How Property Managers Choose The Best Contractors

This quick-guide will be especially helpful to owners with multiple income properties or those that have moved away and can’t complete maintenance themselves anymore due to distance and travel. Here’s how the professionals approach things!

The best property managers seek out vendors using very specific requirements. Because we manage on behalf of owners, we’ve got to be even more selective then if we were looking for contractors at our own properties.

The first, and most important thing to look for, is whether or not a contractor is licensed by the state and local agencies to work in their field. A licensed vendor has gone through the minimal requirements and tests necessary to comply with local authorities, and has received the necessary training and experience in their line of work. 

In the event that an accident occurs at a property, it is crucial that the contractor you’ve hired is also insured. Liability insurance will promise that the company or individual can be held responsible for the accident. Property managers that do not hire licensed and insured vendors where they manage, run the risk of being held liable themselves. This is why we always check credentials before starting a working relationship. If the "professionals landlords" require it, shouldn’t you? Keep your rental property protected by only working with licensed and insured contractors.   

These days, reviews are everything. We usually go online for a product review or comparison with small purchases...so why not do the same when hiring a contractor? Property management companies look for positive reviews and client success stories before deciding to work with a vendor at their managed properties. In Robert C White’s case, we prefer to work with a contractor multiple times before making them a part of our regular rotation, consider the same. 

Because property managers work on behalf of owners, we are constantly looking to strike a balance between the cost and the quality of the work being done. It’s our duty to keep costs low with regard to repairs and maintenance so that our owner’s investment brings the highest possible returns.

With high quality contractors, pricing can be higher too, so it’s worth comparing multiple options when possible. If you do have multiple groups that meet the other criteria (licensed, insured, and well reviewed), then you can start to compare costs. Even so, the vendor must have availability to complete the job quickly for you as well. 

Lastly, property management companies and savvy owners will look for consistent and clear communication from their vendors. If you sent someone out to complete a one-day job and they didn't communicate their tardiness, would you hire them again? Unlikely. Same with costs or other project expectations... use contractors that clearly and openly communicate issues or changes to the project before charging ahead! This is key to building a trusting working relationship.