A brick mailbox is a great addition to your home that adds a touch of class. It can hold up to most types of damage and last longer than metal boxes do. No matter what type of design you choose, you may find yourself looking at the mailbox as you decide whether to repair or replace it.
When you take a look at a few factors such as the average brick mailbox repair cost, it's easy to see whether you should replace the old mailbox or repair it.
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Type of Damage
Brick mailbox repair is often the better choice if your mailbox shows minor signs of damage. This can include bricks that shifted since you built the mailbox and mortar that came off.
If your mailbox has significant damage though, it may be wise to just replace it entirely. Did a neighbor back into it or did a random person on the street hit it with their car? The mailbox can experience more damage than you can see, which makes replacing it your best option.
Adding an Upgrade
You may want to repair or replace your mailbox because you want to add one or more upgrades.
One example of an upgrade is the addition of a locking box. While it still has space on the front for your postal carrier to slip in your mail, no one can open the box without the key that you have. This is a great option for those who shop online and worry about people stealing their packages.
If you just want to add your address to the box, you can pick up new numbers that fit on the existing box.
If you need a bigger mailbox, it’s also better to just rebuild it entirely.
Insurance
Do you have insurance with a low deductible? The deductible is the amount that you pay out of pocket towards the brick mailbox cost. If you have a deductible of $250-500, you might go through insurance. They can hire builders to come out and remove the old mailbox before replacing it.
Once you pay your deductible, insurance will cover the rest of the cost. If you have a higher deductible, you might decide against going through your insurer and potentially increasing your rate. You can often repair the mailbox for less than it would cost to replace it.
Getting a Quote
If you decide on a new mailbox, keep in mind that builders should offer you a quote for the project. Also known as an estimate, it gives you an idea of what you will pay for brick mailbox installation.
A common issue that some have though is that they choose the company that gave them the lowest quote. If one company offers an estimate that costs a lot less than what others do, it's often a scam. They may take your money and run or do such a poor job of building your new mailbox that it starts to fall apart within a few months.
That’s why it’s important to get at least three quotes from different companies and research reviews online.
Sticking with a Few Parts
Another option you might consider is a new brick mailbox made from one or more parts of the old design, which can save you a lot of money. The builder uses any parts from the old mailbox that are still in good shape and simply adds to it.
They can use the masonry from the bottom or top of the mailbox along with new bricks and mortar that blends the two designs together. This is a possible option if you have an old mailbox that fell apart but still has some usable parts.
Getting Your Mail
The United States Postal Service requires that postal carriers deliver your mail to you and put it in your mailbox. If you do not have a mailbox that they can easily reach, you may have a hard time getting your mail. This can even happen if the box sits on its side in your front yard.
You can ask your postal carrier to leave your mail on your front porch or at an alternate location. Consider stopping by your local post office, too. The post office can hold your mail for you to pick it up later or help you rent a PO box.
Removing Debris
Another thing to keep in mind when replacing your old mailbox is that brick mailbox builders are responsible for handling the debris. They must agree to remove the old bricks and any other debris. Though they may use the original foundation, they need to dispose of all other trash.
You usually cannot put old bricks and other construction debris in standard garbage cans. If you need to remove the debris yourself, it can take a lot of time and money.
Keep all of these factors in mind as you consider whether to replace or repair your old brick mailbox.
Still deciding whether to go for a brick mailbox repair or replacement? Request a free quote for the project and make an informed decision!
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