Heather Martens of Mortgage Advice Bureau explores how landlords can save money by tackling maintenance like a true DIY pro.
Maintaining your property shouldn’t just be another box-ticking exercise. Not only does it keep your tenants happier, it can help keep the value of your property where it should be. That means that if the time comes to move new tenants in or sell, you can charge rent or sell at a good rate.
While hiring professionals to handle your maintenance can save you time, mastering some basic maintenance skills could save you some money. There are plenty of things you can handle on your own, so let’s talk about our top DIY maintenance hacks for landlords, starting with the skills you may want to brush up on:
Understand your skillset
Having a toolbox of DIY skills can significantly reduce maintenance costs and improve your property’s overall condition. Here are some essential skills to consider:
- Plumbing and leaks
While it may seem daunting, basic plumbing work can be learned. Familiarise yourself with the basic parts associated with plumbing systems, including pipes, fixtures, and valves. By doing this, you can learn to repair minor leaks and easily unclog drains.
- Electrical skills
While working on the electrical features of a property is often best left to the professionals, there are some things you can do safely and efficiently. First, it’s important to learn how to identify potential electrical hazards, such as frayed wires, overloaded circuits, and faulty outlets. You could also safely replace burned-out light bulbs and fixtures, as well as test ground fault circuit interrupters to ensure proper functioning.
- Carpentry
Learning how to use basic tools, including hammers, screwdrivers, saws, and measuring tools is a great way to make minor repairs to things like doors, cabinets, trim, and baseboard. It also means that, should you be so inclined, you could securely hang shelves, pictures, and other decorative items.
Common maintenance tasks you can DIY
To keep your rental property looking its best and functioning properly, consider keeping your property up-to-date with these easy maintenance tasks:
Painting and sealing: Regular painting can enhance your property’s curb appeal and protect surfaces from damage. Sealing wood surfaces can help prevent moisture damage and rot.
Pressure washing: Clean outdoor surfaces like driveways and decks with a pressure washer. This can help remove dirt, grime, and mould, improving the appearance and safety of your property.
Door maintenance: Tighten loose screws and level doors to ensure they function properly and prevent damage to the door frame and floor beneath.
Pest control: You can put preventative measures in place to control pests, such as ensuring cracks and crevices are sealed and schedule regular inspections.
Roof checks: Stay on top of your property (literally) by inspecting the roof to address any issues such as leaks or missing shingles.
By addressing these maintenance tasks regularly, you can help maintain the value and functionality of your rental property, while also ensuring the safety and comfort of your tenants.
Remember: Always prioritise safety and consult a professional for complex or potentially dangerous tasks.
Easy hacks for quick DIY
Check out the list below for some quick wins to solve maintenance issues around your buy-to-let:
- Stop a leaky tap: Place a rubber washer under the handle to temporarily stop a drip
- Unclog a drain: Pour a cup of baking soda down the drain, followed by a cup of vinegar. Let it stew for a few minutes and then flush it thoroughly with hot water
- Fix a squeaky door: Lubricate the hinges with a silicone-based lubricant
- Improve energy efficiency: Replacing bigger heating elements requires a bigger budget, but for an in-between tool, try sealing windows and doors with weather stripping to help keep heat in
- Cleaning grout: You can make a simple solution of baking soda and water to effectively clean grout
- Stop a running toilet: Adjust the flapper chain length or replace the flapper for an easy DIY fix for a running toilet.
How DIY maintenance can save you money as a landlord
By taking on some of the maintenance tasks yourself, landlords can reduce the costs associated with property management, including minimising the need for professionals and potentially reducing tenant turnover.
You could also avoid future costly repairs by ensuring you stay on top of regular maintenance. After all, prevention is better than a cure. Furthermore, well-maintained properties can have higher property values, which could benefit you in the long run.
As you gain confidence with DIY maintenance, you’ll become more confident in your own abilities and less reliant on contractors. Plus, there’s always the benefit of transferable skills, and DIY can be useful in other areas of your life, such as personal home improvement projects.
Check out this article about the property checks you should do before the cold weather comes in full force. It covers everything from boilers to doors, windows, and drainage.
Remember, while DIY maintenance can be a great way to save money, it’s important to prioritise safety and know your limitations. If a task is complex or potentially dangerous, don’t hesitate to consult a professional. By combining DIY efforts with professional assistance when needed, you can effectively manage your rental property while minimising costs.
