Contractors and fixit persons

Art Ikle is a NoBody that just likes to rattle on about things he knows a little about.
This article is intended for amusement only.

This article is free to re-use and publish if left in it's origional form with all content and links in tact.

Landlords and Property Owners are somewhat capable with their hands. Most know how to change locks and put new window screens on the windows. Some are actually good carpenters, in general most can do things to maintain the condition of the property.
Rarely (I say this so not to offend), you find some that have a difficult time changing the light bulb in the bathroom fixture. In this case they rely on contractors or HANDYMEN.
In other cases where the Owner lives out of town or state, a contractor or full time handyman is essential.
Being HANDY is one thing, but doing things properly is another. As an independent contractor and HVAC Tech with 30 years experience in the service field, I know that almost everyone has tools of some kind. Being able to use them in the proper way and coming up with the desired effect is not always easy. Patching things together and making them work by using some oddball something is a temporary fix. A lot of HANDYMEN do this.
The idea of maintenance is to correct or prevent further problems. If you patch it together, then you have just put of the inevitable. For a long time I would scrounge and packrat old components and parts from previous jobs, thinking I could save someone money by using this later. Sometimes it is alright, not on a regular basis. Using old or previously install materials doesn't really save money in the long run. It costs more. You just have to replace it at full cost later. I don't use scrapped materials or parts anymore.
Owners are looking to save money and keep the value up on their property. Savings on repairs are a priority. Handy tenants are a good source of cheap labor, sometimes. Owners will trust a renter and allow them to work for the rent or other money owed. OWNER BE WARE! Use your judgment carefully here. Make sure the renter is responsible enough to complete the work. Better yet make sure the renter is qualified to do the work. Otherwise you will be stuck with no renter, and a half done botched up job. Contractors charge according to their skill and overhead costs. Equipment, fuel, supplies, insurance all cost money. It is kind of like owning a rental home. If you let your renters do the repairs, always make sure you know a good contractor that can do the same. If you don't know any good contractors, check around. Try other leasing companies or landlords, see who they use or recommend.
All this has been written before by some one else I'm sure. It is something that is worth repeating. Just remember : "If you don't have time to do it right the first time, make sure you have time to do it right the second time!" Springfield is a small city. It seems like everyone with a truck has a hammer and saw or believes they are a mechanic. A lot are handy. Some are pretty good. There are even some real masters that are excellent! You get what you pay for.