Where to Get Stuff Fixed

Why replace what you can repair instead?

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Picture Perfect

Granted, you can always take pictures with your cell phone. But nothing beats the quality and reliability of the real thing. After all, do you really want to burden Grandma with the grainy, low-quality images of Junior’s sand castle you snapped between calls? We think not. So you’d better get that camera fixed—and soon. At Larmon Photo (111 W. Lancaster Ave., Wayne, 610-688-8755; 31 E. Wynnewood Road, Wynnewood, 610-649-2627; larmonphoto.com), repairs are done in-house by a certified technician. “In most cases, we do them cheaper than the factory, and we also guarantee our work for three years,” says Larmon’s Daniel Stahlecker.

Most of the problems Stahlecker sees are the result of the camera being dropped, or damaged by water or sand. Most are easily fixed with a new lens or computer board—or something as simple as a good cleaning. And those wedded to their point-and-shoots can take heart—Larmon fixes those, too.

Average cost to repair: $120
Cost to replace: $1,300 for a Nikon D90 kit with an 18-105mm Nikkor lens.
Savings: $1,180
 

Keep It Cool

So you’ve transformed your kitchen into the sort of culinary laboratory that’s the envy of foodies far and wide. Naturally, you’ve included a high-end Sub Zero refrigerator therein. Good for you—but just because you paid a premium doesn’t mean there’s zero maintenance. Robby Keith, owner of Appliance Repair Service Inc. in Havertown (713 West Chester Pike, appliance-repairservice.com, 610-449-1000), estimates that nearly one third of his service calls could be eliminated if customers simply read their owner’s manuals and followed the recommendations for minimal upkeep. Keith’s crew specializes in Sub Zero and Wolf appliances, using only factory parts.

Cost to repair: $100 for annual cleaning, service and safety inspection of any Sub Zero product.
Cost to replace: $15,000 for a Sub Zero Pro 48 refrigerator.
Savings: $14,900
 

Beauty Beneath

Should you choose to shop for furniture these days, now’s the time to look for steals—those hidden gems collecting dust at your local antique shop or consignment store. But once you acquire said diamond in the rough, how best to make it shine again? Leave that to Jim Hoffman at A.QuarterSawn in Upland (555 Upland Ave., 610-368-7889, aquartersawn.com). Hoffman is a craftsman adept at restoring—or, if need be, completely rebuilding—everything from family heirlooms to flea market finds. His services entail everything from touch-ups and brightening to complete restorations. The latter usually involves removing fixtures and the old finish, starting again with color-matched stain, and applying a catalyzed lacquer that seals and protects.

Cost to repair: $625 to refinish a 1930s-era maple bed (headboard, footboard and side boards, including tightening/repairing of fittings, joints and hardware).
Cost to replace: Stickley Mission Harvey Ellis Oak queen bed, $2,545 at Sheffield Furniture, Malvern.
Savings: $1,920