Conserve Energy in Your Vacation Rental with These 5 Tips
August 29, 2017How to Prep Your Property for Autumn
October 3, 2017
The colder months are quickly approaching, which means you’ve likely started your annual fall maintenance (right??). While these tasks play a vital role in extending the life of your property, there are also common misconceptions regarding their approach. What is the best way to go about your fall maintenance?
Myth #1: A DIY Approach Will Always Save You Money
It can be tempting to tackle all those items on your to-do list by yourself in order to save money. Unfortunately, this could end up costing you in the long run. Unless you have specific experience as a repair person, there are a couple of jobs better left to the professionals. These include:
- Cleaning hard to reach gutters. If you can access rain gutters with a leaf blower, a DIY approach is fine. For gutters several stories up, consider hiring a professional. Any roofing repairs also require the help of an expert.
- HVAC service. You can change the filter on your furnace easily enough, but consider consulting a professional for a tune-up at least every other year. This will help extend the life of your system and address problems before they become serious.
Myth #2: Tenants Should Be Responsible for Some Maintenance
While it might seem like the tenants who are living in your property should do their part in keeping the property safe, it’s your legal responsibility to do so. Aside from the basics like light bulb replacement, maintenance is your responsibility.
Myth #3: Repairs are Always Better Than Replacement
Finally, some property owners believe that anything can be repaired. While you may enjoy tinkering with the fridge that’s been in your rental unit since the 80s, you may be costing yourself in the long run. Know when it’s time to replace your old appliances with energy-efficient models.
Switching your old, outdated thermostat for a smart thermostat can save you money as it will limit the tenant to specific temperatures.
