out to no longer be visible and have no effect on longevity or warranty. Even scratches in glass can often be repaired, without replacing the window (though it’s often less expensive and easier to just replace the window sash). The list goes on and on, but the point is that in many instances, acceptable repairs can be made at no detriment to the product.
If you still aren’t convinced and think, “I don’t care that it can be repaired, I want it replaced”, really stop and think about that. How much more damage can occur by demanding replacement? What are the chances of hardwood floors getting scratched, or walls dinged, or what necessary demolition may be necessary to other finishes to even get the damaged product out and the new one in? One may view this as “not my problem”, but really you are just opening yourself up to more and more frustration to solve a problem than is necessary.
Even when new products are delivered, sometimes they are damaged upon receipt. Often, we will assess the damage and determine if it is worth the time lost and effort to wait on a replacement or if we can repair it to like new condition with a reasonable amount of effort and keep the project moving forward on schedule. Sometimes we can and sometimes we can’t and we make the decision to repair or replace accordingly.
Like so many things with construction, it comes down to trusting your builder. If a reputable builder doesn’t think they can repair a defect adequately, they will replace it. However, if it can be repaired with no visual or practical deficiencies, then this is also perfectly acceptable and not dishonest, cheating, or questionable in any way.