Dear Maintenance Men:

I’m attempting to remove old caulking from around a bathtub. Are there any tricks or chemicals to help with this job?

Steve

Dear Steve:

Most bathtub caulking is either silicon or latex based. If originally installed properly, it should stick pretty well. Most household chemicals will not affect the caulking or help in its removal. The best method is to use a razor knife to cut along either side of the bead. Then pull the bead out by hand as you cut. The balance of the material can be removed with a flat razor, either along the old bead or perpendicular to the bead. After all the material is removed, use a damp rag to remove any loose bits. Before installing the new caulk, be sure the area is clean and dry. You can use a wet/dry vacuum to suck up any water left over from your cleaning.

Dear Maintenance Men:

I own older units that have experienced numerous sewage backups since I purchased the building 1 year ago. I am retired and do not have deep pockets. The plumber I use keeps on urging me to install a 4” main line clean out; camera and other things I don’t think I can afford. What do you suggest?
Frank

Dear Frank:

We understand having budget restraints; however, the long-term benefits far out strip the short-term savings. We would suggest following the advice of your plumber and getting 3 bids as well.

1. Camera the sewer lines to determine the actual cause of the backups looking for example, roots, line breaks, and cracks, along the line, etc.
2. Install a 4” main line cleanout with street sweep and repair any other damage to the sewer pipes.
3. Hydro jet or power rooter the lines and clean your main line thoroughly

Note: it may be necessary to install the 4” main line clean out before you can perform # 1.

 

Dear Maintenance Men:

I’m a new owner of a four-unit apartment building and I am having a bit of sticker shock when it comes to getting maintenance work done at the property. I have found that local handymen charge considerably less than professionals or contractors. But I am a little worried about liability, quality of work and warranty to name a few. Other than price, how do I decide when it is OK to use a Handyman and when I need to use a Professional?

Jane

Dear Jane:

Good question! If it were only about price, the answer would be a no-brainer. The handyman is always cheaper … unless something goes wrong, or someone gets hurt. Handymen are on the most part “Generalists” with practical knowledge and skills that span several trades. The handyman keeps his or her prices down by working alone and not carrying workmen’s comp or liability insurance. For small low risk jobs, the liability to the owner may be worth the risk incurred by hiring a non-licensed and non-insured worker.

If the job you want done has the potential liability to risk “Life, Limb or Property”, hire a professional who is a master in the field you need. If something goes wrong and someone or something gets hurt or damaged, the professional is licensed and mandated to carry the proper liability and workmen’s compensation insurance. This removes the risk from you the Owner and shifts the liability to the Contractor.

Remember when you hire a handyman, you become an employer, be sure to carry both Worker’s Comp insurance and adequate liability insurance. You are then also responsible for issuing a 1099s at year-end should you pay your handyman more than $600 in a calendar year. The saying: “Penny Wise and Pound Foolish” applies here.

Written by Jerry L’Ecuyer & Frank Alvarez

If you need maintenance work or consultation for your building or project, please feel free to contact us. We are available throughout Southern California. For an appointment, please call Buffalo Maintenance, Inc. at 714 956-8371 
Frank Alvarez is licensed contractor and the Operations Director and co-owner of Buffalo Maintenance, Inc. He has been involved with apartment maintenance & construction for over 30 years. Frankie is President of the Apartment Association of Orange County and a lecturer, educational instructor and Chair of the Education Committee of the AAOC.  He is also Chairman of the Product Service Counsel.  Frank can be reached at (714) 956-8371 Frankie@BuffaloMaintenance.com For more info please go to:  www.BuffaloMaintenance.com
Jerry L’Ecuyer is a real estate broker. He is currently a Director Emeritus and Past President of the Apartment Association of Orange County and past Chairman of the association’s Education Committee.  Jerry has been involved with apartments as a professional since 1988.