24/08/2026
When something needs repairing at a rental property, it's understandable that landlords want to keep costs under control. After all, every expense impacts the return on investment.
However, one of the most expensive mistakes a landlord can make is choosing a contractor solely because they submitted the cheapest quote.
At first glance, saving ยฃ100 or ยฃ200 on a repair may seem like a sensible financial decision. In reality, the cheapest option can often lead to repeat visits, frustrated contract holders, additional damage and ultimately a much larger bill.
๐ง๐ต๐ฒ ๐ฅ๐ฒ๐ฝ๐ฎ๐ถ๐ฟ ๐ง๐ต๐ฎ๐ ๐๐ป๐ฑ๐ ๐จ๐ฝ ๐๐ฒ๐ถ๐ป๐ด ๐๐ผ๐ป๐ฒ ๐ง๐๐ถ๐ฐ๐ฒ
Most landlords have experienced it at some point.
A leak is patched, only to reappear a few weeks later. A faulty fitting is replaced, but the underlying issue remains unresolved. A cosmetic repair hides a problem rather than fixing it.
What initially looked like a saving soon becomes two call-out charges, two sets of materials and twice the disruption.
The original "cheap" repair can quickly become the most expensive option.
๐ง๐ต๐ฒ ๐๐บ๐ฝ๐ฎ๐ฐ๐ ๐ผ๐ป ๐๐ผ๐ป๐๐ฟ๐ฎ๐ฐ๐ ๐๐ผ๐น๐ฑ๐ฒ
Whilst landlords understandably focus on repair costs, contract holders tend to focus on something else entirely: confidence.
When maintenance issues keep recurring, it creates the impression that the property is not being properly looked after.
Even relatively minor issues can become a source of frustration if they require multiple visits to resolve. Over time, this can affect satisfaction, renewal decisions and the overall relationship between landlord and contract holder.
Most residents understand that problems occur. What they value is seeing those problems resolved properly the first time.
๐ฆ๐บ๐ฎ๐น๐น ๐ฃ๐ฟ๐ผ๐ฏ๐น๐ฒ๐บ๐ ๐๐ฎ๐ป ๐๐ฒ๐ฐ๐ผ๐บ๐ฒ ๐๐ถ๐ด๐ด๐ฒ๐ฟ ๐ข๐ป๐ฒ๐
Property maintenance is often a case of "a stitch in time saves nine."
A small roof issue left unresolved can develop into water ingress. A leaking pipe can damage flooring, decoration and neighbouring properties. A faulty extractor fan can contribute to condensation and mould.
The difference between a quality repair and a temporary fix can sometimes be measured in thousands of pounds.
๐ช๐ต๐ ๐๐
๐ฝ๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ถ๐ฒ๐ป๐ฐ๐ฒ ๐ ๐ฎ๐๐๐ฒ๐ฟ๐
A good contractor does more than carry out the work requested.
Experienced tradespeople often identify underlying causes, spot developing issues and recommend preventative action before a problem escalates.
They understand rental properties, appreciate the importance of communication and know how to minimise disruption to residents.
That expertise has value.
๐๐ผ๐ผ๐ธ๐ถ๐ป๐ด ๐๐ฒ๐๐ผ๐ป๐ฑ ๐๐ต๐ฒ ๐ค๐๐ผ๐๐ฒ
When comparing contractors, landlords should consider more than just price.
Questions worth asking include:
โข Are they properly insured?
โข Do they provide guarantees?
โข Do they have experience with rental properties?
โข Can they provide references?
โข Do they have a track record of completing jobs correctly the first time?
A slightly higher quote from a reliable contractor can often represent far better value than the lowest price available.
๐ง๐ต๐ฒ ๐ฉ๐ฎ๐น๐๐ฒ ๐ผ๐ณ ๐ง๐ฟ๐๐๐๐ฒ๐ฑ ๐๐ผ๐ป๐๐ฟ๐ฎ๐ฐ๐๐ผ๐ฟ๐
At Luscombe & Co, we work with a network of trusted local contractors who have proven themselves over many years.
We know they will attend when required, communicate effectively and, most importantly, carry out work to a professional standard.
Whilst no repair can ever be guaranteed to be problem-free, choosing quality workmanship significantly reduces the risk of repeat issues, unhappy contract holders and unnecessary costs.
Property investment is a long-term venture. The decisions that save the most money are not always the ones with the lowest upfront cost.
When it comes to maintenance, quality workmanship, reliability and experience often provide far better value than the cheapest quote on the table.
Sometimes, spending a little more today can save a great deal tomorrow.
When something needs repairing at a rental property, it's understandable that landlords want to keep costs under control. After all, every expense impacts the return on investment.
However, one of the most expensive mistakes a landlord can make is choosing a contractor solely because they submitted the cheapest quote.
At first glance, saving ยฃ100 or ยฃ200 on a repair may seem like a sensible financial decision. In reality, the cheapest option can often lead to repeat visits, frustrated contract holders, additional damage and ultimately a much larger bill.
The Repair That Ends Up Being Done Twice
Most landlords have experienced it at some point.
A leak is patched, only to reappear a few weeks later. A faulty fitting is replaced, but the underlying issue remains unresolved. A cosmetic repair hides a problem rather than fixing it.
What initially looked like a saving soon becomes two call-out charges, two sets of materials and twice the disruption.
The original "cheap" repair can quickly become the most expensive option.
The Impact on Contract Holders
Whilst landlords understandably focus on repair costs, contract holders tend to focus on something else entirely: confidence.
When maintenance issues keep recurring, it creates the impression that the property is not being properly looked after.
Even relatively minor issues can become a source of frustration if they require multiple visits to resolve. Over time, this can affect satisfaction, renewal decisions and the overall relationship between landlord and contract holder.
Most residents understand that problems occur. What they value is seeing those problems resolved properly the first time.
Small Problems Can Become Bigger Ones
Property maintenance is often a case of "a stitch in time saves nine."
A small roof issue left unresolved can develop into water ingress. A leaking pipe can damage flooring, decoration and neighbouring properties. A faulty extractor fan can contribute to condensation and mould.
The difference between a quality repair and a temporary fix can sometimes be measured in thousands of pounds.
Why Experience Matters
A good contractor does more than carry out the work requested.
Experienced tradespeople often identify underlying causes, spot developing issues and recommend preventative action before a problem escalates.
They understand rental properties, appreciate the importance of communication and know how to minimise disruption to residents.
That expertise has value.
Looking Beyond the Quote
When comparing contractors, landlords should consider more than just price.
Questions worth asking include:
โข Are they properly insured?
โข Do they provide guarantees?
โข Do they have experience with rental properties?
โข Can they provide references?
โข Do they have a track record of completing jobs correctly the first time?
A slightly higher quote from a reliable contractor can often represent far better value than the lowest price available.
The Value of Trusted Contractors
At Luscombe & Co, we work with a network of trusted local contractors who have proven themselves over many years.
We know they will attend when required, communicate effectively and, most importantly, carry out work to a professional standard.
Whilst no repair can ever be guaranteed to be problem-free, choosing quality workmanship significantly reduces the risk of repeat issues, unhappy contract holders and unnecessary costs.
Property investment is a long-term venture. The decisions that save the most money are not always the ones with the lowest upfront cost.
When it comes to maintenance, quality workmanship, reliability and experience often provide far better value than the cheapest quote on the table.
Sometimes, spending a little more today can save a great deal tomorrow.
