Audit Existing Furniture: Keep, Repair or Replace

A refresh does not require replacing every existing piece. An attractive table that fits the room and can be maintained may be worth keeping. Conversely, a low-cost item can become expensive when it repeatedly needs repair. Use a recorded condition audit to decide item by item rather than making the whole property “new” by default.

Make the decision from the actual setup

Give each item an identifier and examine its function, structure, finish, cleanability, and fit. Note wobble, loose hardware, damaged upholstery, missing components, and access conflicts. A cosmetic scratch and a structural crack are different problems. Stop using an item with a suspected safety defect until qualified assessment or replacement resolves it; styling cannot make that defect acceptable.

Check identifiable products against the CPSC recall database. For repairs, request a scope and cost that includes collection, materials, labor, and return delivery. Compare that with a suitable installed replacement and the effect on schedule. Retaining an item also requires updating the care record, not simply leaving it off the new purchase list.

Practical checklist

1. Photograph each item from the front and underneath, recording model details and visible condition.
2. Test stability and intended function without improvising load tests that could damage the item or cause injury.
3. Search identifiable models for recalls and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for any affected product.
4. Get written repair scope and timing; compare with the full installed replacement cost.
5. Label the decision keep, repair, replace, or specialist assessment, with an owner and follow-up date.

Carry the decision into the handover

Use the audit as the start of the furnishing inventory. When a retained piece dictates a finish or dimension, tell the designer before approving nearby purchases. Save receipts for repairs and record what was done. Recheck repaired functions at handover. Where the condition is uncertain, get the appropriate specialist’s view before deciding that a piece is fit for guest use.