Best advice for finding plumbers, handymen

[Lisa Oliver]

I a new investor  who self-manages my property and need some advice.

Currently, when there are plumbing issues, I have a plumbing company come to the house and I have to meet them there. It’s not close to my house and it’s clearly not the best way to do things. 

Couple of questions:

1. How do I manage this without having to go to the house in situations where the tenant may not be home? 

2. What is the best way to find plumbers and handymen who work for themselves and would run over to deal with things, and perhaps have a key that they can use to get in if the tenant is not there?

thank you!

[Stephen Dispensa]

Some answers to both your questions:

1. It would depend on the nature of the repair. I am a property manager and in an emergency I will go to the property and provide access. Otherwise it is the tenants responsibility to schedule the maintenace when they can provide access. ESPECIALLY if they have pets. I will under no circumstances take responsibility for the safety of a tradesmen if there are pets on the property.

2. Finding trademen and contractors is much tougher if you're self-managing. Your best bet is to ask for referrals from professionals in the space: realtors, other investors, this forum, FB groups, etc. As a property manager I've built up a rolodex of reliable professionals that I provide for all my clients, however in self-managing you will have to invest some of the time in finding those professionals for yourself.