If you are a rental property investor with some handyman skills, it’s likely that you handle many of your property maintenance tasks yourself. There are a number of property maintenance and repairs that can be done safely by a do-it-yourself landlord, but some projects come with higher risks. When it comes to electrical and plumbing work, lacking expertise could lead you to accidentally injure yourself or make the problem worse. Even do-it-yourself rental property owners should be aware of how to avoid many of the hazards involved with electrical and plumbing work, and most importantly, know when it’s time to hire a professional.
Many property owners choose to handle their property maintenance and repairs themselves to save money or feel more confident knowing they did the work themselves. For many, working on plumbing and electrical tasks can be a fulfilling way to use their handyman skills. However, it is crucial to understand which repairs are safe to 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 are often safe to complete on your own. However, you should always shut off the power before beginning any electrical work to ensure you can avoid injuries.
That said, all repair or maintenance tasks involving electricity come with risks. Even if you think you’ve cut the power, there’s a chance something was missed, and this can lead to mistakes that can damage light fixtures or cause shocks. In some cases, faulty wiring jobs can cause electrical fires, meaning that even a minor error could result in expensive problems or injuries. Worse still, you may endanger your tenants by making an improper repair.
Rather than risk harm, it’s often best to hire a licensed electrician for any electrical repairs. While you may feel you’re saving money, improper electrical work often results in more expensive problems down the road, and you’ll have the added burden of fixing the mistakes. Hiring a licensed electrician to handle even the simplest jobs can prevent these issues and help keep your rental property safe.
When to Call a Plumber for Urgent Rental Property Repairs
The same principles apply to plumbing repairs. For example, replacing a toilet stopper or installing a new shower head are relatively simple fixes that most do-it-yourselfers can safely manage. If these are maintenance tasks and not urgent repairs, the risk is generally low.
However, as the severity of the issue increases, the more you should lean towards calling a professional. If your renter calls you in a panic because of a broken pipe, a malfunctioning garbage disposal, or a severe leak, trying to fix it yourself could make things worse. Water damage can quickly escalate, and unchecked water can lead to significant structural issues in your rental home. As a property owner, it is critical to address these issues professionally and efficiently. This means calling a plumber for urgent repairs to ensure the issue is handled properly.
In urgent situations like these, delaying a professional call can result in costly damage. The longer water is allowed to leak, the more destruction it causes. When in doubt, rely on a licensed plumber who can provide high-quality service and minimize the damage.
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.
If you’re looking to remove the stress of managing these repairs on your own, consider partnering with Real Property Management First Choice. We provide property maintenance services, including electrical and plumbing work, for rental property investors in Maize and surrounding areas. Contact us online or call 479-242-0791 for more information about how we can help maintain your property and ensure it remains a safe environment for your tenants.
We are pledged to the letter and spirit of U.S. policy for the achievement of equal housing opportunity throughout the Nation. See Equal Housing Opportunity Statement for more information.
