When you work with a professional San Diego property management company, it’s easy to not think much about maintenance. You know that your property managers are taking care of all routine and emergency repairs that may be necessary. Your management partner negotiates prices, communicates with tenants, and supervises the work that’s needed.
You also don’t have to think about where the vendors are coming from.
You can trust your management company to work with highly skilled professionals who won’t overcharge you or cause further damage to your property.
Managing your own property means you have to maintain your own property. Without the resources and connections of a property management partner, where do you find your vendors? You’ll have property maintenance needs from time to time, and you’ll also have emergencies.
Who do you call?
We’re talking about what to look for in a vendor and how to find the most qualified and affordable maintenance team for your rental property.
Screening Vendors and Contractors
You want maintenance problems fixed correctly the first time. You want a guarantee that the vendors you hire will stand behind their work and follow up to make sure everything was completed in a satisfactory manner.
This is why you should only work with licensed vendors.
A professional plumber, electrician, painter, roofer, or other repair person will have the experience and the expertise required to complete the repair correctly and keep your investment property well-maintained. If something goes wrong or the issue isn’t completely resolved, they’ll come back to follow up.
Licensed vendors and contractors are committed to keeping their customers happy. They’re going to stand by their work and avoid cutting corners. You should always commit to working with professionals who have experience and licensure.
You should also check for and verify insurance. Otherwise, you’re risking your own property, your tenants, and your financial foundation. If an unlicensed and uninsured worker falls off a ladder or electrocutes themselves, guess who will be held liable?
Do not take this risk. Don’t hire anyone who doesn’t have adequate liability and worker’s compensation insurance. We recommend that you ask for proof before you hire a company or a vendor.
Better vendors also lead to better tenant relationships. You also owe it to your residents to send high quality, professional workers over to the property. Tenants don’t want to open the door to a random name and phone number you found in a Craigslist ad. When they let people into their home, they want to be sure they are licensed, professional, and insured vendors who take their work seriously.
Using the right vendors also shows your tenants that you care about the property and their needs. This will help with tenant satisfaction and improve your tenant retention rates.
Screen your vendors and contractors carefully before you hire them.
Where to Find Qualified Vendors in San Diego
Property managers will have some great vendor relationships. A good management company will make referrals and help with introductions when you are seeking a vendor to make repairs or help you prepare a property for occupancy or sale. We work with some of the best vendors and contractors in the San Diego area, and we’re happy to share our network when it will help.
We always caution people on two things, however.
First, you may have to wait until a vendor is free to complete the work you need. Sometimes, a good plumber or electrician can be booked more than a month out, especially now, when they’re busier than ever. That’s a long time to wait if you’re turning your property over or responding to an emergency.
Second, you may pay more than you would pay if you were working with us. That’s because we’re able to negotiate lower rates with our preferred vendors. We provide them with a large volume of work, which means they offer us their best prices and deepest discounts. As an individual customer, you may not have access to those preferred programs.
Don’t hesitate to ask for vendor referrals from property managers, real estate agents, and anyone else who works in the field of rental housing.
Preventative Maintenance and Vendor Needs
Preventative maintenance will always be critical. Paying attention to routine services, inspections, and minor repairs will save you a lot of money on emergency and unexpected maintenance.
Two things in particular need your attention: water and the HVAC system.
Water damage can be one of the most expensive issues for San Diego homeowners. Leaks can occur inside the home, and a slow drip under a sink can quickly escalate to a plumbing disaster. You’ll want to have a plumber who is available to help, even on short notice. That requires you to have a relationship in place before you really need them.
Other preventative measures concerning water include cleaning your gutters. You don’t want leaves and debris to get caught there, driving water towards your home. Flush out irrigation systems and sprinklers. When it comes to ongoing maintenance, preventing leaks and floods is your primary concern.
The heating and cooling system in your home is one of the most expensive systems in your property. Most San Diego homeowners and tenants will use both heat and air conditioning throughout the year. Annual and seasonal inspections will help you prevent expensive repairs.
Have a licensed technician inspect your system and make sure it’s working properly. This attention once or twice a year will also extend the life of your furnace and your air conditioning unit. The heating and cooling of your property will be more efficient.
Finding a vendor is not always easy when you’re renting out a home in San Diego. There’s a high demand for these types of services, and the costs are rising. We recommend that you don’t cut corners or make cheap repairs. Vendor relationships are important, and they can help you earn more and have a better rental experience.
If you’d like some help maintaining your home or putting together a list of preferred vendors, please don’t hesitate to contact us at North County Property Group. We’d be happy to provide you with some resources and support.
