As a rental property investor with some handyman skills, you probably take on many property maintenance and repairs yourself. Most do-it-yourself landlords pride themselves on handling tasks like electrical and plumbing work. But attempting these without proper knowledge can result in accidents, causing you to accidentally injure yourself or even make the problem worse. Even experienced do-it-yourself rental property owners need to be cautious and know when to call in professionals to avoid many of the hazards of property maintenance.
Although some property owners prefer to handle repairs themselves to save money, it’s essential to understand which plumbing and electrical tasks you can safely do yourself and when it’s best to hire a licensed professional.
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
Simple plumbing repairs, like replacing a toilet stopper or installing a new shower head, are tasks that many do-it-yourselfers can complete. However, when your renter calls you in a panic over a broken pipe or other urgent issues, trying to fix it yourself can lead to extensive damage in your rental home. As a property owner, it’s crucial to address urgent plumbing repairs immediately. Calling a professional plumber will ensure the issue is resolved quickly and efficiently.
Even if you aren’t dealing with an emergency, hiring professionals for your plumbing and electrical work is often the best option. 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 Providence for professional services in North Providence and nearby. Contact us online or call 401-272-3300 for more information.
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