If you are a rental property investor with handyman skills, you may manage many property maintenance tasks yourself. While some property maintenance and repairs are safe for the do-it-yourself landlord, others carry higher risks. Electrical and plumbing work, in particular, can result in accidental injury or worsen the issue if not handled properly. That’s why do-it-yourself rental property owners should be aware of the hazards of electrical and plumbing work and know when to call in professionals.
Many property owners take on maintenance and repairs for various reasons. Sometimes it’s a way to save money, or perhaps you take pride in completing the work yourself. However, for plumbing and electrical tasks, it’s important to understand which repairs you can safely handle and when hiring a licensed professional is the safer option.
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, electrical repairs and maintenance carry inherent dangers. Even if you believe the power is off, you could be mistaken. Poor wiring jobs can damage light fixtures and appliances, and even small mistakes could result in electrocution or start an electrical fire.
Instead of saving money, you could end up creating costly problems and putting your tenants in danger. These risks highlight why hiring a licensed electrician to handle basic electrical repairs and maintenance is often the best course of action.
When to Call a Plumber for Urgent Rental Property Repairs
Plumbing repairs can be similar. Simple fixes, like replacing a toilet stopper or installing a showerhead, are safe for most do-it-yourselfers. Especially for routine maintenance tasks, these should not require much expertise or time.
However, when a situation becomes more serious, it’s best to call a professional. If your tenant calls in a panic due to a broken pipe, backed-up drain, or malfunctioning garbage disposal, this is not the time to attempt a repair on your own. The longer water is allowed to flow unchecked, the more damage it will cause to your rental home. As a property owner, addressing urgent plumbing repairs professionally and promptly is essential, and most often, this means calling a plumber.
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 Exclusive for professional services in Phoenix and nearby. Contact us online or call 480-716-7899 for more information.
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