If you are a rental property investor with handyman skills, you probably take on many of your property maintenance tasks yourself. While do-it-yourself (DIY) projects can save money, especially for routine property maintenance and repairs, it’s crucial to be aware of potential hazards. For example, electrical and plumbing work comes with higher risks of injury or escalating the problem if done improperly. Even do-it-yourself rental property owners need to understand how to avoid common hazards, especially when dealing with electricity and plumbing, and recognize when calling a professional is the better option.
Property owners often tackle repairs themselves to save costs, maintain control over their rental properties, or simply enjoy the challenge. However, it’s essential to understand which plumbing and electrical tasks are safe to 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.
Nevertheless, any electrical repair or maintenance task can carry significant risks. You may think the power is off, but in reality, it could still be live. Additionally, mistakes in wiring can damage appliances, light fixtures, or worse, cause electrocution or start a fire.
Instead of saving money, DIY electrical work could end up costing you much more in damage and potential harm to your tenants. These risks are why it’s important to hire a licensed electrician for any electrical repair, even basic ones, in your rental property.
When to Call a Plumber for Urgent Rental Property Repairs
Plumbing repairs can often seem less dangerous, but they still pose risks, especially for larger issues. While small tasks like replacing a toilet stopper or installing a showerhead are well within the capabilities of most do-it-yourselfers, more urgent or complex repairs should be handled by a professional plumber.
If your tenant calls in a panic over a broken pipe, clogged drain, or malfunctioning garbage disposal, trying to fix the problem yourself could lead to more water damage in your rental home. The longer water flows unchecked, the more expensive the repairs will be. As a property owner, addressing urgent plumbing issues promptly and professionally is key, and this often means calling a plumber.
Even if it’s not an emergency, hiring a professional plumber or electrician can still be the right decision. While it might cost more upfront than doing the job yourself, professionals carry insurance, have the proper tools and equipment, and can complete the work faster and more efficiently. 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 Instant Equity for professional services in Austin and nearby. Contact us online or call 512-500-0422 for more information.
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