DIY or pay someone to do it?

[semiproinvestorTim1]

Hey all,

I had this debate with my mate down the pub yesterday: If you need to do some work on a property do you think it's better to just DIY and save money or to get a professional in to do the job, giving you guarantees that it willbe done properly, and a recourse if it goes wrong as well as saving you time in many ways? (guess which side I was arguing for)

Let me know what you all think?

Tim

[caerhays]

If you've got both the skill and the time then DIY.
Don't do any electrical work other than replacing a bulb 'cos if it goes wrong; a) it could cost you an arm and a leg to put it right; b) you might injure a tennant with all that implies and  c) if your property sets on fire your insurers won't pay out !.

[propertyfag]

I agree with what Caerhays said.

I wouldn't attempt ANY Electrical work unless you're qualified. Moreover, you're not legally allowed to do any work on gas appliances unless you're on the Gas Safe Register.

For all other DIY, it depends on what level of skill is required.

But it's important to remember that a bodge-job may seem quick and easy, but they can easily cost you a lot more to repair. Only attempt a job if you're positive it will be nothing short of high quality.

[sandyr]

At the risk of doing a bodge job, the only way you can better at these things (I've found at least) is by doing.  Otherwise you'll always be paying people for stuff you could have learnt yourself.  Give it a try I say!
(obviously not plumbing & eletrics though, too much could go wrong!)

[letpropertyrentproperty]

Hi Tim,
It depends on what you are doing? If you're fitting wardrobes or painting and decorating you can probably do this yourself. If you want a top quality finish you may want to consider a professional. I guess it depends on the type of tenants you want; if you're looking at the student market the quality of finish may not be that important, but if the tenants are going to by London City professionals.

You must remember as a Landlord you have a number of legal responsibilities which mean that you will need to get someone in. For example, you have duties under the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998 to arrange maintenance by a Gas Safe Registered engineer for all pipe work, appliances and flues, which you own and have provided for your tenants use.

You must also arrange for an annual gas safety check to be carried out every 12 months by a Gas Safe Registered engineer. You must keep a record of the safety check for 2 years and issue a copy to each existing tenant within 28 days of the check being completed and issue a copy to any new tenants before they move in. For this particular issue you may want to take a look at http://www.gassaferegister.co.uk/default.aspx?popupcheck=true

For other services like plumbing and electrics, I think it’s best to get a professional to do the work. The key here is getting someone you have built a longer term relationship with and who is reliable, trustworthy, and not going to charge the earth for simple jobs...!