I’m putting together a list of items that most people do not do for regular home maintance and going to offer it as a yearly service plan to customers.
I got the idea from and old JLC article and I believe it will sell well to some of our higher end clients and possibly to some of our customers who own rental property.
The idea would be a twice a year visit for 4 hours each to complete regular home maintance as well as as inspection of the home in general for signs of rot, deteriation, etc.
I have a list going of items I would like to cover/inspect.
My question is what common items do you find people fail to maintain or check on regularly enough, what items should be checked out every 6 months or yearly.
Thanks in advance.
Neil
Replies
Contact Sonny.
He has one for his condo owners and another for free standing houses.
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A-holes. Hey every group has to have one. And I have been elected to be the one. I should make that my tagline.
from a landlords point of view: furnace and air filters,clean outside cond units, leaky faucets,toilet flappers and fill valves, smoke detectors and co detectors,anything saftey related.. and if you gave me a 2 line report of how the tennants are taking care of house and how many pets you see. i wouldn't expect a huge report just a quick note to see if i need inspect myself.i would think a service like this would do really well,i would like to see your list when you get it put together.larry
hand me the chainsaw, i need to trim the casing just a hair.
Larry, all the stuff you mentioned was on my list, I will be happy to share it with you once it's complete
Smoke alarms and caulking around sinks and tubs.
Just a start.
In my area, this would be the start of a basic list;
- check, clean & repair gutters, make sure down spouts direct water far enough from foundation.
- check, adjust/repair storms and screens.
- check, replace/add weatherstripping.
- replace batteries in smokes.
- check/replace dryer vent ducting (especially if it's the flexible plastic crap).
- check exterior trim for rot (around windows and corner boards near gutter downspouts and behind bushes are key).
- touch-up small flaking/peeling exterior paint issues.
- repair cracks, loose stones in walkways.
- check sump pump operation, repairs as needed.
- burlap bushes.
- drain irrigation/watering systems.
I don't get into roofing or chimney issues but that could be another complete section. Some older folks even ask me to store all their lawn care and gardening tools in the way-back section of the garage in the fall and then get them sharpened, tuned-up & brought out in the spring.
Would you mind sharing your list? I'm sure there's stuff I'm missing.
Depending on how well you know your current customers, their property and their personal hot-button items you could create & propose a customized list for them. I've done this for just a few of my better customers and the price is practically irrelevant, they're thrilled to know someone else is thinking of it and dealing with it for them.
-Norm
What is "burlap bushes" ?
In th snow country ice and snow buildup can damage or break limbs of evergreens.. I ve seen shrubs wrapped with burlap then twine untill spring. the burlap allows the plant to brethe
I don't know if this has been covered already, but you could put together a list of home maintenance items in a small book or brochure and also have your name in it for people to call you if they have questions or need repairs.You could give the book or brochure to realtors and they would then give it to their clients. For example, if someone was buying a home they would get your info about home maintenance.Then if the homeowner had a problem, they would hire you.Many people will have something go wrong in their house and they simply don't know who to call. Maybe you could even include a refrigerator magnet.I talked to a friend last week and her elderly aunt who is a widow had a water heater go out and she was frantic.She didn't know what to do.Just a thought.
^^^^^^
a Smith & Wesson beats four Aces
I think that you are right.IIRC you are an RA.A couple of months ago I did some work for a seller doing repairs that the buyer requested.I left my card in the house.Later I got a call from her. First time home owner and she was in her mid 20's.One of the things that she wanted was to know how to open the garage door if the power if off or the openere does not work.The house was strange split level to fit on the lot. To get to the basement level you had to go through the garage. There was a deadbolt installed on the door from the garage to the basement. No keys for the beadbolt. And one time she was down there doing the laundry and later realized that the garage door was open and she would have liked to lock the door.So she bought a deadbolt lock and had me install it. But it was a double cylinder lock and she did not know any difference. Nor did she realize that she could have gotten it keyed to the front door lock.I wonder how one would structure a business that would do a walk through for HO and show them where the water shutoff's are, how to relight the pilot light, what to do if garage disposal jams, etc.What I am thinking about is maybe $35 for 45 minutes. It would certainly not be a money maker, just enough to pay for gas. But use it as a form of advertising,The local Westlakes Hardware store (I think that you have some) gave out a booklet "The Homeownerneer's Survival Guide". It appears to be a generic book with a sponsor, in this case the the 2 Westlake's in Blue Springs (don't know if the other Westlakes in KC did the same or not) and sold ads. The ads where from a roofer, tile company, foundation, plumber, tires, etc.It had a lot of good information, but much of it was wrong or missing critical information.For example there is a section on leaking water heaters. "Before attempting repairs, it is advisable to shut off the electricity and drain the tank". Now there is no mention that it might be a gas WH. And while it talks about opening a hot water valve when draining so that a vacuum is not formed it never mentions to turn off the water or that there is (if correctly installed) a water shutoff supply valve. Then mention that drain valves often leak. But no mention at all of the PT valve leaking.I could not find who the "publisher" was. BTW, a google on - home maintance check lists - gave a number of ones that looked like they had good information..
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A-holes. Hey every group has to have one. And I have been elected to be the one. I should make that my tagline.
Bill - hook up with a good realtor. I do a bunch of punch list work just before the closing for a realtor in a high-end town just south of me. This is nickel and dime work that has to be done yesterday but they let me leave an info packet on the kitchen counter for the new home owner. Its short money but I look at it like I'm getting paid to market my business.
I give the realtor a very fair deal on pricing but the amount of work the info packet generates is incredible. The new home owners always have a laundry list of stuff they want to do to customize the place to their liking; everything from new cabinet knobs, to painting, to decks, to adding garages and other living spaces (which I refer out to the big guys).
I went through 25, maybe 30 realtors before hitting it off with the ones that provide great service to their customer and treat me like a pro.
-Norm
Yes, I've seen the book you're referring to: The Homeowners Survival Guide.I've also seen sections in the Sunday paper which have to do with home maintenance.Some home inspectors also give some kind of booklet along with their inspection report.I think the best thing would be something short and simple.Maybe even a one page check list beside the furnace with a place to record the date of furnace filter replacements. It would also have the contractor's name and phone number.I like your idea in which you would walk through the house with the homeowner. You would leave them your info and business card etc and they would call you when something broke down.I think Realtors might be willing to pay your $35 fee and it would be the "housewarming gift" from the Realtor to the Buyer.Realtors try to buy a nice inexpensive gift to hand to the Buyer at closing and the Realtor could simply tell them he's paid your consultation fee.The Realtor would like to have you do this AFTER closing and when the Realtor has his check cashed.The Realtor would tell the Buyer "I'm paying a consultant to come walk through your house and that will give you an opportunity to ask any questions". "We'll do this after you've been in the house for a week or two"."We'll have the consultant check your washer and dryer and make sure it's hooked up properly and so you don't damage your new home from doing something improperly"."After you've been there a few weeks, you may have some questions".Your job would be to walk through the home and try to be as positive as you can about the home.Point out the good things about the home.Point out all the positives. Help them feel good about their new home.You could walk from room to room and listen to what their plans are. Offer advice. Tell them about your experiences. They will really appreciate what you're saying and will remember it.What it boils down to is they will then call you in a month or two when something has happened.For example, the garage door spring might break.Or, the door between the garage and the kitchen isn't shutting right.Or the sump pump goes out.Or the wind blows the storm door off it's hinges.Or the garbage disposer goes out.I don't know of anyone working as a consultant and doing the walk through like you've described but I think it's an excellent idea, especially if you are the type of person who can make a good impression and they will feel comfortable calling you in the next month or two.Maybe give them some kind of advertising gift like an ink pen with your name and number.What would you think about doing this through Realtors? The Realtor would rather have the Buyer call you in six months when the lawn sprinkler system doesnt' work. They would call you instead and he wouldn't have to deal with it. It's a win - win.
^^^^^^
a Smith & Wesson beats four Aces
Another thing to give a new homeowner would be a list of tools..
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A-holes. Hey every group has to have one. And I have been elected to be the one. I should make that my tagline.
I have the list compilied, an agreement written, and a "report form" that the guys will fill out. I shortened the list a bit to limit our exposure and time on site.
I've sold two already, so hopefully they work out well.
I'll post or send the documents if anyone is interested
Sounds great, good luck with it!I'd like to see your program. My email address iswichita_realtor at yahoo.com^^^^^^
a Smith & Wesson beats four Aces
I would also be interested in the list.
Sorry mrfixit, I'll send it to CAG
Headstrong, I'll take on anyone!
Edited 2/18/2007 6:21 pm ET by Jemcon
Edited 2/18/2007 6:22 pm ET by Jemcon
I'd like a copy of you list too.
My address is [email protected] Thanks
Headstrong, I'll take on anyone!
I attached the files here so anyone who is interested can down load and look. The PDF is a scanned copy of the brochure I created, the other two are word documents, one is the agreement and the other is a form who ever is doing the inspection will fill out. After they complete the work they will either type it up or I will and meet with the h/o to review it if we feel additional work is needed.
There is a list of "additional services" that will grow over time. I expect all the documents will develop over time.
I limited the list so we could perform the tasks in a reasonable amount of time.
Thats really good. I like the idea. You said you sold 2 of these already. Were they though sales? Did they ask for anything else right off the bat? Keep the info coming. Thanks.
Headstrong, I'll take on anyone!
no the first two were easy sells to existing clients with whom I have a good and standing relationship with.
I'll sell another two tomorrow to the same type of previous clients. Existing clients aside I have had a warm reception to others I have spoke to about it. I mentioned it to another portential client on friday and I have a decent gut feeling they'll bite.
My goal is to sell 300 in the next two years.
Not to bad at 530.00 a year per contract. I'd take that in a minute.
Headstrong, I'll take on anyone!
Thanks for the email and the files with your brochures and paperwork.I think you've got a fantastic program and I hope you sell several hundred the first year.As a Realtor I walk through houses with people and as I listen to them it never ceases to amaze me how little people know about houses. Your inspection and repairs would be very valuable service to 99% of the general public. Especially single women.If you are the person who will be selling these, you will be walking through the homes with the homeowner and I think you should point out every flaw you see and every potential problem.If the home is outdated, don't be afraid to tell them. Updating increases the value of their investment.Tell them what other people are doing to similar homes.Maybe even have some things to show them like ceramic tile samples, new style cabinet doors, counter top samples.I'll predict you're going to find all kinds of things to do in each home. TCleaning the outside A/C is an excellent service. I have to clean mine 2-3 times per season. I hate walking by it and seeing it full of dust.Good luck!^^^^^^
a Smith & Wesson beats four Aces
Thanks for taking a look.
I won't be doing the inspections myself however I plan to go over any concerns with the H/0 personally once we complete it if there is something major.
you have mail
I dont think you quite have the right time slots.
I need you 1 hr per house per month.
What are you going to do with 4 hours?
Its too long between visits .
I need a report filled out of the condition in detail . I need a check sheet of all items that need attention.
While you are there either change or clean the R air filter. Check all places where water resides such as under sinks amd lavs .
In other words I need an inspection.
I dont want you going in there and fixng anything before I see it and we talk about it . What agravates me more than anything is for a person to make their own decisions on how they spend my money.
So lets start out with a yearly charge per unit figguring 1 hour per month for an inspection service .
You may leave an estimate if you wish but Im not paying for it . Ill pay the yearly fee.
Tim
I would consider a quaterly visit, not monthly. The rentals probably would not be 4 hour visits, I am planning on doing 4 hours for private residents, 3 hours being the inspection the last hour to complete "honey do" lists. Which many of our current customers talk about and ask us to do while we're on the job.
If I had someone who had a lot of rentals I would consider a once a month inspection of his properties so long as they could be completed on the same day.
The work spelled out in the inspection document would be completed, for example replacing batteries in smoke detectors/ CO detectors, caulking tubs if need be, sealing grout etc.
any additional repairs wouldn't be completed with out an ok... we do not do work with out permission and a set price or aggreement.
If I was going to commit to 12 hours a year per, including some money for misc caulk, batteries, furnace filters etc. well I guess I need to figure that out a little better before guessing at a number
Sounds cool.
I did not mean to write a negative post so dont misunderstand it please.
I wrote from my view point .
Actually there should be a book on this . Well, there should be several. If theres not maybe you should think of authoring one if the subject is successful. Im serious.
I have thought a lot about authoring what I do in a book. Theres lots of competition however in that subject.
Anyway;
I think your idea is a good one . At least I see a great need . Sonny did this with owners of multiple properties .
I see the possibility of a lot of business . The only problem I see is managing it to be profitable . You will need much more per billing hour than you recieve now.
Ill be looking forward to hearing more and I wish you the best.
Tim
I was figuring a 100$ an hour for the 1 hour inspection every month with a 20% discount for 3 or more a month.
Then a 50-60$ an hour charge for labor on repairs and maintenance.
I have made this checklist for regular customers customized to their individual home and needs.They usually call me to come in the spring and fall go thru the list and fix anything else that needs doing.
I would be interested in starting a comprehesive list here so that we can all make use of it.
ANDYSZ2
WHY DO I HAVE TO EXPLAIN TO FRIENDS AND FAMILY THAT BEING A SOLE PROPRIETOR IS A REAL JOB?
REMODELER/PUNCHOUT SPECIALIST
Edited 2/2/2007 5:54 pm by ANDYSZ2
Tim,
Absolutely no offence taken, that's the kind of feedback I'm after. The billing rate maybe a problem, I've run the idea past a few trusted and good customers, most were receptive to the idea. We bill out at $60.00 per man hour on time and material work and we mark up material 25%.
So for an 8 hour day that comes to $480 dollars a year, add into that probably $50 worht of material I need to sell this service at a mininum price of $542.50 a year, which may not be a lot of money for our higher end customers, but I believe most homeowner's will balk at the price.
Taking your personal home aside would you be willing to invest that much more a year into your rental properties, could you raise your rent ~$45 a year to cover it?
The "Rental Package" would might involve less work then the personal home plan and I would probably be willing to give a quantity discount for people who have multiple properties.
Part of my sales pitch is going to be describing what the average exterior repair cost is for a problem that could have been avoided etc complete with photographs etc. One of my concerns is how does this open up us to liability if someone has this plan with us and we miss something?
I do not want to do this if it can not be profitable but I may be willing to accept a smaller profit if it will generate further, more profitable, work with a customer. If I sell them this plan and we manage it well for them for a year or two I could see it being easier to be at the top of the list when they decide to remodel their kitchen, bath, add a deck, an addition, etc....
I need to e-mail Sonny and see what he has.
For the record this is not my idea, it came from and older JLC article.
Taking your personal home aside would you be willing to invest that much more a year into your rental properties, could you raise your rent ~$45 a year to cover it?
Well, I would if you could kill a few birds with one stone and yes I could part with 45 per month if you were effective . Saying we had a happy marriage it would be money well spent . Heres how ;
My filters need to be changed once per month period. During that time I can stop water leaks with out a problem normally. The other is prevent . Washer hoses are checked for surface cracking , etc. I run bleach down condensation lines once per summer . etc. So not every thing gets checked per month but all things done are on a list per property and recorded on excel. I check the list and order the things that need attention like June for the con. line . While you are there you check the general condition of the property. You notice 15 bags of garbage out the back door or a bed leaning up against the house outside . From that information I send a letter to the tennant reminding them of the conditions of the lease contract we signed and also the emailed pictures of the occurance that I send a copy with the letter as proof. That serves as a warning and for the tennant to handle it in X number of days before I assign an eviction letter at which time its to late to help them. They lose their deposits monies and it can go against their credit . I would appreciate their attention to the subject that you brought to my attention.
Now , for someone that doesnt want to be an on site landlord you would be a dream come true . You could serve notices by hand and other things . You could show properties if I was out of town. Piffin has talked about taking general care of customers properties while they were away . That need is real. Ive been called to winterize properties by my relationship with agents. I dont really know where it stops .
Tim
Tim,
I'm interested in why your filters need to be changed once a month?
I would have no problem reporting to you on the general condition of the property and I would have problem scheduling the visit with the tenants directrly, in fact I'd prefer it.
Here is the list I've compiled for a regular home, I need to tailor it to rental property a little more. I've left off inspecting the roof, I'm not sure if I want to go there or not.
Every Visit: <!----><!----><!---->
<!----> <!---->
Ø Replace Batteries in Smoke Detectors & Carbon. Monoxide detectors. Test all smoke & CO detectors.<!----><!---->
Ø Inspect fire extinguishers.<!----><!---->
Ø Test GFCI Receptacles.<!----><!---->
Ø Replace furnace filters with 3M Filtreteâ„¢ filters.<!----><!---->
Ø Inspect washer machine hoses.<!----><!---->
Ø Inspect weather stripping on exterior doors.<!----><!---->
Ø Inspect windows for proper seal.<!----><!---->
Ø Inspect caulking around sinks, bathtubs, & showers, re-caulk as necessary.<!----><!---->
Ø Inspect grout work around shower and bathtubs, clean as necessary and apply grout sealer.<!----><!---->
Ø Pull out free standing refrigerators and vacuum back coils.<!----><!---->
Ø Inspect and test sump pump.<!----><!---->
Ø Inspect toilet flapper for wear & check for leaky faucets.<!----><!---->
Ø Clean fan blades on all ceiling fans and vacuum the top of the motor.<!----><!---->
Ø Vacuum bathroom ventilation fan motor housings.<!----><!---->
Ø Check for any holes in exterior cladding that could be an entry point for small pests, such as bats, squirrels.<!----><!---->
Ø Inspect exterior siding & trim for signs of deterioration, rot, failed paint, etc.<!----><!---->
Ø Inspect the caulking around the exterior windows and doors of your home. Install caulking as necessary to keep drafts, as well as insects out of your home.<!----><!---->
Fall/Winter:<!----><!---->
Ø Remove screens from windows. <!----><!---->
Ø Lubricate garage door.<!----><!---->
Ø Inspect gutters for damage and necessity of cleaning.<!----><!---->
o Cleaning Available Upon Request<!----><!---->
Ø Look for bushes, tree branches and other vegetation which may be to close to your home.<!----><!---->
<!----> <!---->
Spring/Summer:<!----><!---->
Ø Re-install window screens<!----><!---->
Ø Inspect gutters for damage caused by snow & ice.<!----><!---->
Ø Inspect decks for proper bolting, flashing, and inspect handrail assemblies to ensure they are secure.<!----><!---->
Ø Rinse off the air-conditionings exterior condensing unit.<!----><!---->
"Pull out free standing refrigerators and vacuum back coils."I don't know what percentage it is, but my limited experience many of the refigerators (side by sides) don't have any coils in the back. But they have them in the bottom still need to be cleaned. Need a long brush and/or special vac attach with a real flat blade."Lubricate garage door."Nothing about checking the operation and specifically the balance and springs of the door?Also the operator needs to be checked. The instrcutions say monthly, but semi-anualy should be good.Check the force limits, safety sensors and travel limits and adjust as needed..
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A-holes. Hey every group has to have one. And I have been elected to be the one. I should make that my tagline.
You never mentioned about checking for drain leaks, under cabinet leaks (drains and stop valve/supply lines) and toilet seals.And other thing to check for is leaks on furnace condensate drains (and furnace it'self) and humidifier overflows. And check/replain humidifier pads.You could have a whole check list for bath rooms and kitchens.Also I would include a check of general tightness of hardware; that includes cabinet pulls, hinges, and latches. Towel bars, door hardware.Loose receptacles and coverplates. And that includes those receptacles that the lamp keeps falling out of.Light bulbs.I have one client that about every 1-2 years years I go through an replace bunt out bulbs. In his case he had a lot of track lighting with a number of MR-16 bulbs and individual transformers at each light. So several could go out without being a problem. And would go through and check all of the outdoor lights and photocells. And although he built the house he did not remember what controled want and there have been some "inovative alterations" later. So I spent some time just tracing and tracking what was what. But that was all T&M.I am sure that you will find more than one place that has had several owner and/or remodels and there are things there that the people have no idea of what they do.If you want to get detailed you probably would want to do a T&M "startup" where you do the first inital work and then include a plan of what is to be included in the periodic work later..
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A-holes. Hey every group has to have one. And I have been elected to be the one. I should make that my tagline.
Thanks Bill, I've added most of what you said to my list.
The last hour of service would be for "honey do" lists and the like. I have a list of possible items, high light bulbs is on there.
Part of the inital visit will consist of a "Comprehensive Inspection" of a number of things. I expect the initail visit will take about 2 hours longer then any other so we can walk though the house and try to identify any particular problems to each house..
Here in wichita there is a landlords group that meets once a month?I've never been to one of their meetings but I'm guessing they probably get together and have a chance to visit with one another.Maybe they have presentations about termites, insurance, legal issues, construction, maintenance, etc. ?Maybe you could go to one of these in your area and make your pitch?Good luck!Here is a website: http://www.thelpa.com/lpa/associations/kansas.html^^^^^^
a Smith & Wesson beats four Aces
Thanks for the link, I'll give them a call and see if they have a meeting or similiar
Things I would add, some only for rentals:
flush water heater, check pilot and burner.
check fridge, recommend tenant clean inside and coils.
check clearance to combustables around furnace and flues.
Check for missing outlet and switchplate covers.
Check for blocked egress.
Note any holes in walls, doors ect.
Check for broken glass.
Since tuning lawn and garden equipment was listed, you could include removing gasoline from the equipment at end of the season. Be sure to run the engine to clear the carb or injectors. This sure makes the equipment much easier to go the next spring.
Interesting topic......I will also be interested in a copy of the final list.
HW heating systems....oil the circulator pump if needed.
Check seal at furnace flue pipe to masonry flue.
Check gas stove operation.....w/ tenants they let the burners get so much goop on them, they do not light automatically.
Branches, bushes etc rubbing or too close to ext siding. This is often overlooked, and bushes and trees grow constantly. Have seen many "rot" problems from vegetation holding moisture against the building.
Check how fast the bath sink, and the tub drain, (look for hair clogs).
OK lets start with exterior
1 A) Roof
a) shingle nail pops
b) shingle cracking or missing
c) flashing failing
d) vent boots cracking
e) chimney cap condition
B) Gutters
a) clogged
b) leaking
c) loose
C) Fascia
a) rotting
b)peeling
c) loose
D) Siding
a) nail pops
b) paint peeling
c) rot
d) caulking
e) loose
E) Windows and Doors
a) operation
b) rot
c) paint
d) caulk or glazing
e) broke glass
F)Brick or Block
a) cracks
b) mortar missing
c) defacing
G) Foundation
a) cracking
b) drainage away from
H) Landscape
a) trimmed
b) health
I) Driveway
a) cracking
b) pot holes
c) drainage
J) Fence
a) boards in good shape
b) gate functioning
c) posts sound
K) Deck
a) nail pops
b) posts solid
c) boards loose
d) rail secure
Thats enough for now.
I will go back and edit periodically as people add to the list for exterior and someone else can start an interior list.
ANDYSZ2 WHY DO I HAVE TO EXPLAIN TO FRIENDS AND FAMILY THAT BEING A SOLE PROPRIETOR IS A REAL JOB?
REMODELER/PUNCHOUT SPECIALIST
Good luck. I tried it 5 years ago and it didn't work.
Scheduling nightmare.
Good luck. I tried it 5 years ago and it didn't work.
Scheduling nightmare.
Whatta mean exactly?
I suppose you mean ; Awful lot of book work for little billable hours. Thats part of what I meant . Now Ill respond some more to the author of the thread.
Tim
No scheduling the actual site visits in an organized manor was impossible. I don't like working 1/2 days or being stood up. Rental property was really taxing... walking into a unit that had a minor drug operation ongoing was a position I didn't need to be in.
This may be one of those things that the grass looks greener .
It aint fer everybody. Just have to try it on for size to see.
Rental property is another animal.
Tim
Rental property is another animal.
Boy you said it there!
I'm thinking of paying you to go down to Texas and have a "talk" with my tenant - I've had my fill of the landlord thing in the past and only by accident I'm forced into that position again, I DONT LIKE IT!!!
Doug
What size of a crew did you have?
This would not be complete with out your checking the handyman sites extensively.
I read a study on it after much research.
The book work is actually more for their work and as was mentioned scheduling for smaller jobs . It was mentioned that a 30,000 job can be sold as fast as a 300 job. Not on average but it can happen. I read the different types of aproaches on this subject and some say somthing like its 100 dollars per hour up front versus 50 for the big job in what you do now .
Anyway, I do this for a living on my own properties . I can tell you Im much more productive on a bigger job than a small one . Im working for my self so believe me Im trying to accomplish tasks as quickly as I can. Ive found the extra labor costs are real.
This year I bought a trailer to minimize time. Not because it was a new work toy. 3 different times I hired a pro handy man to work with me . I have taken a serious look at what you are wanting to do but in a handy man aproach. I took a look at it because Ive got one heck of a lot of experience doing it . Ill list some things I learned.
Handy man work is a trade of its own and only remotely related to what you do. It should be respected because it deserves it from a knowledge standpoint . Not so much physical skill. It also doesnt have guru responsebilities at any one thing. Still the specialties will be used depending on what your strong points may be .
The handy man can get the schematics on a dryer on his lap top and repair it in an hour. He can order parts from his van. The lists go on. If he gets stumped he can get an answer on line immediately. He takes credit cards on the spot and makes change. He can verify a check in the driveway.
The handy man I hired versus me ; He didnt possess the skill or experience I have at what were doing but I was in my element where he wasnt much of the time . He made several mistakes I would not have made but again,.. He did things for me I did not know how to do. He rebuilt an oven and went through a stove I would have hauled to the dump. He repaired a window unit using his pc. I would have taken it ou and hauled it to he shop and went back o pick i up and reinstalled it. He repaired it in the hole in an hour. He told me he was an accomplished painter which ended up being a joke to me . He didnt even know the material needs for the job at hand . I was able to put him on several asks I didnt have to touch. I checked on him many times and never said a word meaning all was well. A few times I corrected him. In the end we both taught each other and I would hire him again at certain asks.
Now Ill go back and answer your questions .
Tim
I'd be interested in the final list too...
As a landlord, I'd also want to know if:
Windows are open in winter or space heaters are being used (against my lease) on properties where I pay utilities.
Clealiness of the apartment (ie is the kitchen a roach magnet).
Stored items blocking exit pathways? Especially in common corridors.
General appearance of the grounds (is there trash blowing around, a dead car sitting on block in the front lawn, etc...).
Ithaca, NY "10 square miles, surrounded by reality"
Actually , Ive told DW about 40 or 50 times I need to re write our lease conract.
Now we use a uniform lease hat doesnt cover those little things.
However, tennants dont normally follow leases with out being pre schooled.
Tim
The sacrificial anode in water heaters, along with whether any rarely used valves will still operate.
ok,i've been reading all the suggestions and they all are real good ideas to keeping a house in good repair. seems like the only thing we've missed is if you would find me a good tennant and lease it for me. i'd pay a extra hour for that service!! i think reading all this shows one of the problems you might encounter,where do you stop for your intial service. it's going to be real easy to have a list and i agree to it,then say"oh while your there could you look at.......it will only take 5 mins" i. i really like the idea and even though as a landlord at this stage of my life i do everything myself i can see in another 10 years where i would love to have a guy doing this that i could completely trust to tell me how it is. that way if i'm traveling and in cailf or something and a tennant calls with a problem,there would be no hesitation to call you and say fix it. maybe it's a ac problem and you don't do that kinda work.i would trust you to sub it out to a good guy and charge me for looking after it. larry
hand me the chainsaw, i need to trim the casing just a hair.