If you’re a rental property investor who enjoys using your handyman skills, it’s natural to handle your own property maintenance and repairs. Many do-it-yourself landlords take pride in managing their properties and addressing even complex electrical and plumbing work. But taking on too much can result in mistakes, causing you to accidentally injure yourself or worsen the problem. For do-it-yourself rental property owners, understanding how to avoid many of the hazards of DIY repairs is essential to staying safe and keeping your rental properties in good condition.
While property owners may tackle minor repairs to save money, there are some tasks, particularly plumbing and electrical tasks, that are better left to a licensed professional. Knowing which repairs you can safely handle is key to avoiding trouble down the road.
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
Handling minor plumbing repairs like replacing a toilet stopper or installing a new shower head may seem like easy tasks for most do-it-yourselfers. But when your renter calls you in a panic about a broken pipe or malfunctioning garbage disposal, immediate action is required. Delaying repairs could cause severe water damage to your rental home. As a property owner, you must address urgent plumbing repairs quickly. In most cases, it’s smarter to hire a professional plumber who can ensure high-quality work.
Even outside of urgent cases, it’s wise to consider calling professionals for electrical and plumbing work. They come equipped with the right insurance, tools, and expertise, ensuring that the job is done right. For serious repairs, hiring someone with experience is essential. 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 Capital Region for professional services in Albany and nearby. Contact us online or call 518-290-1448 for more information.
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