Installing front sensor light... any alternative?

Discussion in 'Repairs & Maintenance' started by EN710, 20th Dec, 2016.

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  1. EN710

    EN710 Well-Known Member

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    Tenant requested a sensor light for front door - quote came at $320 for twin LED light as the roof is flat and need to be cabled from the floor.

    Wondering if there are cheaper alternative? The property has been having many small requests that are adding up (tv aerial, broken window, broken front door key - twice!, ants treatment, etc). I do want to get them a front light as I imagine it would be quite dark during the night otherwise, but hoping there's cheaper alternative.
     
    EN710, 20th Dec, 2016
    #1
  2. Stoffo

    Stoffo Well-Known Member

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    Bunning solar light;)
    No sparky required, easy installation.

    I bought the big one, (10x5 inch, led) to stop the wallabies eating my plants.
    Turns night into day :D
     
    Stoffo, 20th Dec, 2016
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  3. EN710

    EN710 Well-Known Member

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    Linky please ;)
     
    EN710, 20th Dec, 2016
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  4. Paul@PAS

    Paul@PAS Tax, Accounting + SMSF + All things Property Tax Business Plus Member

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    Suggestion : Tell them you approve whatever they pay for provided a sparkie puts it in. Both of you are happy then (tenant less happy than if you paid for it :) )

    And front door keys dont ever break of their own accord. They only twist off and break if you are an oaf and aggressive. They should pay for the locksmith. Locks sometimes need lubricant. Thats the tenants job same as squeaky hinges and cleaning up their own mess.
     
    Paul@PAS, 20th Dec, 2016
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  5. EN710

    EN710 Well-Known Member

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    :) oh... that's an option too. Will tell PM that.
    On the second time I question it, no bill came back so either solved or tenant just complain just because
     
    EN710, 20th Dec, 2016
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  6. beertank23

    beertank23 Well-Known Member

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    Get a second quote? They may quote higher because they don't want it or can't be bothered pulling up roof sheets. In reality though, $320 is quite competitive if they've got to go buy the light and switch, pull the roof sheets up, run a new cable in to the light, run a switch wire down the wall, do all the paperwork.
     
    beertank23, 20th Dec, 2016
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  7. EN710

    EN710 Well-Known Member

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    Not yet, I have asked but really doubt that it will come any lower.

    Agree - I think the quote itself is reasonable, I just simply can't justify the cost for 1 light. I have just upgraded the entire switchboard for 1K recently, additional $300 for 1 light is.... :confused: especially when it is a nice to have
     
    EN710, 20th Dec, 2016
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  8. wylie

    wylie Moderator Staff Member

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    I like the idea of the solar light. Or wait until you need something else there and get a few things done on the same day. This is something they "want" and you don't have to jump to their every request or demand. I do give my tenants things within reason as they are long term, very reasonable tenants.

    Give them a solar light and then they'll complain about the bright light that's on all the time. :p
     
    wylie, 20th Dec, 2016
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  9. Stoffo

    Stoffo Well-Known Member

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    Stoffo, 20th Dec, 2016
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  10. Marg4000

    Marg4000 Well-Known Member

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    We always put improvement requests through two filters:
    1. Can we afford it at this time? Also deductibility or depreciation aspects.
    2. Will it improve the desirability (rental or sale) of the property?

    Yes to both meant we usually went ahead.
    Marg
     
    Marg4000, 21st Dec, 2016
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  11. WestOz

    WestOz Well-Known Member

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    WestOz, 22nd Dec, 2016
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  12. aussieB

    aussieB Well-Known Member

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    I don't think many solar lights can turn night into day, literally :)

    @EN710 Around now, you will find such solar lights on deals a dime a dozen. Just saying you have the option of purchasing else where. Although I personally think, the tenants think, you are overcharging them (compared to other rentals) and will keep making one or the other request. I have never heard of a LL getting tenants broken door keys and pest control. You must be a very good LL.
     
    aussieB, 22nd Dec, 2016
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