Supplies for Landlord Maintenance and Repair

Maintenance and repair costs can take an unwelcome bite out of any property manager's budget. Some may overspend, fearing bigger problems later; others try to get by spending too little, leading to costlier repairs later on.

It can be a difficult balancing act, but there are ways to cut costs. Consider the following strategies:

• Supplies are a routine expense for landlords, many of whom save costs by shopping at big-box retailers. Stock up on supplies when sales occur and keep a few extra items on hand so you are not running back and forth to the store.
  
  
• If you happen to live in a larger city, hardware wholesalers are another good retail option. As a business owner, you may qualify to participate in a network enabling you to buy maintenance supplies at significantly lower costs.
  
  
• If you are not familiar with any outlets, check the hardware (wholesale) section of your Yellow Pages® or talk to contractors who have the inside scoop.
  
  
• When it comes to larger expenses, such as lighting, fixtures and appliances, standardizing your choices is a smart move to save you time and money.

For example, paint all units with the same brand, color and type of paint. This way, you can make touch-ups and be confident the paint will match. Likewise, use the same plumbing, lighting and hardware fixtures wherever possible. This allows you to easily interchange parts that need replacing. Save functioning parts from failed items to use for future repairs.