Should you use in-house or outsourced maintenance contractors?

Deciding whether to use outsourced maintenance contractors or retain an in-house team is a critical decision for property managers. Both options have their own specific benefits and drawbacks. In this blog, we'll explore the advantages of using both in-house contractors and outsourced contractors to help property managers make the right choice for their business model.

Benefits of in-house contractors

Familiarity and trust 

One of the paramount benefits of having an in-house maintenance team is the level of familiarity they develop with your properties. As in-house contractors will typically work across each of your properties more than once, they can become more intimately acquainted with any recurring issues or unique characteristics, leading to more efficient problem resolution. When you maintain an in-house team, you'll also build trust over time, helping to enhance communication, streamline work processes, and benefit the overall maintenance process.

Efficiency

There's no need to wait for external contractors to become available when you have a team dedicated exclusively to managing maintenance within your properties. As your in-house contractors are already on hand, they can ensure a swift response time when issues arise. This can be crucial when you need to address urgent maintenance needs promptly, preventing potential issues from escalating and minimising disruption for tenants.

Maintain control

Directly managing your in-house contractors allows you to maintain control over the maintenance process. You can set priorities, establish protocols, and ensure that tasks are executed according to your standards. Being able to maintain this level of control is particularly valuable for property managers who have specific requirements or unique considerations for their properties.

Benefits of outsourced contractors

Cost savings

Outsourcing your maintenance services tends to be less expensive than maintaining in-house staff. Outsourced contractors typically operate on a project-by-project basis, eliminating the need to have a dedicated team on the payroll. This means you don't have to pay ongoing costs like salaries and benefits. 

Flexibility

Outsourcing your maintenance can offer you more flexibility. When you outsource, you'll have access to a wider pool of skilled professionals, so you can ensure that the right person with the right skills is deployed to address specific maintenance tasks. You also don't have to be concerned about staff taking annual leave or falling sick at crucial times.

Reduced administration

Managing and maintaining an in-house team requires you to undertake several administrative tasks, including hiring tradespeople, training them on your processes, assigning tasks and priorities, and continuing day-to-day supervision. By outsourcing your maintenance services, you can alleviate the burden of managing a team, giving you more time to focus on your core responsibilities. 

Streamline maintenance with Concurrent 

Choosing between in-house and outsourced contractors depends on your specific needs, priorities, and property maintenance strategy. But no matter how you choose to manage your maintenance, Concurrent can help. You can allocate jobs, receive and approve quotes, and add maintenance charges to owner statements when projects are completed, all from within the platform. 

You can also now create in-house and outsourced contractor profiles within your Contact Centre, allowing contractors to see upcoming and past jobs, job requests, and quoted jobs in one place. 

Want to find out more? Book a Concurrent demo today.