It’s possible you’re trying to decide whether you should fix the leak at your rental property yourself or find a licensed plumber to do it.
Maybe you’re wondering if you could conduct a turnover at your property faster than the team you call in to do the painting, the updates, and the minor maintenance.
We’re professional property managers in Kansas City, so we always tend to recommend hiring professionals when it comes to protecting the value and condition of your investment. We’re also realists. Sometimes, you just want to get in there and do it yourself.
One of the most challenging parts of owning and managing a rental property is maintaining it.
You’re trying to prevent excessive deterioration. You want to avoid expensive emergencies. You also want to make sure that your tenants are satisfied with where they live.
At Rent Robin, LLC, we welcome our owners and investors to leverage our maintenance resources. They’re extensive, cost-effective, and high-quality. It’s part of the management we provide, and it requires you to do very little. But today, we want to talk to all landlords, investors, and rental property owners about the difference between DIY maintenance and professional services.
Let’s help you make the best decision for your property.
Exploring DIY Maintenance in Your Kansas and Missouri Rental Properties
Maybe you just have to paint a fence, patch some drywall, or install a ceiling fan.
Easy enough to do on your own, right? Maybe. But let’s remember that the repair is not always going to be that easy. Here are some of the pros and cons around DIY maintenance.
Pros
Under the right circumstances, DIY maintenance can be pretty cost-effective. One of the most appealing aspects of making your own repairs is the potential for cost savings. By handling repairs yourself, you can avoid labor costs associated with hiring professionals. There’s also the freedom and flexibility that comes with not having to rely on others' schedules. If a tenant reports an issue, you can address it immediately without waiting for a professional's schedule to open up. This can lead to quicker resolutions and happier tenants.
There’s also the opportunity to challenge yourself and learn something new. Tackling maintenance on your own gives you the chance to learn new skills. Over time, you'll become more adept at handling various repairs and problems. This can be a great thing if you’re planning to increase your portfolio of investment properties or you’re considering managing rentals for others.
Cons
There are some very good reasons, of course, for why a lot of investors and owners don’t do their own repairs. The cons to DIY maintenance include time. This is time-consuming. DIY maintenance robs you of valuable hours, especially if you lack experience or face unexpected complications. This can be particularly challenging if you have a full-time job or multiple properties to manage.
There’s also a limitation to what you can actually do. Not everyone has the skills or expertise to handle all types of maintenance. Tackling jobs outside of your skill set can lead to inadequate repairs or even more damage. And while doing it yourself might save money upfront, poor quality work could result in higher costs down the road if the repair fails or doesn't meet safety standards.
Professional Maintenance and Rental Properties
There are many good reasons to choose professionals when your rental property needs maintenance or upgrades. Let’s share some pros and cons for this path as well.
Pros
You have access to expertise. Professionals bring a level of expertise and quality that ensures the job is done right the first time. This means fewer repeat issues and increased tenant satisfaction. There’s also the time savings. By hiring a professional, you can free up your time to focus on other important aspects of managing your property or personal life. No need to spend weekends fixing leaky faucets or repainting walls.
A huge benefit to working with professionals is that you can be sure all of the work is compliant and safe. Professionals are familiar with local building codes and safety regulations, ensuring that all work complies with legal requirements. This can protect you from potential liabilities. They’re also licensed and insured.
Cons
You’ll have to spend some money, and we rarely recommend choosing the cheapest plumber or the contractor who gives you a lowball estimate. Professional services often come with a higher price tag. This can quickly add up, especially for properties that require frequent maintenance. You’ll also be at the mercy of someone else’s scheduling. Coordinating with contractors can lead to delays, especially if they have busy schedules. This could frustrate tenants if the repair timeline is extended.
Red Robin’s Attention to Maintenance
You can also choose professional property management. This might be the best way to leverage professional maintenance services without having to do the work yourself while also saving money and trusting the outcome.
Our professional maintenance service includes:
Tenant Communication
Effective communication with tenants is a critical component of successful property management. Establishing clear and open lines of communication not only creates positive relationships but also ensures that issues can be promptly addressed, minimizing conflicts and misunderstandings.
One effective strategy we embrace is to set clear expectations from the start. We also check in regularly, which allows us to address any maintenance concerns tenants may have proactively. We can also utilize technology through our property management software, which streamlines interactions and provides a convenient way for tenants to report maintenance issues, schedule inspections, or receive important announcements.
Covering Common Maintenance Tasks
We keep your property in excellent condition with seasonal maintenance, HVAC system checks, gutter cleanings, and roof inspections. We keep up with landscaping and pest control, and we have a list of preferred plumbers and electricians who can be counted on to check for and repair any leaks in faucets, pipes, and toilets or inspect outlets that aren’t working. We test smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms periodically to ensure they are operational.
We also pay attention to structural repair needs, addressing any cracks in walls, ceilings, or foundations. Your property managers are attentive to general upkeep. We conduct thorough cleanings during tenant turnovers, repaint walls, and update fixtures.
Managing Emergency Maintenance
We also take the frustration of emergency maintenance off your plate. Handling emergencies efficiently is crucial in maintaining tenant satisfaction and ensuring the safety and integrity of your rental property. Establishing a clear protocol for emergency repairs can help minimize damage and facilitate a quick response. Here are some key steps that we want you to consider as you’re weighing your options around DIY maintenance or professional maintenance:
Define What Constitutes an Emergency
It's essential to clearly define what qualifies as an emergency repair. Typically, these include severe plumbing leaks, electrical failures, gas leaks, or any situation that poses immediate harm to tenants or the property. You’ll want your tenants to know what an emergency is and what it isn’t before they contact you.
Establish a 24/7 Contact Method
Ensure that tenants have access to a reliable way to reach you or your property manager at any time. This could be a dedicated phone line or an online reporting system designed to alert you promptly of any urgent issues.
Create a Preferred Vendor List
If you’re working with vendors instead of responding on your own, make sure you maintain a list of trusted contractors and service providers who are available for emergency calls. Establish relationships with these vendors to ensure quick service when needed, and make sure they are familiar with your property and expectations.
Outline Emergency Procedures
Provide tenants with a step-by-step guide on what to do in the event of an emergency. This can include turning off the main water valve, shutting down electrical breakers, or vacating the premises if necessary. This will be especially important if you’re going to DIY emergency repairs. Tenants will have to partner with you.
Making the Decision
Choosing between DIY and professional maintenance ultimately depends on your personal circumstances, resources, and the specific needs of your property. Consider your time availability. Do you have the time to commit to regular maintenance? Think about your skill level. Are you confident in your ability to handle most repairs competently? Factor in budget constraints. Do you have the budget to hire professionals for every issue? Can you afford to make a mistake?
Property size and condition also matter. Larger or older properties might have more complex needs that require professional expertise.
Ultimately, a hybrid approach might be the best solution. Handle simple tasks yourself to save money and call in professionals for more complex or critical issues. By striking the right balance, you can ensure your property remains in excellent condition while optimizing your resources.
We are here to help you have a good rental experience that doesn’t require a lot of back and forth when you’re thinking about maintenance. Let’s keep things simple. Please contact us at Rent Robin LLC. We manage rental homes in Kansas City and throughout Johnson County, Kansas, and Cass County, Missouri.
