Being a DIY handyman landlord comes with its benefits, but packs some hazards as well. As a rental property investor with a few handyman skills, there’s a good chance you handle your property maintenance chores by yourself. Some simple property maintenance and repairs are manageable for the DIY landlord, but complex tasks come with risks.
Especially where electrical and plumbing work is concerned, a lack of expertise could cause you to accidentally injure yourself. And have even resulted in life-threatening situations on occasion. So, even relatively experienced rental DIY property owners understand their capabilities and limitations. And know when to call the professionals, for repairs that require specialist property management skills.
DIY Handyman Hazards: The Need For Expertise.
There are many reasons why property owners decide to favor property maintenance and handle repairs by themselves. Often it is to save money by resolving the most common problems. Sometimes it is the satisfaction that comes from knowing that you have fixed the job yourself. And then there are the DIY landlords who choose to take on property repairs, as a hobby. But a word of caution – when it comes to plumbing and electrical tasks, it is important to separate the repairs you can handle safely yourself, and when it makes better sense to hire a licensed professional.
When it comes to handling any kind of electrical repairs, the more you know, the safer you are. With the right knowledge and experience, Simple maintenance tasks like replacing light bulbs, power outlets, and breakers can be completed quickly and safely. Even so, the smart DIY handyman will minimize the risk of hazards by minimizing the risk of electric shock. By taking proper precautions, like turning off the power before starting the job. And wearing the prescribed safety gear, and the right tools for the job.
DIY Electrical Safety Hazards.
Even so, repairs and maintenance tasks involving electricity carry with them, inherent risks. Although you may believe you’ve shut off the power, you could be mistaken. In addition, a lack of understanding of electrical wiring codes could lead to unwelcome damage to light fixtures and home appliances. And sometimes faulty wiring can put even the most expensive electrical items in your home at risk. Apart from the very real and serious risk of electrocution, electrical short circuits have been known to set off dangerous and damaging electrical fires at properties.
So. in hindsight, the money you set out to save as a DIY handyman landlord, can sometimes result in far more expensive and cumbersome repairs. Poor quality or inadequate DIY repairs can endanger your well-being, as well as those of your tenants. These are all good reasons to consider hiring a licensed contractor to perform even basic electrical repairs and maintenance. And minimize the hazards of being a DIY handyman landlord.
Plumbing Hazards.
The same holds for plumbing repairs at your investment property. Simple fixes like replacing a toilet stopper or installing a new shower head are tasks many DIY handymen manage safely. This is because basic plumbing fixes do not take too much time or expertise. Especially when it is more of a maintenance task than an urgent repair. Yet, when more serious plumbing issues arise with the water heater or outdoor pipes, the more likely you are to call out a professional. Because serious plumbing problems can crop up without warning, often the DIY landlord is unable to manage them at short notice.
When your tenant reaches you in a panic over a broken pipe, a backed-up drain, or a malfunctioning garbage disposal, a DIY fix may not be the best approach. Because the longer water is flowing unchecked into your rental property, the greater the damage. Even as a DIY handyman landlord, it makes sense to entrust urgent plumbing repairs to the professionals. Most of the time, it means calling for a qualified and experienced plumber who offers reputable high-quality services, in your area.
Handyman Benefits Versus Costs.
Even though you may not be necessarily facing an urgent circumstance, calling a qualified electrician or plumber may still be the right way to go. Understandably it can be pricey compared to DIY repairs, but it’s also important to understand that hiring a professional comes with valuable benefits. Professionals typically carry the right insurance and have the proper tools and equipment for every task. Also, professionals can not only complete a particular repair task competently but also provide some degree of guarantee on the repair done. All things considered, the hazards of being a DIY handyman landlord, can often be for real. Outside of the basic tasks, it might be best to hire a qualified certified professional to handle the electrical and plumbing repairs.
How We Can Help?
At Real Property Management Premier, we have an extensive network of contractors, vendors, and in-house staff to handle property maintenance and repair work. In addition, our exclusive partnerships with national and local vendors provide the professional level of service to our clients and customers expect of us. Contact us online or call our office at 954-362-5235 and see how we can help make your rental property ventures go smoothly and profitably.
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