Handyman or a Contractor – whom to hire ?

Handyman Services

We are often in a dilemma when it comes to hiring a handyman or a contractor for our household or office work. Both have their own positive sides to look at. However, today, many prefer a handyman over a contractor.

Following are some of the benefits to hire a Handyman –

  • It is often found that Handymen charges daily or hourly basis. Hence, many times they are cheaper than a contractor.
  • The size of the project does not really matter to a handyman but a contractor does consider the size of the project being offered. On the contrary, handymen are always willing to undertake even the smallest project or tasks which a contractor, might not take up.
  • We can very easily find a handyman through word of mouth, advertisements, phone books, fliers etc.
  • Most of the times, Handymen have all the required tools for the project. So hiring a handyman means we do not have to worry about arranging for the right tools for the particular work.
Handyman services.
Handyman with his tools.
  • A handyman does variety of work. So we can get one man to do multiple tasks.
  • When we hire a handyman, we can save money on different types of home improvement projects. It is so because, hiring a handyman means multiple suppliers and contractors are no longer required.
  • All we want is stress-free completion of any project. Handyman provides a competent service and we can stay relaxed about the accurate completion of the project.
Handyman services
Handyman provides competent services
  • When it comes to small tasks, Handymen are very well-versed. This is so as they don’t differentiate between tasks and as a result, they gain lot of experience in a variety of jobs – be it small or big. Since they are exposed to many different minor challenges while working on different tasks, they also learn to handle such challenging situations in the process.
  • Hiring a Handyman means we are also eliminating the overhead costs. These men do almost all task all by themselves and hence, they do not need to pay to extra employees. This in turn enables them to give us discounts too!

At StringsSG you will find best Handyman services at your convenience.  Click here to get your Handyman Service in just 2 mins!

Handyman Services
Handyman – skilled person with expertise in various household repair and maintenance work.

Should we invest on a Condominium or an HDB?

Property Agent

When it comes to buying a property, Singapore is one of the most expensive countries in the world. Nevertheless, everyone desires to be the owner of a property. In this regard, there is another concern of the residents of Singapore. People here are always in the dilemma between buying an HDB (Public Housing Apartments) and a Condominium.

Various factors controls our decision whether to choose an HDB or a Condo. These factors include our eligibility, our lifestyle, legal matters etc.

The following are some of the reasons to choose a Condominium over an HDB.

  • Better facilities – A condo is well planned for its resident’s comfort. It comes not only with comfortable latest design interiors but pool, gym, barbeque, play stations for children, badminton courts, community halls etc. All these facilities help us to decide on taking a condo. The convenience of having all these facilities at our doorstep is a big advantage for sure.
Singapore's property market
Singapore’s property market – most likely to slow down in 2019.
  • Condominiums are open to all types of buyers including the foreigners –There are no restrictions on foreign ownership when it comes to buying a condominium.
  • No restrictions on ownership of other properties – When we own a condominium, we can still go ahead and purchase other properties at the same time.
  • Condominiums give us privacy – Singapore is a high-density city. If you are a person who prefers privacy then living in a condo is all what you would want. Privacy that comes along with a condo is something you do not get in an HDB.
  • If we go for a condominium, then we can opt for a progressive payment scheme as well.
  • Condominiums are more pet-friendly- In HDBs, usually certain breeds of dogs and cats are restricted from ownership. However, this is not the case in a condo.

The following are some of the reasons to choose an HDB (Public Housing Apartments) over a Condominium.  

  • It’s safe – Though HDBs are public housings, but it is quite safe for the residents even at late night. People do not encounter any problems.
  • Prices of HDBs are made affordable for the public – Keeping commoners in mind, prices of HDBs have been made quite affordable and decent which helps us to decide to buy HDBs.
  • HDBs have good resale value – When we think of re sale, HDBs have good re-sale value.
  • HDB conservancy fees are lesser than even condo maintenance fees. 

However whether it is a Condominium or an HDB, we always need a property agent to help us find the perfect house. In this context it is also worthy of mention that sometimes it gets a bit difficult and tiring to get a good agent.

No need to stress out anymore!

With StringsSG finding your dream home is lot more easier and time saving! 
Property Agent
Property Agents to help us find our dream home!
You get the best Property Agents here who will find your home as per your criteria. 

Click here StringsSG to get your Property Agent in just 2 mins!

Let StringsSG help you in your home hunting! 

Landlord vs. Tenant Responsibilities and Maintenance

Property agents - solution to issues between landlords and tenants

In case of house renting, both the parties the Landlord and the Tenant are always in question that who is responsible for what work. That is why, a well done rental agreement with the help of a property agent is very important so that there can be proper understanding of each one’s contractual obligation to maintain the property.

Landlord and Tenant facing issues regarding maintenance of the property.
Landlord and Tenant arguing over contractual obligations

The following are some of the Tenant’s Maintenance Responsibilities – 

  • Tenants in general are expected to keep the property clean and avoid any damages to the property deliberately.
  • As per contract, the Tenants might need to replace batteries of smoke detectors and fire alarms in order to make sure they are working properly.
  • Disposing the trash is a very important daily work of the Tenants.
  • When it comes to Pest control, it is tenant’s responsibility to properly maintain the sanitation of the house so that there are no insecticides or infestation. If the tenant does not keep a clean home, the landlord may deduct some amount from the tenant’s security deposit as per the lease.
  • Waste management is a very important matter for good hygiene. It definitely falls under tenant’s responsibility to properly dispose of any garbage which otherwise could contribute to pest infestations and diseases.
  • When it comes to plumbing or air conditioning, it is Tenant’s responsibility to use these fixtures properly. He should keep the pipes clear and replace the air filters too. He should report any issues to the landlord quickly to prevent further damages without any delay so that the landlord can take care of the issue accordingly.
  • At the time of the signing of contract, if Landscaping maintenance is already mentioned as a clause, then the tenant has to take care of it accordingly as otherwise, he can be fined for violating the contract.
  • Tenant should return the property in the same condition as it was at the time of the lease term. If there are any damages then the tenant needs to fix it before the handover or the landlord has the right to deduct the expenses from the tenant’s security deposit.
Rental Agreement
Rental agreement between the Landlord and the Tenant – for proper understanding of each one’s contractual obligation to maintain the property.

The following are some of the Landlord’s Maintenance Responsibilities – 

  • When it comes to plumbing or air conditioning, it is the landlord’s responsibility to keep these systems in working condition and fixing any kind of problems with regards to these.
  • It is owner’s responsibility to do the pest control if there is an infestation.
  • The common areas like the elevators and other common-use areas also fall under landlord’s responsibility to keep them properly safe and clean.
  • It is the landlord’s responsibility to keep the premises of the house in a reasonable state and in compliance with the safety laws.
  • All the mentioned appliances, in the contract should be kept in working order by the landlord.
  • The landlord is responsible for most of the repairs of the home like the interior and exterior of the house, doors and windows, stairs, roof, electrical wiring, chimneys, pipes and drains, gas appliances etc

Intervention of the Property Agents – 

Throughout the period of the tenancy, either parties of the contract, i.e. the landlord and tenant might face some issues that are difficult to resolve alone all by themselves. In such cases, both the parties look for a third party to mediate and resolve the problem. Here comes in the role of one of the property agents who handled the rental transaction. In many cases the respective agent steps into the matter and tries to bring a solution to the problem.

However, it is true that it is not a mandatory responsibility of the Agent to resolve such issues but some agents does step in to help and solve landlord-tenant problems simply out of goodwill. Again in some cases, the parties formally engage their agent to manage their property.

Property Agents are professionals with adequate knowledge in their field and hence can easily resolve difficult issues. Hence it is always better to bring in our Agents so that the solution can be surfaced at ease.

Finding a perfect Property Agent IS easier with StringsSG!  
Property agents - solution to issues between landlords and tenants
A good property agent can work up a sound lease agreement!
STRINGSSG provides you a platform WHERE YOU CAN FIND THE BEST PROPERTY AGENTS TO LOOK AFTER ALL YOUR PROPERTY RELATED MATTERS.

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