DIY vs. Professional: When to Outsource Repairs and Cleaning for Better ROI

For many landlords, especially those just starting out, doing everything yourself feels like the smart, cost-saving move. Patch the drywall, fix the leaky faucet, clean the unit—how hard can it be?

But as your portfolio grows (or even if you just value your time), you’ll quickly face a critical question:
When does DIY stop saving you money—and start costing you?

At UpRight Advisor, we work with landlords at all levels to help them decide where to invest time, where to delegate, and how to protect their bottom line. Let’s break it down.

The Real Cost of DIY

DIY work comes with obvious perks—flexibility, low upfront costs, and total control. But those advantages can disappear quickly if you’re not factoring in:

• Your time value (every hour spent cleaning is one not spent marketing or managing)

• The risk of mistakes (in plumbing, electrical, or structural repairs, especially)

• Lower-quality outcomes that can affect tenant satisfaction

• Inconsistency during turnovers, leading to delays and vacancies

💡 Ask yourself: Is saving $300 on a deep clean worth losing a week of rent?

When DIY Makes Sense

There are absolutely times when rolling up your sleeves is the smart play:

• Minor touch-ups like spackling holes, painting baseboards, or replacing cabinet knobs

• Basic yardwork and seasonal upkeep if you live nearby

• Emergency patch repairs until a pro can come in

• Properties with thin margins, where outsourcing simply isn’t viable yet

📍 *Tip: Set a DIY threshold. If a job will take less than 2 hours and costs under $50 in materials, it may be worth doing yourself—*but still document everything.

When It’s Time to Call the Pros

Here’s where outsourcing starts to save money instead of costing it:

1. Deep Cleaning After Tenants Move Out

   • Pros clean faster, more thoroughly, and spot issues you may miss

   • Well-cleaned units attract better tenants and justify higher rents

2. Painting and Drywall Repair

   • Professional finishes make a huge difference in first impressions

   • Sloppy paint jobs can deter renters and lead to longer vacancies

3. Plumbing, Electrical, and HVAC Work

   • Mistakes here can create liability, damage, or code violations

   • A licensed pro ensures the job is safe, permitted, and lasting

4. Recurring Maintenance or Property Turnovers

   • Systems and schedules matter—professional vendors can streamline multiple units

   • Less stress, fewer delays, and more consistency overall

📣 Think long-term: Happy tenants stay longer. Clean, well-maintained units rent faster. Both outcomes mean higher ROI.

Let’s Talk ROI (Return on Involvement)

Sometimes ROI doesn’t mean return on investment—it means return on involvement. If managing every repair yourself is causing burnout, hurting relationships, or delaying bigger goals (like acquiring more units or stabilizing your finances), then it’s time to shift.

You don’t have to do it all. You just have to do what matters most.

Need Help Choosing the Right Pros?

At UpRight Advisor, we connect landlords with trusted maintenance vendors, reliable cleaners, and qualified handymen—so you can focus on growing your investment, not getting stuck under a sink.

Whether you're looking for one-off turnover help or full coordination through our OnSite by UpRight services, we’ve got your back.

Let us handle it.
Visit UpRightAdvisor.com or contact us today for tailored support.