3 Things You Can Learn from a Plumbing, Electrical, or General Contractor

Chris Deziel / apartments.com • May 21, 2021

You might have hired a contractor to complete a specific job, but the relationship doesn't have to stop when the job is done.

If there's good communication between you and your contractor, you might be surprised by unexpected benefits. Besides skill, good contractors have a wealth of experience and knowledge, and many are happy to share what they know.

1. A contractor can help you understand your property

Every property has its own idiosyncrasies. The structure of the building, the heating and cooling system, and the electrical and plumbing systems are part and parcel of a unique package. None of it is new to a seasoned contractor, though, who can help you decipher seemingly unrelated issues.

Want to remove a wall to create space?

A building contractor can inspect your property and explain which walls are bearing and why, based on the structure.

Need to add lights or outlets?

An electrician can help you decipher your house circuitry to determine the best place from which to draw power.

Have water problems?

Get a plumber to pinpoint the source and recommend the most cost-effective repair. If the property is incurring excess energy costs, a general contractor can help you determine whether you need to insulate, upgrade the heating system, or both.

Even though your house is unique, the materials and techniques that went into building it aren't, and contractors have seen them all before in a variety of contexts. They are familiar with traditional materials as well as modern ones and can advise you when upgrading is cost-effective and advantageous.

2. Contractors alert you to code violations

Many properties are a hodgepodge of DIY improvements, many of which were completed without a permit. They may result in amenities that are actually hazardous and expose you to potential liability. For example, consider a set of deck stairs with uneven tread spacing built by a weekend warrior. Someone using them for the first time could trip, and you could end up being liable for the injury. A building contractor will recognize the problem immediately and advise you to fix it.

Code violations create problems when it's time to sell. They can lower resale value and chase away buyers. It's best to correct them before you offer the property, but it often takes the trained eye of a contractor to spot them.

Before you sell, save yourself some grief by hiring a general contractor to look over your property before potential buyers send in an inspector. Even if you decide against correcting the violation, you won't suffer the disadvantage of surprise when the inspection report comes in.

3. A contractor can teach you how to do it yourself

The contractor who will work alongside a property owner is rare. Most prefer—for reasons of liability as well as quality—to work independently.

However, many contractors will happily agree to allow you to complete part of the work on your own. They may even show you what to do. Most jurisdictions have no problem permitting remodeling work completed by property owners, so working on your own property is a great way to learn and gain experience.

Doing your own work isn't always a money-saving strategy, but it can be. For example, suppose you need to install electricity in a new addition. Wiring switches and receptacles is a repetitive task that you can learn from an electrician, who might agree to work in another part of the house while you complete a bedroom. The contractor can check your work when you're done. In addition, certain procedures, such as installing a window or weatherproofing a door, are easier if you learn the proper technique from a seasoned pro.

How to find a good contractor

A contractor's experience can work in your favor, so take advantage of it. Money spent on a consultation during the planning stages of a project or when an emergency arises is money well spent. Of course, this assumes the contractor is competent and not simply trying to drum up business. Here are some ways to separate ethical, reliable contractors from scammers:

  • Get the contractor's license number and check it online. If you live in California, you can check license numbers here. Other state licensing boards have similar web portals. They are listed in this general directory.
  • Get two or three references from the contractor and contact them.
  • Check notice boards at the local lumberyard for ads.
  • Ask friends for recommendations.

A good contractor is an asset, and the relationship is one to nurture. When you find one, put the info in your contact list right alongside that of your lawyer, accountant, and other professionals that help you maintain your rental business.


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Considering Buying a Rental Property? Here’s What You Need to Know About Property Managers

By The Lighter Side of Real Estate • July 21, 2025
Considering Buying a Rental Property? Here’s What You Need to Know About Property Managers If you’re considering purchasing a rental property, here’s the good news: they can be a great investment. But they can also be a lot of work, and some homeowners don’t have the skills or desire to put in the work necessary to both take care of their property and ensure it brings in steady income. That’s where property managers come in. A good property manager can bring a ton of value to rental property owners, so if you’re considering buying a rental property, you may also want to consider hiring an experienced, trustworthy property manager. But what, exactly, do property managers do—and how does that help the property owner? A recent article from realtor.com outlines some of their main responsibilities, and the value they can deliver to property owners, including: Market your property. Finding new renters can be a hassle. Property managers leverage a variety of channels (including social media, paid ads, and the MLS) to get your property in front of qualified potential tenants. Vet potential tenants. Once they’ve marketed your property and generated interest, property managers will vet all potential tenants (including running a credit check, checking for past criminal history, verifying employment and income, and calling former landlords for references) to ensure you rent your property to qualified, responsible tenants. Perform property checks. If you live in a different area than your rental property, it can be hard to stay on top of the home’s maintenance and condition. Most property managers do regular home checks (typically, once per quarter or twice per year) to ensure the tenants are taking good care of the property—and will report back if any major repairs or maintenance tasks are necessary to keep the property in good condition.

The Five-Year Rule for Home Price Perspective

By KCM • June 25, 2025
The Five-Year Rule for Home Price Perspective Headlines are saying home prices are starting to dip in some markets. And if you’re beginning to second guess your plans based on what you’re hearing in the media, here’s what you need to know. It's true that a few metros are seeing slight price drops. But don't let that overshadow this simple truth. Home values almost always go up over time (see graph below): While everyone remembers what happened around the housing crash of 2008, that was the exception – not the rule. It hadn’t happened before, and hasn’t since. There were many market dynamics that were drastically different back then, too. From relaxed lending standards to a lack of homeowner equity, and even a large oversupply of homes, it was very different from where the national housing market is today. So, every headline about prices slowing down, normalizing, or even dipping doesn’t need to trigger fear that another big crash is coming. Here’s something that explains why short-term dips usually aren’t a long-term deal-breaker. What’s the Five-Year Rule? In real estate, you might hear talk about the five-year rule. The idea is that if you plan to own your home for at least five years, short-term dips in prices usually don’t hurt you much. That’s because home values almost always go up in the long run. Even if prices drop a bit for a year or two, they tend to bounce back (and then some) over time. Take it from Lance Lambert, Co-Founder of ResiClub: “. . . there’s the ‘five-year rule of thumb’ in real estate—which suggests that most buyers can buffer themselves from mild short-term declines if they plan to own a property for at least that amount of time.” What’s Happening in Today’s Market? Here’s something else to put your mind at ease. Right now, most housing markets are still seeing home prices rise – just not as fast as they were a few years ago. But in the major metros where prices are starting to cool off a little (the red bars in the graph below), the average drop is only about -2.9% since April 2024. That’s not a major decline like we saw back in 2008. And when you look at the graph below, it’s clear that prices in most of those markets are up significantly compared to where they were five years ago (the blue bars). So, those homeowners are still ahead if they’ve been in their house for a few years or more (see graph below): The Big Picture Over the past 5 years, home prices have risen a staggering 55% , according to the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA). So, a small short-term dip isn’t a significant loss. Even if your city is one where they’re down 2% or so, you’re still up far more than that. And if you break those 5-year gains down even further, using data from the FHFA, you’ll see home values are up in every single state over the last five years (see map below): That’s why it’s important not to stress too much about what’s happening this month, or even this year. If you’re in it for the long haul (and most homeowners are) your home is likely to grow in value over time. Bottom Line Yes, prices can shift in the short term. But history shows that home values almost always go up – especially if you live there for at least five years. So, whether you’re thinking of buying or selling, remember the five-year rule, and take comfort in the long view. When you think about where you want to be in five years, how does owning a home fit into that picture? Let’s connect to get you there.

Newly Built Homes May Be Less Expensive Than You Think

By KCM • June 25, 2025
Newly Built Homes May Be Less Expensive Than You Think Do you think a brand-new home means a bigger price tag? Think again. Right now, something unique is happening in the housing market. According to the Census and the National Association of Realtors (NAR), the median price of newly built homes is actually lower than the median price for existing homes (ones that have already been lived in): You read that right. That brand new, never-been-lived-in house may cost less than the one built 20 years ago in a neighborhood just down the street. So, if you wrote off a new build because you assumed they’d be financially out of reach, here’s what you should know. You could be missing out on some of the best options in today’s housing market. Why Are Newly Built Homes Less Expensive Right Now? 1. Builders Are Building Smaller Homes Builders know that buyers are struggling with affordability today. So, instead of building big houses that may not sell, they’re building smaller ones that will. According to the Census, the average size of a newly built single-family home has dropped considerably over the past few years (see graph below): And as size goes down, the price often does too. Smaller homes use fewer materials, which makes them less expensive to build. That helps builders keep prices lower so more people can afford them. 2. Builders Are Offering Price Cuts and Incentives In May, according to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), 34% of builders lowered their prices, with an average price drop of 5% . That’s because they want to be sure they’re selling the inventory they have before they build more. On top of that, 61% of builders also offered sales incentives – like helping with closing costs or buying down your mortgage rate. These are all ways builders are making their homes more affordable, so these homes sell in today’s market. Your Next Step? Ask Your Agent What's Available Near You If you're trying to buy a home right now, be sure to talk to your agent to find out what builders are doing in and around your area. They can find new home communities, as well as builders who are offering incentives or discounts, and hidden gems you might not uncover on your own. Plus, buying a newly built home often means there are different steps in the process than if you purchase a home that’s been lived in before. That’s why it’s so important to have your own agent who can explain the fine print. You want a pro in your corner to advocate for you, negotiate on your behalf, and make sure your best interests come first. Bottom Line You could get a home that’s brand new, with modern features, at a price that’s even lower than some older homes. Let’s talk about what you’re looking for and see if a newly built home is the right fit for you. If buying a home is on your to-do list, what would stop you from exploring newly built options?
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