Maintenance Mod - Handiness Made Useful

Tralfaz482’s Maintenance Mod – Handiness Made Useful is a gameplay-focused mod for The Sims 4 that expands the functionality of the Handiness skill and makes it more meaningful in day-to-day gameplay.

Purpose of the Mod

In the base game, the Handiness skill is primarily useful for upgrading objects and crafting furniture at the woodworking table. This mod changes that by introducing maintenance mechanics, where Sims with higher Handiness skill can perform upkeep tasks to keep their home in better shape.

Key Features

Maintenance System:
  • Objects now require periodic maintenance to avoid breaking down.
  • Sims can perform “Maintain” interactions on appliances, plumbing, and electronics.

Handiness Integration:
  • Higher Handiness skill reduces the frequency of breakdowns when maintained.
  • Skilled Sims can maintain objects faster and at a lower cost.

Preventive Repairs:

Performing maintenance keeps items in good condition, reducing future repair bills.

New Interactions:

Adds menu options like “Perform Maintenance” or “Inspect Condition” on objects.

Gameplay Impact
  • Adds realism by making household upkeep part of regular gameplay.
  • Encourages leveling Handiness beyond just upgrading items.
  • Useful for Sims in careers like Freelance Crafter, or roleplaying mechanics, DIY enthusiasts, and realistic households.

Optional Features

Some versions of the mod add:
  • Cost for Maintenance (for parts or service).
  • Moodlets for successful or failed maintenance.
  • Chance of finding upgrade parts during upkeep.
  • Configurable frequency of maintenance checks for more challenge or realism.

Compatibility
  • Designed to work with Base Game objects and most expansion content.
  • Compatible with mods like Repair Service Tweaks, Plumbing Overhaul, and autonomy mods (with minimal conflicts).
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