Thinking of employing a property maintenance and repairs company?

Thinking of employing a property maintenance and repairs company?

10:38 AM, 18th January 2017, About 7 years ago 4

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Hi Everyone, I’m after some second opinions, 2 years ago I purchased my first Buy to Let property and I’ve just recently bought another, any maintenance or repair issue I’ve had throughout that time I’ve taken care of myself but its starting to get in the way of my work life!Property Maintenance

A friend of mine who lives out in the US owns 5 properties and he hires a property maintenance and repairs company to take care of any issues his tenants have and recommended I do the same.

As much as I trust his word, I’m super paranoid when making these kind of decisions so I’m after any second opinions you guys may have?

Are these companies reliable? do any of you have personal experience with them?

Any advice would be great

Jake


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Comments

Mark Alexander - Founder of Property118

12:21 PM, 18th January 2017, About 7 years ago

Any company is only as good as it's employees and contractors.

Personally, I prefer to have my properties fully managed and for the agent to obtain quotes for works as required from local trademen who have previously proven themselves to be reliable and cost effective. I wouldn't want to tie everything into dealing with one company with multiples tradesman.
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Sam Addison

16:04 PM, 18th January 2017, About 7 years ago

I only buy properties within easy reach of my home and use a letting agent. When informed by agent there is a maintenance type problem I have the option of inspecting myself to see if it is an easy fix or getting the agents to call in tradesmen they know and trust.

Mark Crampton Smith

12:00 PM, 19th January 2017, About 7 years ago

Hi Jake.... it is good to be a bit paranoid!! If you are going to use an agent to "manage" your properties, it would be prudent to check they are members of one of the professional bodies and have a redress scheme in place. You might also like to ask them if they charge you any fee for organising repairs... or worse still if they charge contractors commission for giving them work!! A really good agent should be able to offer you the service you want.... that might be first response to maintenance reports, and mandate to repair up to an agreed sum.... after that you might expect a call?

Bill

11:40 AM, 21st January 2017, About 7 years ago

I once used an ARLA registered letting agent, well known in the area and with high street premises, who used an unregistered electrician who issued me with fake certificates and also a handyman who did sub standard work and turned out to be the son in law of one of the staff members. So difficult to win either way.

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