When it comes to utilising the skills and experience of tradespeople in relation to your investment property, there may sometimes be hurdles if you’re managing the organisation yourself. Availability and quality workmanship are two that spring to mind.

While the two do not necessarily go hand in hand, finding the right tradesperson at the right time can sometimes be difficult.

When things need addressing, timeliness is important to consider. Depending on the job, some may be more urgent than others. If you need something done and you need it done quickly, finding reputable tradespeople with immediate availability can be a challenge. If you’re not familiar with local trades, it can make the job of simply booking in twice as long.

What might a landlord overlook:

•  The time it takes to find tradespeople with availability can be extensive. Last minute availability isn’t always common in trades and knowing where to look can be tricky.
•  Each trade is uniquely priced for their skills, equipment, experience and technique, which means self-estimation is near impossible. Without the time to obtain multiple quotes it can be hard to tell if works are reasonably priced or not.
•  Unfamiliarity with property. Thankfully navigation is pretty accurate these days, because giving verbal directions can often be lost in translation. Properties with challenging access or other concerns, such as pets or multi-levels may add unexpected time or challenges to the job at hand.
•  While it’s wonderful to support family and friends in their business endeavours, if things don’t work out it can be difficult to have the conversation about rectifying unsatisfactory work.

How your property manager can help:

•  Over time your property manager has developed strong working relationships with various trades meaning those last-minute urgent jobs are often welcomed without fuss. Preferred trades have demonstrated their professionalism over numerous jobs so you know they will be both reliable and efficient.
•  Rates with preferred trades are often set meaning the process of quoting can be somewhat streamlined. Of course, not all jobs can be quoted site unseen so pricing can vary depending on each job; however, your property manager will have done their due diligence when it comes to comparing trade rates.
•  Return tradespeople have a greater knowledge of the property and this can often help in diagnosing issues.
•  Trusted/preferred trades will often have the best interest of the property in mind and advise on any upcoming/future areas of concern. They’ll often suggest long-term solutions rather than a ‘quick fix’.

Dealing with good, reliable tradespeople is second nature for property managers who value the importance and responsibility of maintaining multiple properties.