Hire it all out? Really?

I got a call at 2:49 today that a toilet broke. It is 501 and I’m on my way home from fixing it. The property is 20 minutes from my house. That time included getting some tools from my house and going to the hardware store to buy the toilet. I get hiring some stuff out. But sometimes it just pays to get it done. Some people are probably still waiting for a plumber to call them back.

--174.249.xx.xxx

Hire it all out? Really? (by NE [PA]) Posted on: Jan 31, 2022 5:02 PM
Message:

Oh and I stopped and got drive-through on the way there because I had not eaten lunch yet. --174.249.xx.xxx

Hire it all out? Really? (by Ken [NY]) Posted on: Jan 31, 2022 5:14 PM
Message:

Good for you,i hope you wash your hands before supper.I have done the work in the past and dont want to do it anymore,i have good handyman who does a good job.Before covid and once we get straightened out i am busy enough i dont have time even if i wanted to do the work.I have hired a manager on a couple places and it will be regularly in the future.I dont even want to talk to the tenants anymore --72.231.xxx.xxx

Hire it all out? Really? (by NE [PA]) Posted on: Jan 31, 2022 5:16 PM
Message:

Oh, I don’t want to do the work anymore either. Sometimes it’s just easier to do it this way though. --174.249.xx.xxx

Hire it all out? Really? (by RB [TN]) Posted on: Jan 31, 2022 5:20 PM
Message:

I know that's right. DIY.

A whole lot less complaining

and hypotheticals. --24.183.xxx.xxx

Hire it all out? Really? (by Ray-N-Pa [PA]) Posted on: Jan 31, 2022 6:57 PM
Message:

With the labor shortage, I find myself doing more. Is it an ideal situation? Nope. But sometimes you do what you need to do to keep the wheels turning.

Then you look at the system and try to make the system better. COVID has done a wonderful job on changing the culture - my only question is it temporary thing? --24.101.xxx.xxx

Hire it all out? Really? (by NE [PA]) Posted on: Jan 31, 2022 7:26 PM
Message:

Well Ray, if you’re prepared for it, you won’t notice that particular change. If you’re ready to do most of these things on your own, it doesn’t really matter if “the guy” shows up or not. --24.152.xxx.xx

Hire it all out? Really? (by Roy [AL]) Posted on: Jan 31, 2022 7:43 PM
Message:

I would have called my plumber and he would have taken care of it within 24 hours.

The DIY decision is a personal one. Everyone has to decide if doing this job is worth your own time.

--71.207.xxx.x

Hire it all out? Really? (by NE [PA]) Posted on: Jan 31, 2022 7:48 PM
Message:

Ya well, that’s a hotel room then Roy. 24 hours is a long time for a lady not to be able to go pee. A guy can find a tree and use his imagination. --24.152.xxx.xx

Hire it all out? Really? (by MikeA [TX]) Posted on: Jan 31, 2022 7:48 PM
Message:

The toilet broke. Exactly how do you do that? Swing a sledge hammer inside the bathroom? Drop a lit M-80 and flush?

It's a flip of a coin whether I would have done it. I absolutely hate doing plumbing. Anything else I'm good with. --209.16.xx.xxx

Hire it all out? Really? (by GKARL [PA]) Posted on: Jan 31, 2022 7:49 PM
Message:

There's no one way, however, I don't enjoy doing stuff like this in rentals. Takes the fun out of it. I'd rather pay someone. My doing it is a last resort. Perhaps if I had the time and skills, I'd do differently. I have a plumbing company that will do this stuff within 24 hours. --172.58.xxx.xx

Hire it all out? Really? (by NE [PA]) Posted on: Jan 31, 2022 7:55 PM
Message:

MikeA, I’m guessing by the duece left in the bowl as a gift that it came out with such force it just shattered it? Haha. Ultimately, no clue. I think it was just one of those freak things that happened. She’s not an apartment beater and all her stuff is in good shape and the place is clean. --24.152.xxx.xx

Hire it all out? Really? (by Robin [WI]) Posted on: Jan 31, 2022 8:05 PM
Message:

I hired out the furnace repair today. The HVAC guy texted me: "In 11 years I've never seen anything this horrific. I can't fix this furnace." Well, temps are in the single digits right now, and I needed heat. So I went.

I arrived to see a fried rodent across the leads. I peeled it off and turned to say, "Okay, now you can fix it." Then I saw the rat with its head stuck through a hole on the side of the furnace and its body dangling out the other side. It had gotten partway through and gotten stuck. Fortunately it was recently dead, so the decomposition hadn't started in.

I will spare you the gruesome details, but the removal was not an enjoyable experience. How would you hire that one out?? --104.230.xxx.xx

Hire it all out? Really? (by NE [PA]) Posted on: Jan 31, 2022 8:16 PM
Message:

Robin, you did exactly what I would’ve done. Except if I knew the contractor well enough, after I removed the dead rat, I would’ve stuck it under his windshield wiper blade or underneath the seat in his car next to the heat duct. That way when it started and the heat kicked on it would smell real nice in there. I’ve got that kind of sense of humor. Hahaha --24.152.xxx.xx

Hire it all out? Really? (by 6x6 [TN]) Posted on: Jan 31, 2022 8:19 PM
Message:

Probably saved a ton of money as well. --73.120.xx.xxx

Hire it all out? Really? (by 6x6 [TN]) Posted on: Jan 31, 2022 8:20 PM
Message:

Grumpy Old Men. --73.120.xx.xxx

Hire it all out? Really? (by Ken [NY]) Posted on: Jan 31, 2022 9:30 PM
Message:

Robin,last year i had a rent to own person call with no heat,my heat guy went out and removed a rat from the squirrell cage,he sent me an invoice,i paid it,sent a bill to my rent to own guy and he reimersed me,everyone was happy.When you decide you are not going to do the work you will figure out how to get it done.Hopefully when things pick up again i can get back to a full time employee and it will get even easier. If i hired a heat guy to fix that problem and they walked away i would never call them again,not a big deal to remove a rat --72.231.xxx.xxx

Hire it all out? Really? (by ned [AL]) Posted on: Jan 31, 2022 10:03 PM
Message:

I agree. Not fun to remove a dead rat. But at $100/hr or whatever my HVAC guys charges...come on...get rid of the rat then do your d*** job. --70.92.xx.xx

Hire it all out? Really? (by Robert,OntarioCanada [ON]) Posted on: Feb 1, 2022 1:08 AM
Message:

If able to swap out toilet or repair then it is one two three. Having a good quality plumbers type of toilet auger will quickly pay off with the first use. Plumbing problems sometimes can be easy where other problems will take a much longer time. The best type of shut off valves are the ball valves which do not leak along with last a long time. Using a ceramic type disc faucet eliminates a lot of problems as rarely fail. One time had a leak with ceramic type disc faucet where took apart then found debris. Cleaned out the reassembled where did not have to go for parts. If faucets in rentals are the same brand then can spare parts for service where one set of parts for all the faucets. I avoid work with natural gas or major plumbing where call contractors as shutting off water to building must be repaired as soon as possible. Renovated bathrooms where changed bathtub, faucets, vanity and installing porcelain tile floors. If rentals are full time then can take on a lot of work. --68.69.xxx.xxx

Hire it all out? Really? (by BRAD 20,000 [IN]) Posted on: Feb 1, 2022 2:40 AM
Message:

Swapping out a toilet - the exact opposite of FREEDOM!!!

BRAD --174.202.xx.xxx

Hire it all out? Really? (by Robert J [CA]) Posted on: Feb 1, 2022 3:53 AM
Message:

Not now, but before I used to manager 100's of properties with toilets. Now I'm only responsible for properties I own in rentals, still plenty.

I have curtain rules to follow. If the rental has more than 1 bathroom, I have the tenant shut-off the broken toilets water supply. I've changed all toilet shut-off valves to be 1/4 turn ball valves, easy turn with no leaks or problems. Then I schedule a repair.

I also keep 10" and 12" rough in toilets in stock. In different parts of the City. At rentals with storage room, my home, office and garages around town. I also keep replacement parts in each apartment house like fill valve, supply lines, wax-seals, bolts, flapper, flush valves, levers, gaskets, etc. I keep tools in every vehicle. Also boxes of disposable gloves.

I also have portable temporary toilets. Free standing camping toilets. With a water tank and a waste tank. This way a family can have a toilet to use until I return the next day.

I also have a Harbor Freight 4' x 8' trailer with a self contained bathroom A shower, toilet and sink with a propane water heater and sewage tank to hold waste water. If there is a clean out on the building I can run a hose from the trailer to the waste clean out. And if there is a hose bib, then I can get clean water instead of using the on board tank. I use this when I replace a bathtub with tenants living in the unit. They have to shower using this trailer. --47.155.xx.xxx

Hire it all out? Really? (by NE [PA]) Posted on: Feb 1, 2022 5:26 AM
Message:

I have to politely disagree Brad. Freedom is subjective these days. 45 minutes probably to repair the toilet on site. Couldve easily spent 30 to 45 minutes chasing down a plumber on the phone. What’s the difference? --24.152.xxx.xx

Hire it all out? Really? (by LeePookie [IN]) Posted on: Feb 1, 2022 7:10 AM
Message:

I see both side of it...

This one is 50/50 for me. Tradesman since high school so its no big deal for me...

However, I have two handymen and 3 plumbers on the bench ready to go in the game anytime. Coach, put me in!!!!

I would have sent 5 text (tops!) probably 1, and had it done in 2 hours. We keep toilets in the warehouse. Water heater (gas and electric), faucets, plumbing supplies. No lack of inventory to worry about or running all over big box stores.

--96.31.xxx.xxx

Hire it all out? Really? (by NE [PA]) Posted on: Feb 1, 2022 7:28 AM
Message:

The only time I’m going to hire something like this out is if I’m out of town or just too busy. I’m not spending $500-$600+ for something I can do myself for $200 in a few hours. That’s doesn’t make sense in RE world. Besides, it’s been 0 degrees out lately. I’ve spent the last 3-4 days of freedom on the couch at my house. What else do I have to do? --24.152.xxx.xx

Hire it all out? Really? (by NE [PA]) Posted on: Feb 1, 2022 7:32 AM
Message:

Meant to say that it doesn’t make sense in MY R/E world. --24.152.xxx.xx

Hire it all out? Really? (by Nicole [PA]) Posted on: Feb 1, 2022 2:17 PM
Message:

I would have hired it out. I do very little physical work any longer. Even in my prime, I could slide them but I could not physically carry toilets in and out of doors and stairs.

Until a few years ago,I did a lot of work at my properties. I haven't been on a roof in 30 years. I never did electric other than basic switching of outlets and switches. Never plumbing other than the basics.

I don't understand Brad's "freedom" he is always talking about. This is and has been my job for 40+ years. I work. I have the time, flexibility and money to do whatever I want personally so if doing some physical things for my buildings makes sense, I still do it. --98.237.xxx.xx

Hire it all out? Really? (by Chris [CT]) Posted on: Feb 1, 2022 2:57 PM
Message:

I have been trying to be more like Brad for years and I have gotten pretty good at it. Last week a tenant texted me about a clogged drain. I used to run right over and fix it, now nope plus why am I working for free I didn't clog it.

I texted my plumber he took care of it later that day and the tenant is going to pay the bill.

I would have done the same thing with the broken toilet.

You can either work in your business or on it, personally even though I started out doing everything, I don't enjoy all of it. So I wont anymore! --24.45.xxx.xxx

Hire it all out? Really? (by NE [PA]) Posted on: Feb 1, 2022 3:02 PM
Message:

I work in my business and on my business. If all I’m doing is sitting at my house, why would I not go do this? --24.152.xxx.xx

Hire it all out? Really? (by NE [PA]) Posted on: Feb 1, 2022 3:11 PM
Message:

It’s not like I have endless leads coming in everyday that takes all my time. I wish I did. I have advertising saturating my area of operation and no calls coming in. It’s a sellers market. It just doesn’t make sense to hire some of these things out.

I just don’t like doing things that don’t make sense to me.

--24.152.xxx.xx

Hire it all out? Really? (by Mike [PA]) Posted on: Feb 1, 2022 3:14 PM
Message:

you do it and save

they do it you pay.

I agree with the labor shortage you may be waiting for a plumber on top of paying their exuberant rates.

it comes down to your skill level and how much time you desire to spend on rentals.

I will say I've had contractors do things I didnt want to only to find out they broke things while doing it.

The old adage " If you want it done right do it yourself" still applies mostly. --24.115.xx.xxx

Hire it all out? Really? (by NE [PA]) Posted on: Feb 1, 2022 3:36 PM
Message:

Here’s another example. Furnaces! Depending on the building, if I get a call for no heat I will instantly call the HVAC company. Some buildings, I go and check first. One in particular, there is a pilot light that blow out on occasion. The right gust of will travel down the chimney from the right direction once in a while and Wow that stupid thing out. Nothing I can do about it. I’m not spending 170 bucks every time that happens for the HVAC company to come out relight it. --174.198.x.xx

Hire it all out? Really? (by Nicole [PA]) Posted on: Feb 1, 2022 5:41 PM
Message:

Yep - two weeks ago when the high was 7 degrees, I get a message "heat isn't working". I was away so I sent one of my kids. Heat was on in full force - it's a 130 year old building - and at those temperatures, it just will never be warm and toasty enough for shorts and t-shirt in January.

Yes, I could have called HVAC and billed the tenant but I knew what was wrong. --98.237.xxx.xx

Hire it all out? Really? (by Chris [CT]) Posted on: Feb 3, 2022 12:45 PM
Message:

The answer is it depends. Brad's philosophy works great for those of us trying to manage or grow a larger business. When you have a few units sure why not fix some things, when you have 500 units there isn't enough hours in the day.

The bigger you get the more you have to learn to delegate and focus on the important tasks. The flip side of that is to get bigger I find you kind of have to do it as well.

Do you remember the old saying, "don't dress for the job you have dress for the job you want"? IMHO its kind of the same thing running a business. I try to run my business today like its where I want it to be in 5 years. In my case that's about 100-150 doors. I'm only a third of that right now but I still run it like the company I want it to be.

Having said that I know a number of landlords with a few units that have no plans on buying more and are perfectly happy doing 100% of everything themselves. That's fine to, there is not a "correct" answer in business its what's right for you. --24.45.xxx.xxx

Hire it all out? Really? (by NE [PA]) Posted on: Feb 3, 2022 1:10 PM
Message:

Chris, you are right about the volume of units as well. There’s no way I would be able to do this with 500. I’d probably be running ragged with 100 even. --24.152.xxx.xx

Hire it all out? Really? (by Mike [PA]) Posted on: Feb 3, 2022 3:05 PM
Message:

It all comes down to where your at in life. In your earlier days your trying to save and build in your older days your trying to maintain and enjoy.

When your young you have more time then money. When your older you hopefully have more money then time

--24.115.xx.xxx

Hire it all out? Really? (by zero [IN]) Posted on: Feb 5, 2022 9:47 AM
Message:

Being a small scale LL I do most of the stuff myself. I farm out some things that I didn't in the past. Like roofing.

I would love to get help on doing more of the things I do but around here it is nearly impossible to find good help. --107.147.xx.xxx

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