A couple of days after my first-ever tenant moved in, I was trying to run a TV cable wire into his unit... Seems I had drilled directly into the main power line coming into the house. The rest is history (lucky I am not).
You live and learn, this is one mistake I'll never make again.
Investor · Hyattsville, MD · Member since 2012 · 822 posts · 441 votes
10y
When the damage is repaired, I recommend calling the cable company to wire for cable. They usually include this service for free when tenant signs up for cable service or a nominal fee for wiring additional rooms beside bringing it into the unit in one place. This shifts the liability, cost (and safety issues) to the cable company if any damage were to occur. Have tenant call to arrange for wiring cable to the unit when they sign up for service and let you know if additional costs are billed for that service, which you would cover.
Agent/Investor · Murphy, TX · Member since 2013 · 542 posts · 304 votes
10y
They make voltage detectors that can detect an electrical current through drywall. Available at most big box stores or Amazon. Take a few bucks from your insurance and buy one. I'll never drill a blind hole without one.
Small business owner · Queens, NY · Member since 2015 · 24 posts · 4 votes
10y
@Tzvi Balsam Thanks! Adjuster came by today, I should be getting some help with certain aspects of the repairs... I had to also add some due upgrades to the electrical system.
@Jeff Bridges Actually, now it's really easy to install that wire... :) I had initially asked Verizon to install the new wire, but since it's not a new account they said it's not an option (I can write a whole post about the mistakes and misinformation I was given by their employees in the past week.
Yes they do not tell you about any of this when the gurus sell you the books and tapes regarding buying rental units and all the moving parts involved. Guess I will just stick to land flipping. I am sure you have insurance on this?