We spoke with an agent who, despite protestations, booked a "technician" to inspect and attempt to repair the damaged items.

BBC: Fergus Muirhead

First, most costs (other than the purchase price of items and repair materials) become miscellaneous itemized deductions, usable only to the extent they exceed 2% of his adjusted gross income.

FORBES: Hobby Horse

If you have faulty goods that have a manufacturer's or third-party warranty, for example electrical items, you should be able to claim on this warranty to get a repair or replacement.

BBC: When stores go bust: How to get your money or goods back

In addition, they anticipate that expenditures on repair and remodel activity will be challenged in the second half of 2010 and expect that big-ticket items will continue to be deferred, in the short-term, until general economic conditions, unemployment, consumer confidence, credit availability and home prices improve.

FORBES