BLOG - 03.11.24

DIY vs. Professional Maintenance: A Guide for Renters

We all know someone who loves to tackle home repairs, and sometimes DIY can be a great option. However, when it comes to rental maintenance, it’s important to consider the situation carefully. While DIY projects can be fun and rewarding, they’re not always the best choice. Discover essential tips and a maintenance guide for renters, including when DIY might be suitable and the pros and cons of DIY versus professional maintenance.

What You Can Do to Help: A Maintenance Guide for Renters Looking to DIY

Top 3 Maintenance Projects You Can Tackle Yourself

1. Clear Drain Clogs: A few plunges with a plunger should do it. But if it seems like a more significant issue, it’s best to get help from a pro.

Maintenance Guide Tip: Chemical drain cleaners can be an option, but it’s wise to talk to a pro or even someone like Mark (our Avana Maintenance Manager), who can ensure it’s the right choice!

2. Change Lightbulbs: For safety, replace a light bulb with one with the same wattage. Extra points if it’s the same brand. We get that changing a light bulb seems easy, maybe something you’ve seen adults do. But it’s better to call a professional if it involves high ceilings or tricky spots. And if you’re in an Avana rental, just call Mark, our maintenance manager!

3. Snow Removal: If your landlord doesn’t handle this, it’s okay to do it yourself, especially in snowy places. It helps you, your neighbours, and the maintenance team!

Maintenance Guide Tip: Check your lease; it might say you’re responsible for snow removal, as not all rentals offer this service.

Here are some other tasks you can handle on your own:

Basic Cleaning – Maintaining a tidy rental suite is essential for a welcoming and comfortable living space. Simple tasks such as dusting, vacuuming, and wiping down surfaces enhance the appearance and contribute to a healthier environment for you and your guests
Unclogging a Toilet – If faced with a stubborn clog, using a plunger and perhaps some gentle, eco-friendly drain cleaner can effectively resolve the issue.
Replacing Filters – Ensure your appliance filters are cleaned regularly to keep them in good working condition.
Maintaining Appliances – It’s a good practice to clean both the inside and outside of your appliances monthly. Don’t forget to keep the door to your washing machine open. This will prevent bacteria, odours, and damage to the door seal.

Professional Maintenance Guide: When to Call For Help!

Top 4 Maintenance Issues You Should Leave to the Professionals

1. Patching Holes in the Wall: It’s best to let the landlord or maintenance manager handle it, even if it’s just a tiny hole from hanging a picture. In this case, it’s wise to get professional help. Hello, Mark!

2. Leaky faucets: Don’t let that drip, drip, drip drive you crazy! Leaky faucets can lead to bigger issues if not fixed properly, so let Mark work his magic on this one.

3. Electrical outlet problems: Sparks flying? Outlets on the fritz? It’s definitely a job for a certified electrician. Safety first, right?

4. Pest control: Unwanted guests? Whether it’s ants at the picnic or critters in the attic, pest control professionals have the skills to send them off. See ya later, pests!

Now, suppose you’re not renting, and you’re into DIY. In that case, we’ve discussed the pros and cons of doing it yourself versus hiring a professional.

Pros and Cons of DIY vs. Professional Maintenance

DIY Pros:

Saving Money: One of the primary advantages of DIY is cost-saving.
Full Control: It allows you to have complete control over the process.
No Compromises: You don’t have to compromise; you can choose exactly what you want.

DIY Cons:

Time & Effort: Requires a significant investment of time and effort.
Risk: There is a risk of making mistakes.
Material Costs: Material costs can add up.

Professional Pros:

Time & Stress Saved: Hiring a professional saves you time and stress.
Warranties & Guarantees: They often provide warranties or guarantees for their work.

Professional Cons:

High Cost: There is a higher cost compared to DIY.
Miscommunication: The potential for miscommunication.
Possible disappointment: The possibility of dissatisfaction with the results.

Conclusion

Things to consider before making a choice:

1. Level of expertise and experience.

2. Time commitment and availability.

3. Cost considerations.

We hope we were able to provide some clarity and advice when it comes to essential tips and maintenance for renters. Curious about what your rights are as a tenant in Saskatchewan? You can check out this informative resource: Understanding Your Rights as a Tenant in Saskatchewan. If you reside in Alberta, it’s essential to understand your rights and responsibilities as a tenant. You can find valuable information on this topic at Alberta.ca.

If you’re considering renting, discover more about the benefits of an Avana rental on our blog. Learn why an Avana rental could be the perfect choice for your next home! Rent with Avana!

Have an upcoming maintenance or DIY project at home? Tag us on Instagram at @avana.builds and show us your take on cost-effective and timely projects.