Hi, there! Joe White here from Grow Property Management, your trusted property management company in Philadelphia.
I recently approved a repair for an owner’s dryer in one of the properties we manage, and I’m a bit uncertain about how the owner might react. I believe he’ll trust the decision because we’ve managed his properties for years, and he’s relied on our expertise in handling these matters. The issue with this dryer was pretty severe: it wasn’t heating due to a bad igniter, and it was making a loud noise. Our trusted appliance repair expert, who has handled numerous repairs for us, advised that the machine either be fully repaired or replaced. The repairs would involve replacing the igniter, the wheels, and the belt, costing around $526. Given the repair cost, we considered replacing it instead, especially since it’s uncertain how long the unit would last even after repairs.
After weighing the options, I chose to go ahead with the repairs. This decision was largely based on experience. As a property manager, I know how important it is for the owner to have a reliable property management team that can make these judgment calls, and I believe this was the right one. The dryer in question is a Speed Queen, a durable brand that can be dismantled and reassembled in tight spaces, such as the property’s basement. Given this setup, replacing it would require disassembling both the old and new dryers to fit them into the space, adding to the cost and complexity of a replacement.
While the decision to repair instead of replace does carry some risk, I feel confident in our repair professional's assessment. He agrees that fixing the current issues will likely extend the unit's life, especially given the quality of the Speed Queen brand. I recognize that things could still go wrong with the dryer later, but that’s a chance we take with repairs. As property managers, we’re here to make informed calls, knowing that not every decision will be flawless. In property management, the goal is to make the best choice based on the information and experience we have, even if there’s some risk involved.
Ultimately, whether to repair or replace an appliance often depends on the situation. Experience has taught me that about 90% of these decisions turn out well, while a small percentage may not go as planned. Managing properties requires a balance of practical knowledge and experience, and sometimes there’s no perfect answer. But I’m committed to making sound decisions for our clients, using my understanding of appliances and my professional judgment.
Happy investing!!
