The Reality of Maintenance Costs and Why Ignoring Repairs Will Cost You More
Owning a rental property is not like owning a stock—it doesn’t just sit there untouched, accumulating value. It’s a physical asset that requires constant care, attention, and investment. If maintenance is ignored, your property will not stay in pristine condition. It will decay. It will cost more to repair down the road. And ultimately, it will lose value.
At Verandah Properties, we often hear from owners frustrated by rising maintenance costs. We get it—things cost more than they used to. But avoiding maintenance or opting for cheap, unlicensed labor isn’t a solution—it’s a liability. You own a rental property, and with that comes a responsibility—both financially and ethically—to maintain it properly.
The Cost of Cutting Corners: Unlicensed Contractors Are NOT the Answer
Some owners think hiring an unlicensed handyman will save them money, but here’s the reality:
🔴 Legal & Financial Liability – If an unlicensed contractor gets injured on your property, you could be held financially responsible. Additionally, work done incorrectly could cause damage or legal violations, exposing you to potential lawsuits.
🔴 Subpar Work = Bigger Bills Later – Unlicensed contractors don’t have to meet industry standards. They may use low-quality materials or cut corners, leading to repeat issues, expensive rework, and long-term damage.
🔴 No Accountability – If an unlicensed contractor disappears mid-project or botches the job, you have no recourse. Licensed professionals, on the other hand, are required to stand by their work.
Verandah Properties will never send an unlicensed contractor to your property. Why? Because we are legally and ethically bound to provide quality service—and that means working with vendors who are accountable, professional, and insured.
Why Maintenance Costs Have Risen—and Why That’s Not a Reason to Delay Repairs
The reality is home repairs are more expensive than they were five or ten years ago. Here’s why:
📈 Inflation & Supply Chain Disruptions – The cost of materials has skyrocketed, with some home repair costs increasing over 69.5% in the past decade. HVAC systems alone saw a 20% jump in pricing between 2021 and 2022.
👷 Labor Shortages – The industry is struggling to find skilled tradespeople. It was estimated in early 2022 that 650,000 additional workers were needed to meet construction and maintenance demand, driving up labor costs.
🏚 Delaying Repairs = Higher Costs Later – A minor issue today turns into a major, costly repair tomorrow. A small leak can become water damage, worn-out caulking can turn into mold, and an unchecked HVAC issue can become a full system failure.
This is the reality of homeownership—properties do not maintain themselves.
Your Property is a Business—And Every Business Has Operational Costs
When you hired a property management company, you didn’t hire a magic wand that keeps your property in perfect condition without costs. You hired professionals to manage the operational realities of your investment.
✔ Licensed contractors show up, do the work right, and stand by it.
✔ They are legally accountable for their work.
✔ They provide long-term protection for your property.
Is it more expensive? Sometimes. But it’s the cost of protecting your investment.
The Bottom Line: Maintenance is Not Optional
Just because you don’t see your property every day does not mean it isn’t changing. It is either being actively maintained or slowly deteriorating. There is no in-between.
At Verandah Properties, we don’t cut corners, and we won’t let you risk your investment with subpar repairs. If you have concerns about maintenance costs, vendor selection, or proactive strategies to protect your property’s value, let’s talk.
Invest in your property today—before neglect turns into costly regret.
📞 Contact us today to discuss your property’s maintenance strategy!