Things to do to cut down on major repairs

[Samantha Klein]

Hey I was just wondering what everybody does when first buying a property or when they are doing a rehab, what are some things you replace or do to cut some on repairs or maintenance? For example, I always replace rubber washer hoses with stainless. I also put water alarms under the kitchen sink, bathroom vanity, and by the water heater. I'm looking for ideas to eliminate simple repair tasks with preventative maintenance. 

[John A.]

Another thing I remembered after reading Kim's post:

Provide the tenant the locations of all master shut off valves/switches (water, gas, electric) as well as pictures of the valves/switches in the OFF position.  I tell them if there is an emergency, make the valve/switch look like the picture.