Kansas city area/Turnkey/House Maintenance

[John Powell]

I'm not sure if this is the best area to post these questions, but they've been on my mind. I'm curious about home maintenance from a distance. I'm still very interested in the turnkey in the Kansas City Market, but I'm trying to get my ducks in a row. How are the homes typically treated for termites in the area? I've found that in Arizona, the older homes from the 1950's were treated with DDT and termite treatment isn't always necessary. Is it common for rehabbed homes or turnkey providers to treat these homes with some kind of treatment, such as Termidor, or leave the home because the treatment is effective from the past?

Also, in regards to changing filters, would it be best to pay a property management team to replace these every 3 months with one of those ace hardware filters or require another service?

What are peoples views on A/C tune ups over the winter and heater inspections during the winter once a year? I typically have mine inspected at least once a year.

Also, last but not least, should I be concerned with flushing a water heater once a year and having lint traps cleaned by property mangers? I usually don't do this.

All of this may seem excessive, but I'm curious to how owners/investors treat these maintenance items from a distance or close by.

[Laura Williams]

@John Powell I have all my KC houses treated for termites as a preventative. The treatment supposedly last 20 years and is about $500. As far as changing filters my tenants are responsible for that & my property mngt explains all that to them. In regards to inspections and tune ups (with my PM) that would be up to me how often I wanted them to do that as well as things like cleaning the gutters etc. I pay their handyman by the hour plus supplies or pay for whatever specific professional services that is needed/wanted. I believe I do get better rates on the services due to economies of scale with the PM verses if I hired all that out on my own. Also when there is a problem with a house and a tenant puts in a work service order I get notified by email and can approve or reject the order.