If you are a rental property investor with a few handyman skills, there’s a good chance that you handle many of your property maintenance and repairs yourself. While quite a few property maintenance tasks are safe for the do-it-yourself landlord, certain tasks like electrical and plumbing work carry higher risks. Attempting these repairs without the necessary expertise could cause you to accidentally injure yourself or even make the problem worse. That’s why it’s important for do-it-yourself rental property owners to understand how to avoid many of the hazards associated with electrical and plumbing work – and know when it’s best to call in professionals.
Many property owners choose to handle their property maintenance and repairs themselves for a variety of reasons. Some may be looking to save money by tackling minor issues, while others take pride in knowing they did the work themselves. However, when it comes to plumbing and electrical tasks, it’s important to recognize which jobs you can safely do yourself and when you should 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.
However, even with safety measures in place, working with electricity poses inherent dangers. You may think the power is off, but if you’re mistaken, the consequences could be severe. Poorly executed wiring jobs can damage light fixtures, appliances, or worse, create a fire hazard. Rather than saving yourself some money, you might end up with expensive problems or worse, endanger your tenants. This is why it’s wise to consider hiring a licensed electrician, even for seemingly basic electrical repairs and maintenance.
When to Call a Plumber for Urgent Rental Property Repairs
The same principle applies to plumbing repairs. Tasks like replacing a toilet stopper or installing a new shower head are relatively simple and well within the capabilities of most do-it-yourselfers. These jobs are usually a maintenance task rather than an urgent repair, and basic plumbing fixes often don’t require specialized skills.
However, in more serious situations, such as when a renter calls you in a panic about a broken pipe, backed-up drain, or malfunctioning garbage disposal, it’s critical to act fast. Trying to figure out how to fix it yourself in such cases can lead to costly damage to your rental home. As a property owner, it’s your responsibility to address urgent plumbing repairs efficiently. That often means calling a plumber who can provide high-quality service with the right expertise.
Even if the situation isn’t urgent, calling a professional for plumbing and electrical work is often the smarter move. While it might cost more than doing the job yourself, remember that professionals come with valuable benefits. They carry the necessary insurance, have the proper tools and equipment, and can complete the work quickly and efficiently. Hiring someone to handle all your electrical and plumbing needs will help ensure the safety of your property and tenants.
To make things easier, consider hiring a professional team like Real Property Management Vancouver to handle all your property maintenance and repairs in Battle Ground. Whether it’s electrical, plumbing, or general repairs, we can assist you in maintaining your rental property. Contact us online or call us at 360-975-4683 for more information.
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