As a rental property investor with solid handyman skills, it’s common to take on many of your property maintenance tasks yourself. There are a number of property maintenance and repairs that a do-it-yourself landlord can safely manage, but certain tasks, especially electrical and plumbing work, carry inherent risks. Without the proper knowledge, you may end up accidentally injuring yourself or making the problem worse. For this reason, even do-it-yourself rental property owners should be mindful of avoiding many of the hazards related to electrical and plumbing work, and most importantly, know when to call a licensed professional.
There are multiple reasons property owners might prefer to handle property maintenance and repairs themselves. You may wish to save money, or perhaps you feel more confident knowing you did the work yourself. For some, performing plumbing and electrical tasks can be an enjoyable way to use their handyman skills. Regardless, it’s critical to understand which jobs you can safely do yourself and when it’s wise to call 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.
Even then, repair or maintenance tasks involving electricity are not without risks. If you believe you’ve shut off the power but haven’t done it properly, even minor errors can lead to damaging light fixtures or worse, an electrical fire. You may think you’re saving yourself some money, but without the proper knowledge, you could easily create expensive problems. The worst-case scenario? You could end up endangering your tenants.
To minimize these risks, it’s often safer to hire a licensed electrician for even basic electrical repairs. The potential hazards of electrical work far outweigh any cost savings you might get by attempting to do the work yourself. A professional electrician can make sure the job is done safely and thoroughly, helping to keep your rental property free from electrical hazards.
When to Call a Plumber for Urgent Rental Property Repairs
Similar caution should be taken when addressing plumbing repairs. Straightforward tasks like replacing a toilet stopper or installing a new shower head are relatively simple and can be done by most do-it-yourselfers. However, if these are more of a maintenance task than an urgent repair, the risk is lower.
That said, if the situation becomes more serious, you will likely need to call a professional. If your renter calls you in a panic due to a broken pipe, a backed-up drain, or a malfunctioning garbage disposal, trying to handle it yourself can worsen the issue. The longer water leaks or other plumbing issues go unresolved, the more damage they will cause to your rental home. As a property owner, it’s vital to address urgent plumbing repairs as quickly and professionally as possible. In most cases, this means calling in a plumber to deliver high-quality service.
Failing to address urgent plumbing repairs can lead to significant water damage, mold growth, and even structural damage. Instead of taking a risk, contact a licensed plumber who has the tools, expertise, and insurance to handle the problem efficiently.
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.
For do-it-yourself rental property owners, it’s essential to understand your limits. Tackling complex electrical or plumbing tasks may save a few bucks upfront, but you could wind up with greater issues if things go wrong. Hiring a licensed professional will not only protect your rental property, but also ensure the safety of your tenants.
To remove the headache of dealing with these repairs, trust Real Property Management Clarity Team to handle your property maintenance needs. We provide expert services in electrical and plumbing work for rental property investors in Perrysburg and nearby areas. Contact us online or call 567-200-2320.
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