You’ll need help from professionals to take care of the repair and maintenance of units. Over the years, I have built a great team of professionals that I can rely on when I’m faced with the decision of replacing or repairing an expensive item. I suggest you speak to other investors and ask them whom they recommend for these items:
Plumbing - A reliable plumber is a very important person to have in your speed dial. I have my main plumber, who does most of my work, but I also have a reserve plumber that I can call anytime of the day and will take care of plumbing emergencies. Out of most of my calls, plumbing tends to be the bulk of my tenant issues. However, I am still waiting for the 2AM-fix-my-toilet call.
Handyman - This person is the jack-of-all-trades you can call to install a door, fix a screen, or in my case, gut a kitchen and install new cabinets. I recommend a handy man with a contractor’s license. This way, you know the quality of work you are getting is good. Also, I usually rely on my contractor for painting.
Electrician - I usually need my electrician when I buy and upgrade my units. The last unit I bought, we discovered through our buyer inspections that the previous owner fancied himself an electrician and tried to wire a unit himself. Luckily for the tenants, we discovered this and quickly fixed the exposed wiring that potentially could cause a fire in the attic.
Gardener - I recommend you have a gardener that takes care of the common areas of your units, and who can help with removing trees and other outside stuff. When I purchased our first triplex, our tenant was receiving a $30 per month discount to maintain and mow the yard. I hired a professional company that cost me $60 per month, but it was worth it. I never discount a tenant’s rent in exchange for services. If the tenant gets hurt while working for you or hurts someone else, you are liable as the implied employer. Why take the chance to save a few bucks? Plus, it’s all tax deductible.
Heating & Cooling - Depending where you are, you will need to prepare your units for the different seasons. You would think Tucson wouldn’t have seasons, but it does. It gets very hot and very cold there. I had two companies that would service swamp coolers during the summer, then light furnaces for the cold winters. Even in sunny Southern California, we need to service our heaters annually. |
