I just signed a lease. I was there about 45 minutes before the tenant was turning everything on and getting ready. I plugged the fridge in and the icemaker started smoking! No clue why. It’s not hooked up to a water source in this particular property, so I grab my tools out of the truck and unhooked it and threw it in the back of the truck. Had enough time to get the house, aired out and move forward with the lease signing. I know Vee would be happy with this one!

Way to go, NE.

That problem give me the chills! Coulda been iced out.

We never turn off refs. They don't liek to be "stored".

My 200 point turnover checklist requires the ref be checked for COLD and FREEZE.

BRAD

Sssssmoking!!!

For a client, I had to rewire a chandelier, sockets got blown because they tired to change bulbs with the power switched on. First I went to turn off the power at the main panel, breaker to the circuit. Clint had a car parked against the house so access wasn't possible, unit the husband came home with the only set of keys to the car. So I told everyone in the house not to play with the light switch, as I removed power to the switch in the wall switch junction box. I then capped off the wire with a wire nut. Everyone who entered the room tried to turn on the light and would have gotten shocked had I not removed the power to the switch.

This is like you ice maker in the frig. During showings with the ice level arm lifted to turn off the ice maker, all applicant open up the frig and freezer and play with the ice maker level are. No water yet, then the ice maker heater or gears would burn up. Therefore I remove the ice maker wire harness so there is no power going to ice maker, until after I hook up the water supply line.

I change bulbs all the time hot. Have never had an issue. There isn't enough of an amp draw to do anything on a bulb in a chandelier. Now if I was messing with a high bay light that wasn't LED I would kill the power.

No ice makers here either. I might have a couple units with the thing still in there.

This is a good reminder to just remove them. It will allow more airflow in the freezer anyhow.

Tenants provide their own fridge in my units. If there's one there when they move in, they can use it until it dies.

No need for tools to fix their fridge. *grins

I applaud you NE.

Not knowing your business will cost an investor. Part of knowing the business is knowing when to stay in the right lane and knocking out those low hanging pieces of fruit as they come up.

Should you become that handyman full time........hmmmmm - you are wise enough to to see where the money is at. Saving money on repairs is wise, finding that next place to make money by adding value too can pay for more than a few trouble calls.

I think some investors struggle when it is finding that balance between being that Full time white collar investor and that full time blue collar handyman. If anyone can walk that narrow line, they can grow at a measured pace.

Not only low hanging fruit, but then when NE needs a hand, he’s got peeps to call for backup.

I wish I had your knowledge at your age, NE. Well, no regrets about my life, but still, I love your skills.

Ssssmokin’ . Made me laugh.

I would love to have all my projects completed so that I could consider going back to the realtors as a handyman.

Momma picks the home.

Momma wants an icemaker.

That one item might make the decision.

We do avoid them in low rents

but higher rents expect them.

Had to remove an icemaker in an empty yesterday!

My hobby is tools. If I do my own work, I get to buy more tools...and they are a tax deduction. Win win!

Gevans, we have a saying in our house that is right up your alley: New project, new tool. This started when we were much younger and learning all our skills. It seemed if hubby didn't buy the tool he thought he needed for a project, just tried to make do without, he'd get hurt. He's very prone to back injuries especially. After the second trip to urgent care, we said that's it, if you think you need the tool, buy it. And that is how New project, New tool was formed.

Went up to visit our son up north last September, and , of course, gave him advice on projects around his new house. Made our list, we all shlepped off to the big city , and while we were tossing things in the cart, my son said, 'Wait! What's the tool?' I knew what he meant and we agreed on something. Son's lovely wifey said, 'Oh, we can just use X. We don't need this.' Son and I turned, in unison, ' New project, New tool!'

There is a line between needing a tool and just wanting one.

Just this week I purchased a Dewalt Pex-A tool. I think that A is better than B in a lot of ways. I currently have nothing but the tool for A and probably around 3k in tools, fittings and pipe for B.

But I got the tool with a small battery and a charger for $100 new because someone took the 1" adapter out of the box.

Busy: hahaahaha so true!

One of my very first RE investments was to build my own house, back in 1991. Total costs were around $42k including land. Appraised at $80k.

And...I got to buy around $5k in tools! (included in that $42k)

I put an alarm in the place. If it is that bad of an area I put a for sale sign up after the rehab and remove the tools daily.

I am a little of a tool snob. I treat them rough and want something that will last a while. Buying something at half the cost doesn't save a thing if it breaks and you have to replace it. Now you are at the same cost but lost time.