If you’re a rental property investor with a good amount of handyman skills, you might feel confident handling many of your property maintenance and repairs. While some projects are perfectly safe for the do-it-yourself landlord, issues arise when you attempt electrical and plumbing work without proper knowledge. Mistakes in these areas could lead to accidentally injuring yourself or worsening the problem, creating bigger issues in the long run.
For do-it-yourself rental property owners, knowing when to stop and hire a licensed professional is key to keeping both your property and tenants safe.
Many property owners choose to do their own repairs to save money, but it’s important to remember that some tasks, like plumbing and electrical work, require expert attention to avoid creating expensive problems.
Why Electrical Safety Should Be a Priority for Homeowners
When it comes to electricity, the more you know, the safer you are. Simple maintenance tasks like replacing light bulbs, outlets, and breakers can often be completed quickly and safely. You can avoid injuries if you take proper precautions and shut off electricity before starting the job.
Still, any repair or maintenance tasks involving electricity carry inherent risks. You might be wrong even if you think you’ve shut off the power. And if you aren’t entirely sure about your wiring job, you could damage light fixtures, appliances, and more. Even small mistakes can result in you electrocuting yourself or causing an electrical fire.
Either way, instead of saving yourself some money, you’ve now created new, more expensive problems – and possibly endangered your tenants as well. These are all good reasons to consider hiring a licensed electrician to perform even basic electrical repairs and maintenance.
When to Call a Plumber for Urgent Rental Property Repairs
Basic plumbing repairs, such as replacing a toilet stopper or installing a new shower head, may be manageable for most do-it-yourselfers. But when a renter calls you in a panic about a broken pipe or major issue, delaying professional assistance can lead to extensive damage in your rental home. As a property owner, you need to address urgent plumbing repairs immediately to avoid bigger, costlier problems. Often, calling a professional plumber is the best way to ensure high-quality repairs.
Even if you aren’t facing an urgent situation, sometimes calling an electrician or plumber is still the right choice. Although it will cost you more than if you did the work yourself, it’s important to remember that hiring a professional comes with valuable benefits.
Professionals typically carry the right insurance, have the proper tools and equipment for every job, and can complete the work more quickly and efficiently. It might be best to hire someone to handle all the electrical and plumbing work your rental property needs.
To avoid the hassle of finding a maintenance team, look no further than Real Property Management Teyata for professional services in La Connor and nearby. Contact us online or call 360-856-1010 for more information.
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