These days it may feel like any do-it-yourself projects is possible to undertake.
With internet videos showing you step-by-step how to complete even the most complicated home repairs, it all looks so easy, not to mention more affordable than enlisting the help of a professional.
While the thought of saving money is definitely tempting, the truth is, there are certain DIY rental property repair jobs that are too complicated, too dangerous, and oftentimes just as pricey (if not more) to do yourself.
And, while you are responsible for most of your Aberdeen rental property’s maintenance repairs, that doesn’t mean you actually have to do the work yourself.
Let’s take a look at some common do-it-yourself home repairs that should not be handled by inexperienced DIY-ers.
Rather, the below projects should be left to those that, without a doubt, know what they are doing.
5 DIY Projects Better Left to Professionals
Your Aberdeen property manager is sure to tell you there are some DIY repairs that any successful rental property owner should know how to do.
For example, repairing a hole in the wall, being able to fix your property’s gutters, and even being able to handle common toilet issues are all good skills to have as a landlord.
That said, there are some property repairs that are better left to the professionals because they are typically more than you can handle, and dangerous to both you and your tenants if done incorrectly.
1. Electrical Issues
Small DIY projects, such as installing a ceiling fan and changing out a light switch, are typically okay for the average DIY-er.
Just make sure to always turn the power off before starting an electrical repair to avoid shocking yourself.
However, when you get into electrical repairs that require extending circuits, or running new electrical cables, you face some serious issues if you don’t know what you are doing.
With electrical projects, the safety risks heighten.
You can easily start a fire instantly, create a fire hazard that may spark later and threaten the safety of your tenants, or even electrocute yourself in the process of completing the work.
You may also be performing electrical work that requires a permit. Without the proper permit, not only do you face severe penalties and fines that will affect your rental property business, you become liable for performing work not completed by a professional.
Lastly, trying to carry out electrical work in your Aberdeen rental without truly knowing what you are doing can be trickier than you might expect.
You can easily overload your power outlets and create more electrical issues throughout the property, or even wire something incorrectly, adding to the fire and safety concerns.
The Electrical Safety Foundation reports that 140,000 electrical fires happen each year, with 400 deaths resulting from electrical issues.
Therefore, as tempting as those do-it-yourself YouTube videos can be, it is not recommended you attempt to handle any major electrical repairs in your rental property without the help of a certified electrician.
2. Roof Repairs
In the past, we have discussed the necessary steps to take, should your rental property need roofing repairs.
And if you recall, we recommended enlisting the help of your property manager and professional roofing contractor when it comes to dealing with significant roof damage.
Repairing your rental’s roof takes a lot of experience and knowledge that the average person just doesn’t have.
In fact, what seems like a simple roof leak may actually be more serious than you originally thought.
You need to identify the source of the roof leak; repair the shingles, flashing, and vents; match materials to your existing roof; and utilize expensive equipment to get the job done.
In addition, you need to avoid creating more damage in the process, which will lead to more repairs, more expenses, and more time to get the roof repaired.
And don’t forget the danger that working on the roof of your rental property poses, especially to a novice DIY-er.
One small misstep or slip, and you might come tumbling down off your roof, with roofing materials and tools following.
The injuries you can expect to sustain from a roof fall are just not worth the risk.
3. Floor Refinishing
Improving your Aberdeen rental property’s existing hardwood flooring is always a good idea, especially if it has been a while since you gave your property’s flooring some TLC.
Plus, tenants love the thought of having beautiful, sturdy, and long-lasting hardwood flooring in the property they are leasing.
You may think that sanding your property’s wood flooring is a simple process: Rent the sanding machine, get to sanding, and voila, good as new, right?
Wrong.
There are licensed carpenters that won’t go near even their own home’s hardwood floors with a sander, preferring to leave it to the flooring professionals.
All it takes is a little extra sanding on one spot to create a severe divot in your stunning hardwood flooring.
These divots are nearly impossible to fill, and if you do this in several spots across the floor, you are looking at having to re-do the entire space with new flooring.
4. Wall Removal
It may seem like a fun weekend project to knock out an existing wall in your rental property in order to open up the living space, combine two rooms to create one bigger one, or even get rid of an awkwardly placed wall that makes your rental seemed cramped.
However, removing a wall in your rental property is anything but a simple DIY weekend project.
If you don’t know what you are doing, and you attempt to take out a wall in your rental property, you could bring your entire rental property down instantly.
Worse yet, you may unknowingly create an unstable foundation that can come crashing down later, perhaps on your tenants.
Not only can removing a wall on your own ruin the framework of your property, but you also risk tapping into a water or gas line, which adds to the danger – and expensive renovation bill – you will face.
5. Tree Cutting and Trimming
Do-it-yourself home repairs are not limited to the interior of your rental property.
In fact, tree cutting and trimming is something that many DIY-ers attempt to master themselves.
Although it is tempting to forgo hiring a professional landscaper to handle your rental property’s tree growth, there are several reasons to rethink this DIY project before even getting started.
To start, the equipment needed to bring down large trees and branches is expensive to rent if you don’t already own it.
And then there’s the element of danger.
The fact that you will need to climb up a large ladder to reach the areas that need pruning poses a serious fall risk.
A small misstep, slip, or branch firing back at you with a vengeance can land you in the hospital with serious injuries.
A professional landscaper experienced in tree pruning should handle any tree that requires cutting or trimming. This is especially true if the trees exceed 20’, or are near roads, other properties, or electrical wires.
If you have a repair that seems like too much to handle, even for an experienced DIY-er, it probably is.
That’s why it is best to enlist the help of an experienced professional.
Professionals are liable for their work and any additional damage they cause, and are prepared to make the end result look flawless, so your Aberdeen rental property only benefits from the repairs.
It is also a good idea to receive help from a property management company, such as Bay Management Group, for all your maintenance needs.
We handle issues ranging from minor property repairs to serious emergencies, such as floods or electrical issues. And, we do so using our 24/7 maintenance crew.
Benefiting from our licensed and insured contractors, you can rest assured any rental property repairs you need performed will be done safely, timely, and affordably.
Contact Bay Management Group today so you and your tenants don’t have to worry about costly maintenance problems, safety, or health issues.
