Property caretakers are people that are employed to take care of a property. Property caretakers are not real estate agents or real estate managers. They do not do any legal or elaborate professional work relating to the property. Instead, they look after and take care of the property. A property caretaker can live in an apartment in the house or have an adjoining building on the same property.
People are now preferring to hire a couple as property caretakers. The scope and responsibility of property caretaker couples are broad, so it is always advisable to be explicit about what service you are expecting from them.
Long-term caretaker couples positions are usually employed on bigger estates, and they ensure the daily maintenance of the compound; attend to wiring and plumbing problems, if any, and other aspects of the property. However, caretaker couples can also be employed short-term with a specified duration. Their duties may include maintaining the grounds, paying utility bills, collecting mail, and ensuring that the properties are in good condition even when the real owners are not around.
In this regard, we have teamed up with experts from job aggregator Jooble to enlighten you on what it is like to work as a caretaker couple. We will discuss the skills each person may possess to contribute to their employment chances. We will also enumerate the advantages of property caretaker couples to them and their employers.
What Does Being A Caretaker Couple Entail?
A caretaker couple is a team of husband and wife working together to ensure that the property is in optimum living condition at all times. As such, they carry out the work of a gardener, carer, and cleaner. Sometimes the couple will live in the property but will only occupy a small space in the same compound as the property. live in property caretaker jobs you can find on the website Jooble.
Being a caretaker couple entails many things. These include the duties and responsibilities, the skills needed, and the other nuances of the profession. Most of these things are similar to ordinary caretakers’ lives. However, the differences lie in the fact that you work together with your spouse.
Below are some things you should know about being a caretaker couple.
You Live Together And Work Together
The distance in some relationships only happens when each person is at work. However, this is not the case if you work together as caretaker couples. That is, you get to spend more time with your spouse, which is something some couples may like and appreciate. However, if your relationship is the type that needs distance, you have to find a way to have your ‘me’ time so you don’t have problems. Also, it would help if you learned that working and staying together as a caretaker couple doesn’t mean you have to be all in your spouse’s business. You should constantly create the space you need to be yourselves.
You Both Need To Possess Some Skills
Most couple caretakers are employed to be in charge of the whole taking care of the home. This means that each of them is expected to possess some skillset. These skills include cleaning, cooking, driving, caring for pets, etc. The wife will likely be wanted for the homemaking skills like cooking and putting the house in order. On the other hand, the husband will likely have to do the chores that require heavy lifting.
You May Have To Live On The Property
Another thing you should know as a property caretaker couple is that you will likely live on the property or near it. This is because your employers may want access to you that may not be guaranteed if you live away. This can help you solve accommodation and feeding issues, meaning you can spend less on both.
However, it may also mean that you must stay away from the rest of your family. For instance, if you are starting your family or have young children, this might not be too great as you may not get to spend time with your family. It is, however, an excellent option for a couple whose children have left home and do not want to be alone.
You May Be Supervisors
Sometimes, caretaker couples are only employed to oversee the household’s affairs. They help direct and monitor other workers in the home. The property is most likely large when you are a supervisory caretaking couple. Also, you must know how to direct people and coordinate them.
Why Caretaker Couples?
There are many benefits to hiring a caretaker couple and being one. Some of these benefits are normal for every caretaker. However, some of them are peculiar to caretaker couples.
Below are some of the reasons why you should consider hiring a caretaker couple and why you should consider being one:
Increased Security
The presence of a caretaker can increase security on a property. An empty property is at risk of being robbed, and miscreants may use the place for evil acts. However, the presence of a caretaker couple can help resolve this. Not only will their presence deter burglars, but they will also consciously work on keeping the property safe.
Experienced In Family Matters
Some caretakers are employed to take care of empty properties. However, some caretakers are employed to take care of a property where the family lives. Couple caretakers are the best for families. This is because they most likely have their own family already. This means they are experienced in family matters. They know not to gossip about their employer’s affairs and to help keep the home in order. Also, they know how to take care of children, as they already have theirs.
Easier Work Coordination
A couple is more likely going to understand themselves. This will make working together easier for them. They will not only be able to work in tandem, but they will work with a family orientation. This will, in turn, help them deliver the best services to their employers.
Cheaper
You can save money by using a caretaker couple as they may be enough for all the caretaker jobs you need to do in the house. You do not need multiple rooms or beds for caretaker couples. They stay together, and a place is enough for them. This will save you the cost of an additional person. Also, you can cut costs when recruiting because you only need to put out an ad.
You Get To See Your Spouse More
Another advantage of being a caretaker couple is that you get to see each other more. This can help the love wax stronger. It can also help them trust each other since they are rarely apart.
What Do Caretaker Couples Do?
The duties of a caretaker couple are most likely not different from those of an ordinary caretaker. The only difference is just that two people are doing the job together.
Here are some things caretaker couples do:
General Cleaning And Property Maintenance
The main job of a caretaker is to clean and maintain the property. They ensure proper waste disposal and keep the property in a premium state at all times.
Cooking And Childcare
Other duties of caretakers include cooking and childcare. This is only applicable when the employers live on the property. It means the caretakers will be their cooks and nannies. This duty usually falls on the woman. However, it doesn’t mean a man can’t do it. Who knows? We might just have a daddy chef that likes kids.
Documentation And Record Keeping
Another duty of property caretakers is to keep records. Suppose there are tenants on the property; they document what they need. This does not substitute them for the real estate agent. However, they help keep the most basic documentation on the property. Do not be surprised if the caretaker knows about the electricity bill more than the property owner.
Attend To Minor Repairs
Another job that may fall on the male caretaker is to attend to minor repairs, including minor carpentry and plumbing work. The caretaker may also have to fix the basic electrical faults until a professional can be called.
Conclusion
Couple property caretakers are preferred in places where there is a necessity for a male and female caretaker. This preference is because of the long benefits of having a couple as caretakers. As this can benefit the employer, it is also beneficial to the couple. This article has explored what it means to be a caretaker couple. We have discussed the advantages and what they are expected to do.
