After years of experience and working with many landlords, I have seen what gives better results when it comes to reduce your condo maintenance costs.
Here is a list of recommendations to reduce your condo maintenance costs.
Maintenance Calendar
If you wait until things break, you most likely will pay more for emergency reparations.
Don’t let your wallet take a hit! Waiting until things break down can end up costing you a fortune in emergency repairs. Instead, be proactive and save yourself the headache (and the extra cash) by tackling maintenance issues before they become disasters.
Reduce your condo maintenance cost by implementing a maintenance calendar. You’ve effectively stayed ahead of potential issues. Your biannual inspections, covering crucial areas like toilets, faucets, and smoke detectors.
My own experience
I maintain a 40 unit building in South Beach, and rarely have to deal with emergencies.
This is because I have created a maintenance calendar. Twice a year I perform an inspection to check toilets, faucets, and smock detectors.
With this inspection, I ensure there is no leaking causing my water bill to go up.
of course, you know that you pay for water that you use and water that you dispose it (sewer).
Replacing or fixing plumber devices after inspection gives me peace of mine. I know nobody will call me with an emergency and my water bill won’t eat me alive.
The smock detector is to make sure my units have the security device in good shape. So nobody gets hurt and I do not have to face a lawsuit.
Air conditioners could be another item that can be maintain periodically to ensure a long lasting life.
to know more about this, please visit my blog post about Air Conditioner Maintenance
Every Detail Counts
A seemingly minor issue like a defective flapper in a toilet can surprisingly have a significant impact on your water bill. With a low-cost fix of just $5 for a new flapper. Neglecting this small component can lead to a substantial increase in monthly expenses. Water bills can surge by anywhere between $100 to $250 dollars due to the continuous water leakage caused by a faulty flapper. It’s a perfect example of how a small investment in maintenance can yield substantial savings in the long run.
Reduce your condo maintenance cost by promptly addressing such issues and keeping an eye on potential water leaks. You can effectively prevent unnecessary financial burdens and ensure efficient water usage in your building.
High-quality materials, appliances, and accessories
Replacing damaged artifacts can be a little pricy. Let said the kitchen faucet is leaking and the internal mechanism is defective, the solution is to replace it with a new faucet.
If you call a contractor to replace the faucet, probably it is going to cost you between $120 to $165 in labor only. Whether you choose a cheap faucet or an expensive one the labor cost will be the same.
The difference is that cheap faucet have a shorter life span. You will need to pay the labor again, which make the whole situation more expensive than using a high-quality replacement with a longer life span.
Do It Yourself
If you know how to do it, you do not need to pay someone else to do it for you, therefore the total cost of replacement will be cheaper right? You must consider that your time has value as well and you do not want to come back to do this reparation, again and again.
This example is applicable to any artifact and materials used in the confines of your property. From doors and windows, to paint and flooring to kitchen cabinets to appliances to smock detectors to the water heaters and so on and on. (to learn more about how to choose a paint finish to reduce your paint job maintenance, please visit my blog post “What paint finish should I use for my apartment?”
Find Your Maintenance contractor
Search in your area for reliable handymen, with experience and knowledge to perform reparations that do not require a state license.
Here is a list of items that a handyman can do without a license:
- Furniture Assembly
- Interior Paint and Stain
- Drywall Maintenance and Repairs
- Minor Plumbing Tasks
- Minor Electrical Tasks
- Minor Carpentry Tasks
- Window Coverings
- Door Hardware Installation
- Tiling
- Senior Home Upgrades
Local Search
Search in Google map with keyword like “Handyman near me” and you will be able to visit listing of available contractors, its review left by real customers, services provided and contact information.
Licensed Contractors.
For major reparations is better to go with a qualified, licensed, and insured contractor, and make sure everything is done up to code. The best way to make sure all the installation is up to code is by pulling a permit in the City’s Building Department and having an inspector check the compilation of the project.
City Permits
Contrary to initial perceptions, opting for professional services and obtaining permits may seem costlier upfront, but in the long run, it can save you both money and headaches. While the idea of pulling a permit may appear daunting and expensive, it doesn’t always have to be that way. Investing in the expertise of professionals and following the necessary protocols can prevent costly mistakes and unforeseen complications down the line. So, remember, what may seem like a higher initial expense can ultimately lead to significant savings and a smoother experience.
- Electrician, Plumber, and Roofer
Have a licensed and insured electrician, plumber, and roofer that services your area. If you have a handyman that maintains your apartment, ask him, a good handyman always has connections with plumbers, electricians, and roofers. Many times, contractors give a commission to the handyman for the referral, that’s why a handyman always has good contacts!
Now, you may ask, how in the world this will reduce your maintenance cost? and the answer is, If you have an emergency and must resolve the issue ASAP. The first thing you do is Google it and fall in the top three listings. That may be a very reputable and authoritative company that serves your area. It is nothing wrong with that, but you must know that the bill will include the cost of marketing, secretary, vehicle maintenance, men per hours, materials marked up, plus company profit. This for sure will not contribute to reduce your condo maintenance cost!
It is much better to have your own network of contractors through your reliable handyman, that knows the tricks for better pricing.
In conclusion, to make the story short
My best advice to reduce your condo maintenance cost. Maximize your efforts to have your unit up-to-date, and well-maintained. Do not wait until things break. An emergency cost is two or three times more expensive than a regular, scheduled maintenance calendar cost.
Make sure to have a local, reliable, and sourced handyman, capable of taking care of your property. Even when you are on a cruise on the Caribbean islands with a pina colada in your hand looking at that beautiful sunset.