3 things I won't do for my real estate investments

...even though they need to get done

When it comes to real estate, repairs and upgrades are constant realities.

Whether you own residential, multifamily, or commercial properties, repairs are inevitable.

While I have learned to handle certain aspects of property maintenance, there are three things that I absolutely won’t do myself: plumbing, electrical work, and painting.

Plumbing

Plumbing, to me, is an art form. It’s one of those trades that requires a deep understanding of materials, pressure, and flow dynamics. A good plumber can fix or install complex systems with precision and skill that I find genuinely impressive.

The main reason I steer clear of plumbing is that I consider it a highly specialized craft.

There’s so much more to it than just screwing a pipe together. Whether it’s ensuring proper water pressure, avoiding leaks, or understanding drainage, plumbing demands a level of expertise that I simply don’t possess, and haven't taken the time to learn well enough to be competent.

I’ve seen some bad situations—water damage, mold, burst pipes—and I do not want to risk doing something wrong.

One small mistake, like over-tightening a valve or misjudging the slope of a pipe, can lead to costly repairs. So, I prefer to leave this intricate work to the professionals who’ve honed their skills over years of experience.

Electrical

If plumbing is a craft, then electrical work is a science. And while I appreciate science, I’ll admit that the complexity of electrical systems is beyond me. More importantly, the risk involved with electrical work is simply too high for me to justify doing it myself.

Electricity is dangerous—plain and simple. Even a seemingly small task, like wiring a light switch or installing an outlet, can be hazardous if done incorrectly. The consequences of a mistake can be severe, ranging from electric shocks to house fires to death. While I have not been involved in any catastrophic events related to electrical systems failures, it’s not something I’m willing to gamble on.

Additionally, I just don’t understand electrical work well enough. There’s a maze of wiring behind every wall that I don’t fully comprehend. Voltage, grounding, circuits—it's like a foreign language to me. That’s why I gladly call in licensed electricians who have the knowledge and training to get the job done safely and correctly.

Painting

Out of the three, painting is the one task that seems the most straightforward—yet for some reason, I can’t seem to get it right.

I’ve tried multiple times, with different techniques and tools, but the results are always disappointing. Whether it’s streaks, uneven coats, or paint splatter where it shouldn’t be, my painting projects often turn into a mess.

I’ve watched videos, read articles, and sought advice from experienced painters, but for some reason, I’m still terrible at it. Maybe it’s a lack of patience, or maybe I just don’t have the steady hand that painting requires. Whatever the case, I’ve come to accept that painting is not my forte.

And the thing is, painting is more than just slapping some color on a wall. It requires careful prep work, attention to detail, and an understanding of how paint behaves. From taping off edges to using the right roller or brush, there’s a lot more involved than meets the eye. That’s why I now leave it to the experts who know how to make a room look flawless.

Final Thoughts

In real estate, there’s a certain satisfaction that comes with doing things yourself. But when it comes to plumbing, electrical work, and painting, I’ve learned that it’s better to leave it to the professionals. Plumbing is a craft that demands respect, electrical work is too dangerous for an amateur like me, and painting—well, let’s just say it’s a skill I’ll never master.

At the end of the day, knowing your limitations is key to being successful in real estate. Whether you’re managing properties or working on your own investments, it’s important to understand when to handle a project yourself and when to call in the pros.

For me, I know exactly where to draw the line, and these three tasks are firmly on the “don’t try this at home” list.

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