When it’s time to perform maintenance on a rental property, many landlords will expect to do it themselves. Why not fix the leaky faucet or install a new ring on a toilet that’s causing problems? If we’re talking about minor, easy situations like these, the DIY route makes sense. Especially if you have the time to get over to your rental property right away and take care of business.
If it’s a more complex problem, however, we’re always going to recommend that Santa Rosa rental property owners hire professional maintenance providers in order to fix what’s broken or replace what has deteriorated. This might seem like a hassle; maintenance work is more expensive these days, and even finding someone willing to do the job can be difficult. But, hiring professionals will protect you from easy mistakes that are made when you’re trying to make repairs that are a little more involved than you may think.
Let’s take a look at when you can make repairs yourself and when it’s absolutely critical that you hire professionals. We’ll also talk about how professional Santa Rosa property management can help you navigate the challenging market of maintenance providers.
When DIY Maintenance Makes Sense
If you’re a rental property owner who has the time, the tools, and the ability to make repairs on your own, there are some situations where it makes sense. Here are a few of the minor issues that can absolutely be handled without hiring a professional.
- Basic Repairs
Tasks like patching small holes in drywall, tightening loose cabinet doors, or replacing weather-stripping are ideal DIY fixes. These are low-risk repairs that can be completed with a bit of research and a few tools. As long as you’re able to make these repairs as soon as they’re needed and you have a general idea of how to approach the project, go for it.
- Plumbing Fixes
We are generally going to recommend that you contact a plumber for anything that involves leaks, but there are a few easy plumbing tasks that most landlords can handle on their own. Unclogging a drain, for example, or fixing a drippy faucet are safe DIY projects. Replacing a showerhead is easy enough.
- Replacing Appliances
Unless you’re unable to make the time, swapping out appliances like microwaves or dishwashers is often straightforward and doesn’t require extensive skills. Put these in the DIY column.
Here’s a quick and friendly reminder: just because you can DIY something doesn’t mean you should. Always assess whether your time is better spent elsewhere, and remember that maintenance tasks done incorrectly often cost more to repair in the long run.
Here are some of the risks that come with your DIY maintenance.
- Tenant Safety Risks. Incorrect repairs can lead to accidents or hazardous living conditions.
- Legal Liability. If a DIY repair doesn’t comply with local codes, you could face fines or even lawsuits.
- Higher Costs. You may think you’re doing a DIY project to save money, but improper repairs can cause further damage, increasing your overall expenses.
To minimize these risks, always evaluate the complexity of the issue and your own capabilities before committing to a DIY repair.
Calling in the Professionals: Protect Your Santa Rosa Investment with Good Repair Work
While some minor fixes can be tackled with a DIY approach, knowing when to step aside and call in professional help is smart. Attempting repairs beyond your expertise can lead to costly mistakes, tenant dissatisfaction, and even violations of safety regulations.
DIY repairs can seem cost-effective, but trying to fix complex issues without the proper expertise can backfire. Professional repairs ensure that issues are properly assessed, resolved thoroughly, and meet local regulatory standards. This investment not only benefits your property’s longevity but also contributes to maintaining positive relationships with your tenants by showing them you value their safety and comfort.
As Santa Rosa property management experts, we have seen what can happen when properties are not professionally maintained. Here’s our list of situations in which a professional vendor, contractor, or service professional is absolutely essential.
- Electrical Issues
Electrical problems aren’t just tricky—they’re dangerous. Fire can sometimes be the result of a repair that went wrong. Issues like faulty wiring, circuit overloads, or malfunctioning outlets can lead to serious hazards or electrical shocks if improperly handled. Unless you’re a licensed electrician, these tasks should always be assigned to professionals for safety and code compliance.
- Plumbing Emergencies
A dripping faucet or a minor clog might feel manageable, but more significant plumbing issues, such as burst pipes, water heater malfunctions, or persistent leaks, often require expert knowledge. If left unresolved, these problems can cause extensive water damage and mold growth, leading to costly repairs for your investment property.
- HVAC Repairs
Comfort systems like heating, ventilation, and air conditioning are essential to tenant satisfaction. If HVAC systems break down or underperform, attempting DIY repairs may worsen issues or void warranties. Professional technicians have the tools and skills needed to restore functionality efficiently. Contract with a good HVAC tech so you can be prepared for breakdowns and you can invest in preventative services that contribute to the lifespan of your system.
- Structural Repairs
Cracks in the foundation, roof leaks, or deteriorating support structures demand immediate attention from experienced contractors. Improper handling can compromise the integrity of your property and even endanger tenants, leading to legal liability.
- Pest Infestations
While basic pest prevention measures are manageable, full-blown infestations of termites, rodents, or bedbugs need professional intervention. DIY pest solutions often only address surface-level symptoms, leaving the root issue unresolved. Pest control specialists ensure thorough treatment and prevent further spread.
- Appliance Repairs
Replacing an appliance is one thing. Repairing them is something entirely different. From refrigerators to washing machines, modern rental units rely on appliances to keep tenants comfortable. DIY repairs on appliances can result in damage that’s expensive to fix or replace. Certified technicians are typically needed to identify and resolve technical or mechanical complications.
- Gas Line Issues
Gas leaks or other problems with gas lines require immediate action from licensed professionals. Mishandling gas systems can lead to severe health risks or explosions. If tenants report the smell of gas, it’s critical to prioritize safety and call a professional immediately.
- Mold and Water Damage
Mold is a common issue in rental properties, especially if there’s been recent water damage. While you can clean surface mold, larger outbreaks require proper containment and remediation by qualified professionals. Mishandling mold not only risks tenant health but could land you in legal trouble.
Choosing professional repairs may feel like a bigger upfront expense, but it often saves landlords more money in the long run. You’re going to enjoy repair results that come with a higher quality of service. Professionals ensure the job is done correctly the first time, reducing the need for repeat fixes. You’ll also have better tenant satisfaction when professional vendors are dispatched right away. Quick and thorough resolution of significant issues builds tenant trust, increases retention, and prevents disputes. As a landlord, you might not be able to get out to the property to make a repair for several days or even weeks. That’s not going to impress your residents.
Finally, well-maintained properties appreciate in value, making professional maintenance an investment in your future ROI.
Santa Rosa Property Management
If you’re not sure about where you would even find the right professional to make a repair, you probably don’t have a network of vendors and contractors to rely upon. That’s going to be a problem as you lease, manage, and maintain your home.
Santa Rosa property managers already have these networks in place. When you partner with a property manager, not only will you not have to do the work yourself, but you won’t have to worry about finding someone who can do it for you. We have relationships that cover everything from plumbing to roofing to landscaping.
The key to successful rental property maintenance is knowing where to draw the line between DIY and professional help. Consider the following factors:
- Your Skill Level
Be honest about your experience and comfort level. If a task feels beyond your ability, it’s better to outsource it.
- The Cost-Benefit Ratio
While DIY repairs save labor costs, botched jobs cost more in the long run. Always weigh the potential savings against the risks.
- Tenant Satisfaction
Santa Rosa tenants appreciate prompt, high-quality repairs. Poorly executed DIY fixes could lead to dissatisfaction and even tenant turnover.
- Time Commitments
Managing a rental property is demanding, and your time is valuable. Handing off more complex repairs could free you to focus on other aspects of your investment.
While handling certain repairs yourself can be beneficial, partnering with a trusted property maintenance provider can save you time, stress, and money. At Prestige Real Estate & Property Management, we work with landlords to ensure properties remain in top condition. From routine repairs to emergency fixes, our team takes the hassle out of property maintenance because we have professional partners in place.
Please contact us at Prestige Real Estate & Property Management. We manage homes in Sonoma County, including Santa Rosa, Windsor, Sebastopol, Petaluma, and Rohnert Park.
