12 - How to hire a Handyman or Handywoman.
We all want to save a dollar, and look for that experienced person that can do this and that instead of the licensed professional. Sometimes you will find such a person for less money. If landlordism is done right it is cheaper to spend more money on quality materials now and spend less money on labor every time.
Your job is to manage and maintain what you have and spend as little time as possible fixing and repairing constantly.
A building ought to be like a castle, protecting people from the elements, the monsters of nature and breakables…mechanical and electrical systems and situations.
To protect the best while balancing money follow these simple rules:
- Buy materials yourself.
- Shop prices always.
- Don’t buy the cheapest anything, especially when it comes to appliances.
- With mechanical systems warranty is king. Get a real warranty for a real timeframe. Ask for it. Take a picture of the Serial numbers and model numbers.
Toilets: never buy the cheapest toilet. Get a mid range priced toilet and look at the insides to literally see “what its made of” If it is really cheaply made, the labor will cost you twice the toilet cost. Think you will do it yourself? How much is back pain worth to you?
Don’t buy materials out of haste, buy materials out of season. Those who plan pay less. Know your property; see what will need changing and plan to buy when it comes on sale or out of season.