On 12-29-21 the concrete front porch at my only MH collapsed. I am so fortunate (lucky) that no one was injured when this happened. Two weeks ago, I told my tenant he may have to move out since fixing this porch could take 3 months. However, due to my handyman being a genius, we got this project done in 2 weeks finishing yesterday. I have been using the same handyman for last 8 years and in the last 2 weeks he proved his ultimate worth to me. This man (named Donald) is 78 years old and he amazes me every time I hire him in his proficiency. Yesterday I paid him almost twice the amount he quoted me just to show my appreciation.

Even you only have 1 rental property, I would hope that you have a handyman like mine who can pull your butt out of a jamb like mine was in the last 2 weeks. (I also hope your handyman is not your spouse either). Getting this project done in 2 weeks required 'teamwork' with everyone involved having a job to do (including me). I played the role of general contractor in making sure everyone on my team here had what they needed to do their job with. I even bought a permit for this job since my handyman insisted I do so. Without a permit, the city could have condemned this rental property.

NE,

Here’s an example. If my RE partner and I were framing up a ranch house that was 1200 ft.² with 2 grunt laborers, Single story and the sill plate was on the foundation, we could have the floor trusses in and the subfloor in a day. Most Exterior walls in a day, roof trusses the next day and possibly some of the roof sheeting. Then interior walls in another day or two. So 5 to 6 working days, we could take you from a sill plate to a framed up ranch. Provided the weather was good and all the material was there and the framing nailers didn’t break down.

NE,

In my 16 years in this business, I have built up a list of sub-contractors who I can call if my handyman was not available. One of these subs owned a full size HD jack hammer and I hired him just to bust the remaining slab that did not collapse. Any thing my handyman could not do, I was hiring other subs to come in and do a specific job. Getting the jack hammer man there on short notice was another benefit of knowing the right people. Even my electrician was hired to run a new 20 amp circuit/outlet just so my crew would have power where they needed it. He always gives me a discount since I am one of his few regular customers.

Roy, I hire a lot of stuff out too when it makes sense. If it’s easier and quicker for me to do it, I do it. I have tons of people to call too. It’s not always the best answer though. Look at the last few threads on water heater replacement. Landlords getting absolutely HOSED in costs to replace these units which aren’t any harder than a vanity faucet plus waiting 1-2 weeks to do it.

Myob,

I'm the one you are talking about. I've always done my own work, sometimes hiring out the electrical or plumbing. I used to always have a good handyman when I was working a day job but the pool changes regularly around here. Of the last two, one got too old, 87 the last job, and the other moved to the next little town up and is now maintenance manager at a cheese producer. I haven't worried about it too much since I retired from the day job a few years ago. I enjoy doing the work and it keeps me active.

Things changed in October when I was diagnosed and started cancer treatments. I had neither the energy or the mental stamina to work on rentals. We limped along finding help here and there this fall. I'm finally feeling a little better and able to do a few things but I've got to find a good handyman again. That is the only skillset that is missing on my team in case I need help once again in the future. Even if I want to do the work, I need to think of my wife in case I'm suddenly not able.

MikeA

NE,

Roy when we started out-- who took time off? Who went away? We worked like dogs 24-7-365 for 10+ years. I worked 2nd shift (even though I could hold days). Vacation was dedicated to buying and working fixers. I would bring my regular work cloths to the job and shower at 2PM to be at the airport hangar by 3PM.

I trained my 2 son's to do every thing I do. One is our partner and is taking over the business BUT we still work together each day. He has his own RE so its a winner for all. He goes off when we're here. We go when he's here. Poor wife does the books. (she gets compensated)

Myob,

Roy how big an operation you have? If you have enough for personnel an assistant then you have enough for a MM/personnel assistant.

As I said I train all my people and one thing I stress with my MM is his day may include talking to a tenant or two. Making a decision based on situations.

When you bring along a person in your shadow let their silhouette come through. I love it when I hear my MM did something (made a decision) to move ahead with something.

Roy I've had one or two women in these 30+ years who were fantastic at maint.

It's so difficult to find a great trustworthy experienced handyman who's a jack of all trades. Your man Donald is a true treasure.

When I started to buy rentals I was just entering college and lived an hour away. Lucky for me there was a my savior, Ted, who worked for my realtor that helped me find and sell me my first 7 houses.