If your rental property needs maintenance, repairs, or renovations, it’s hard to get these projects done yourself. Instead, most investors hire contractors for their rental property needs. However, finding contractors for your rental property isn’t always a quick and easy process. You’ll want to find reputable and trustworthy vendors to take care of your investment. Keep reading to learn more about common types of vendors and how to find contractors for your rental property.
How to Find Good Contractors for Your Rental Property
Finding good contractors is crucial when you own rentals. After all, you want to ensure your property is taken care of and the repairs are high-quality. Here are a few tips on how you can find contractors for your rental property.
- Start by Looking Locally
- Verify Their Credentials and Insurance
- Look at Reviews and References
- Get Several Estimates Before Hiring
- Be Cautious of Red Flags
Start by Looking Locally
The first step to finding a good contractor is by looking locally. Reach out to your local contractors to see if there’s anyone available for work at your rental property. Generally, vendors who offer services nearby will be quick to respond and start working on your rental. However, you may have to look elsewhere if communication is shady or inconsistent. If you need help finding a vendor, ask your local Northern Virginia property management company.
Verify Their Credentials and Insurance
Before hiring someone to do work on your rental property, it’s crucial to verify their credentials and ensure they have up-to-date insurance coverage. In addition, to avoid unlicensed vendors, verify the contractor’s business license and check their professional license status before they start working at your rental home. Although unlicensed vendors may be cheaper, they’re more of a liability for investors.
Look at Reviews and References
To find a reputable contractor for your investment property, review reviews and ask for references before hiring someone. After all, a good contractor will provide you with references from previous satisfied clients. So, before hiring someone, look for references, look at online reviews, and check out their professional website or social media pages, if they have any. This can give you a better look at how they conduct business and their work quality.
Get Several Estimates Before Hiring
Before going with the first contractor that you see on Google, shop around a bit. Chances are, if you spend a little bit of time looking around, you’ll find exactly what you need for the best price possible. After all, large repairs, renovations, or maintenance tasks can be extremely expensive, and most vendors vary in price. Therefore, it’s best to get at least three estimates from different contractors before making a decision.
Be Cautious of Red Flags
While researching and interviewing different vendors, there are a few red flags to look out for. For instance, if someone expects a payment upfront, it could be a major red flag. Additionally, if you come across a contractor who isn’t licensed or insured, keep searching until you find someone who is. Finally, if a vendor requests cash-only payments, this could be another red flag from which to steer clear.
Next, let’s go over what types of vendors you may hire for work at your rental property and how they can help you.
Common Types of Vendors and What They Do
There are several types of contractors or vendors to contact when you need repairs or rental property maintenance. Here are some of the most common vendors you may need to hire if you own rental properties.
- Landscapers
- Carpenters
- Electricians
- Painters
- Roofers
- General Contractors
- HVAC Specialists
Landscapers
Hiring landscapers to perform outdoor maintenance is crucial if you own a multi-family building or several rental homes. Although you could DIY some things, landscapers have the knowledge and expertise to make your rental properties look beautiful all year round. For instance, if you have a large plot of land that needs maintenance, landscapers can ensure the grass is mowed, and the area is decorated with flowerbeds or shrubs for better curb appeal.
Carpenters
Carpenters perform a wide range of tasks, including drywall installation, kitchen cabinet installation, inspections, window installations, and more. So, for general repairs or installations throughout your rental property, call a carpenter to help you out. Chances are, they can help you with whatever you’re looking for.
Electricians
As the name suggests, electricians repair and install electrical systems like lighting and outlets throughout your rental home. That said, keep in mind that there are specialized categories for electricians. For instance, some specialize in fire alarm systems, cable TV installation, sound equipment, and more.
Painters
Although some rental owners choose to paint their property themselves, hiring a professional painter has several benefits. For instance, painting requires hard work, time, and patience, which not everyone has. After all, if you own several rentals and a large rental business, you probably don’t have time to paint all of your properties. So instead, hiring a contractor to paint can give you great results in the most efficient way.
Roofers
Repairing a roof isn’t a cheap or simple task. Instead, it takes the work of professionals to have a roof properly installed. A roofing specialist can help you replace or repair your roof and your rental home’s gutters. It’s crucial to keep your roof and gutters clear of debris to prevent leaks and water damage in your rental.
General Contractors
A general contractor is someone who’s responsible for overseeing a construction project with several subcontractors. The general contractor hires suppliers and subcontractors to complete the work while they oversee and manage the project. Landlords or property managers often hire general contractors to oversee large construction projects at a rental property.
HVAC Specialists
Your HVAC system needs routine maintenance and may need repairs throughout the years. An HVAC specialist can help you install a new system, perform repairs on your HVAC, and take care of routine maintenance whenever needed. It’s important to hire a specialist to look at your HVAC since it’s crucial to your tenant’s well-being while living in your rental home.
Keep Your Rental Maintained All Year Round
Keeping your rental property maintained all year round requires hard work and dedication. If you don’t have the time to maintain several rentals simultaneously, you may want to consider hiring property management. When you have a trusted rental property management team on your side, you don’t have to worry about the day-to-day operations of running a rental business.
Professional Property Management in Northern Virginia offers comprehensive rental management services, including tenant screening, rent collection, maintenance, and more. We can ensure your property is compliant and well-maintained at all times, so you don’t have to! Contact PPM today if you need management services for your rental properties.
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