Do repairs using service not in PM's list

The quote for a replacement of a water tank received from my PM's serviceman seems to be too high.
They say a second quote would cost a outcall fee and hence compels me to go with the initial quote.
Can I find on my own a serviceman who would charge lesser?. Is this possible when I got a property manager looking after the IP?

 

I have been told that it's the rain water tank.
Actually the quote only said supply and refit pump and tank of rain bank. Can't I ask the PM for a details of what is exactly wrong rather than straitaway "supply and fit"

 

Ring around and get your own quotes, that is something you could compare "apples with apples with", see what is detailed on the quote you have been given, then ring around asking for a quote for the same scope of works and supply.

 

Yes it is for the flushing of the toilet. But they have not mentioned about an inability to flush. I am told that the tenants turn it off as they hear a leak. That's why I was curious to know what the exact issue is. Even if it's categorised under urgent repair, can't i first get to know what the problem is and then compare quotes

 

Get a copy of the quote and ring the tradesperson yourself and find out what the exact problem is. It's your property and your money your IP manager is proposing to spend.

You can get lots of quotes online from hipages.com.au etc

 

Its not actually the water tank its the pump and the device that switches over to town water when the tank is low.

I would source some local plumbers or pump people in the area to provide another quote for you. Some trades will charge for quotes to cover travel time but there are still tradies around that provide free quotes or wont charge for quote if you proceed with the works through themselves.

 

I would often receive repair quotes from the property manager's "preferred" repairer. Upon further research into the fine print, I found out that the PM also owned the repair company. Furthermore, their repair company were not licensed for all repairs. For example, I had a problem with the hot water service. PM sent me a quote for a new replace/install which seemed excessive. I asked if the repair company was a licensed plumber. No answer. I decided to call a plumber direct, and saved over $1800. Needless to say, I find the practice of the PM to be dubious and unethical at best, and an outright scam at worst. Won't be renewing once the PM contract is up. Would cancel it now if the termination fees weren't so excessive. Lesson learned.

 

Its worth asking a range of questions before engaging any PM. Who they use, how they manage repairs and quotes etc are quite important. Last thing any owner wants is to find out the HWS was replaced by Dodgy Bros was charged $350 more than someone you could have called.

I have a list of all items in my IPs...Model nos etc. Thats really helpful to arrange offsite quotes. ie HWS doesnt need to be replumbed if its a replacement model. Why I also dont use dubious brands but stick with main supplier products eg Rheem, Whirlpool...I leave imported stuff alone. Parts cost a mint and they come gold plated. Also ensure I have a small box of bulbs and pilot lights etc in property so tenants can replace their own.

I personally like to approve all repairs over $150 by PM and wont approve trivial consumables like light bulbs in a oven. In most cases its a 15 second call. Whats wrong ? Have you seen it ? and How much ? Once I actually told them to forget about the repair (dishwasher) and arranged a new appliance to be delivered on a Saturday and installed with the old one taken away.

Same as I have a lawn maintenance man and cars cant access front or rear lawn. That irks me. You wreck my lawn you can pay. Twice a year I have lawn dude lawn feed the grass on a rainy day. He gets paid for a dull work day.

Dont let them PM run your property. let them manage the tenant - Not you.

 

Sounds awful, I'm sure fair trading equivalent in your state (CBS in SA) would be interested in hearing about that.

 

Wise advice.

 

Certainly a conflict of business there @SirDingo ,i don't allow any maintenance work through PM,s anymore,because of what you are experiencing,sort it all out myself,no nasty surprises.Thats the beauty of having all your properties within an hour of home. @R377 and i were only talking about this last week.

 

Great advice @Paul@PFI

 

Thank you for everyone's input and advice that lead me the way to handle the issue I had. I called a plumbing company within the property area itself and asked for a quo'te. The quote came to 1050 when the PM's quote was 1350. Saved 300 dollars. The pump which is a part of the rainbank system ( auto changes over to fresh water if the rainwater tank has no Water) had worn out bearings . The quotes were for replacing with a new unit.
I only hope the lower quoted pump is a reputed one (Bianco) .12 months warranty given and they are the service agents for this brand.

 

Good to hear Darrelj, I find sending your preferred trades people (good PM's should have at least 2 for each trade) a video or photos of what your looking to have done. I find this quite often gets you an accurate quote without having trades people need to charge a call out fee - Win/Win in most cases

 

Whats the conclusion?

 

Sounds like a good business structure but as usual they go to greedy! i can be a plumber or butcher if you need DT?

 

Plumbers had arranged/agreed with tenants on a particular day and time to attend the repair job but tenants were not at home and not contactable. The repairman is claiming for a out call charge. Who would be paying this? Tenant or owner?