Ask what the diagnostic fee covers
Find out whether the first visit is diagnostic only, whether the fee is credited toward approved work and what happens if parts must be ordered. A free quote request does not necessarily mean a free visit.
Separate parts and labor
Ask for the stated repair scope, parts description, labor, tax and any access or return-visit charges. A part price alone is not the price of diagnosis, sourcing, installation and a written service arrangement.
Clarify the credit
A diagnostic credit should be stated once. Confirm whether it reduces labor or the total, whether it is conditional on approving the repair and how tax is handled. Our arithmetic tool uses an explicit simplified formula and shows its assumptions.
Ask about coverage and decisions
If a warranty, service plan or landlord may pay, clarify authorization before approving work. Ask what workmanship or parts coverage is provided and whether exclusions apply.
Compare the complete alternatives
A repair-versus-replacement decision can include the confirmed repair total, delivery, installation, access, disposal, appliance age and your own priorities. There is no universal online price threshold that makes every washer worth repairing.