We put together the following Q&A with John Duffy from Greenwich Home Management in Greenwich, CT to help you better understand how residential property management works. Right now it’s springtime and the busy season for home maintenance is upon us. We thought this would be a good time to discuss the benefits that come along with having a dedicated partner to handle the wide range of home maintenance needs.
A: Property management is a program that homeowners enroll in that provides year round home maintenance and repair coverage. When you enroll in the program you have a single point of contact for all repairs, maintenance and emergencies, 24/7 365 days a year. This means you can call us at any time and we’ll send one of our experienced professionals over to handle jobs such as fixing a leaky faucet, yearly pool opening, or refinishing your basement.
You pay a nominal fixed monthly fee, which gives you access to the service. Your home repair or emergency will then be responded to and handled immediately. For major repairs we will obtain multiple competitive bids from our pre-vetted roster of qualified service providers.
At Greenwich Home Management we’ve been in the business of home improvement in Greenwich, CT for over 25 years. Our employees are full-time professional journeymen. As a result, when you enroll in our property management program you’ll be confident that a skilled professional is handling the job – no matter what type of project it is.
A: A handyman typically handles small, relatively simple jobs around the house. Using a handyman for specialized, highly skilled work, however, is not typically recommended.
DHS employees are full-time professional journeymen that are skilled in precision home repair projects. When it comes to home maintenance projects such as installing a new pool pump, building custom cabinetry, or maintaining your HVAC system, you always want to be employing experienced, skilled specialists that are licensed in their specific trades. In these instances, we obtain multiple competitive bids from our pre-vetted roster of service professionals.
Homeowners know that maintaining a home requires a wide range of professionals. Finding and scheduling ones you trust is challenging. When you’re a client of DHS we will assess your specific project need and provide the appropriate solution with prompt and professional customer service.
A: We are your single point of contact. Certain yearly maintenance will automatically be taken care of depending on your homes specific requirements. These types of projects may include pool opening and closing, pool cleaning, setting up patio furniture, gutter cleaning, yearly HVAC cleaning and servicing, etc. When additional needs come up we pride ourselves on our expeditious response to client requests.
A: We will assign a single key holder to your account. If indoor maintenance is required when you are not home, your key holder will come over to let the tradesperson in. This way you have a trusted contact to take care of it, and you won’t have to work around someone else’s schedule to get things done around the house.
A: When we say no job is too big or too small we mean it. Property management covers virtually anything that you can think of regarding the repair and maintenance of your home. We even get calls from our clients from time to time with trivial non-repair issues - they may have left the house and cannot remember if they turned off the stove or they are running behind on their way home and call us to stop by and let the dog out. We are always happy to help!
Some other examples of small or miscellaneous projects would include changing light bulbs, stringing holiday lights, adjusting hinges, or installing a pet door. And since we employ highly skilled local Greenwich, CT area trades and craftsmen, we can also help you install a new pool, fix wet basement issues and finish the space, build a new home addition or renovate your kitchen and/or bathroom.
At Greenwich Home Management we started out as luxury custom homebuilders and renovation specialists. Being a custom home contractor requires pulling the full range of trades together. This is how we’ve vetted the tradespeople that we hire for our property management program. The same professionals that help build the finest custom homes in Greenwich, CT and Fairfield County are the pros that will be maintaining your home.
A: No. Everyone has maintenance needs. At Greenwich Home Management we maintain a range of property types. It comes down to convenience. We provide a level of service that helps you eliminate the time consuming calling and scheduling required to keep up with your property. This allows you to focus on more important things, like spending time with your fa
This is an unusual time for us all. Like many you’re probably trying to figure out how to juggle family, work, and home tasks. Although some projects can be put on hold, certain home maintenance needs will require attention. Many New York City residents are coming to their second homes in Greenwich, CT to avoid the city. As a result we’re seeing an uptick in demand for properties that need to be ready for full time occupancy. So how should you approach residential property management during this time? Following are some ideas on how to keep your family and your home maintenance professionals healthy.
At Greenwich Home Management we provide residential property management services. As a result we dispatch the full range of home maintenance professionals. During this time of year in Greenwich, CT we are starting to handle outdoor work, such as spring-cleaning, masonry, and pool installs and openings. These workers pose lower health risk than others that need to be indoors. Indoor projects, of course, still require attention. When it comes to AC maintenance, appliance repair and plumbing issues, you’ll want to take additional care.
If you plan to have workers on your property it’s important to maintain close, remote communication with your property management company to ensure certain protocol can be implemented. You should feel comfortable asking questions and providing any guidelines that you feel are necessary to maintain the health of your family. In addition you may need to let your management team know when you want certain work to be done. And always inform crews before hand if you have someone in the house that is showing signs of sickness.
At Greenwich Home Management we are taking a range of precautions daily. Before dispatching a handyman, HVAC repair professional or landscape crew to someone’s house we ensure that nobody has fever, cough or shortness of breath. We instruct our crews to handle only the tools and equipment needed to accomplish the job. In addition our crew will regularly be using hand sanitizer, thoroughly washing hands, and avoiding contact with mouth, eyes and nose. We also employ facemasks and booties to cover footwear.
The New England Journal of Medicine states that coronaviruses do not survive well on clothing surfaces. As a result it is unlikely that a worker would carry the virus on their clothes into a home.
We are social animals and it’s instinctual to reach out and shake someone’s hand when they arrive up at your home. During this time, however, skip the handshake, and maintain six feet of distance to work crew. In some instances you may be more comfortable leaving instructions with your property management company that allows them to enter the home on their own.
At Greenwich Home Management our residential property management services are set up well for this type of situation. You have one point of contact for all of your home maintenance needs. And your management contact will have key access to allow workers into the home if needed. If it makes you more comfortable we can let the tradesman into the home even if you are there. This way you can avoid any potential contact. And we can work closely with you to establish schedules that you’re comfortable with.
Many Greenwich residents are now working from home. As a result a home office space needs to be fully functional. For those using weekend homes, dedicated offices may not be in place. And of course the kids are home now full time. This all leads to more usage of equipment and appliances as well as special requirements that may need maintenance and/or setup. Your property management company can help you establish a comfortable workspace.
It’s spring and so there are likely several projects that need to be completed. And of course things always come up unexpectedly. To help make the process easier during this stressful time, our property management team can tackle all of your spring maintenance needs. These may include AC tune-up and cleaning, spring yard cleanup, roof repair, wet basement issues, driveway repair, gutter cleaning, etc.
Making smart decisions when it comes to social distancing can make all the difference in this unique situation. Our Greenwich, CT residential property management team will do our part to help keep you and your family healthy. Eventually we’ll get through this and we’ll do it by working together.
Doors and windows are constantly being opened and closed, and sometimes not so gracefully. Wear and tear can lead to issues. Some are minor, such as squeaking or misalignment. Some problems, however, can lead to water infiltration or loss of warm or cool air. At Greenwich Home Management our residential property management team has repaired and replaced numerous doors and windows in and around the Greenwich, CT area. Home renovation can be an excellent time to replace windows and doors, but sometimes you just need a quick fix. Let’s take a look at some of the more common issues.
If your doors are making squeaking noises, the solution may be as easy as applying WD40 to the hinges. If noise persists, and you’re also experiencing rattling and/or the door is not opening and closing smoothly, then you may need to tighten and/or adjust the hinges to realign them. These are the types of jobs that a property management company can help with.
Door and window parts break down over time, particularly in the Greenwich, CT climate. Homes are subject to ever changing conditions such as heat, cold, snow, ice and rain across all seasons. Door weather stripping can degrade and come off. Doors can also become misaligned, allowing gaps at the bottom that let air in. Window sashes, gaskets and weather stripping can shrink and degrade and older window glazing can break down and fall off.
If you’re conducting a home renovation, this is a great time to have your property management team install new, energy efficient windows and exterior doors. Making an investment in high quality products will make all the difference here. If you’re just looking to repair a single drafty door or window, call your residential property management team. For short term fixes they can replace glazing and weather stripping or make adjustments to the door to eliminate gaps.
Interior or exterior doors can become stuck, making it a challenge to open and close them. One of the main causes of a stuck door is summertime humidity. The wooden door absorbs moisture and swells. Fixing this issue starts by identifying where the door is getting stuck. If the point of contact is the door jam, your property management team may shave just a bit off with a hand planner. Sometimes the door hinge mortise’s may need to be deepened to pull the door away from the jam a bit.
When planning wood from a door, it’s important not to remove too much. The wood will shrink back in the wintertime. Also, to help avoid moisture from getting into the door again, any unfinished wood surfaces should be painted – including the top and bottom of the door. Sometimes it’s just more efficient to replace a stuck door. Just make sure all sides are sealed with paint before the door is hung.
Several issues can cause window condensation. If you’ve just built a new renovation or home addition the space may be too air tight. This can be good for keeping warm and cool air in, but the downside is lack of ventilation. Warm, humid air from cooking or showers can cause condensation on the inside of windows when the moist air hits the cold glass in the wintertime. If homes are too tight, trapped moisture, in places other than on windowpanes, can cause mold. Home ventilation systems can help circulate the air and eliminate the issue.
If condensation if building up inside multi-pane windows, you likely have a broken seal. If the windows are relatively new they may be covered under warranty. If they are older windows they’ll likely need to be replaced. Check with your residential property management company to help assess and repair any moisture issues.
The ever changing and harsh climate of Greenwich, CT can make even high quality windows and doors function improperly over time. Greenwich Home Management provides year round residential property management services. For jobs large and small we’ll bring in a skilled handyman or experienced local tradesman to help get the problem fixed.
Exercising at home comes with a range of benefits. It’s convenient, private, and allows you to remain close to your family while working out. As a busy Greenwich, CT area resident you know time can be hard to come by. Building a home gym is one way to ensure you’ll have a dedicated space for your workouts. Doing it right means more than just throwing an exercise bike in the corner of the study. The following tips can help you plan out the space.
The first step is to determine where your home gym will be located. If you’re building a new custom home, renovating, or building an addition, now is a good time to factor in the room you’ll need. For these types of jobs you’ll want a professional organization familiar with the Greenwich, CT area permitting process and someone that can handle the project from start to finish. At Greenwich Home Management our property management services range from full custom home building and renovation, to ongoing home maintenance programs.
If you’re using an existing room you can still build it out to function well for effective workouts. Make sure to remove clutter and clear out any distractions that may sidetrack your workout. For news spaces, work closely with your residential property management company to ensure that the room is built out to your specifications.
One of the first things to consider should be lighting. Light helps you feel energized and alert. Natural sunlight is ideal. If possible, make sure there are plenty of windows and doors to let the light pour in. If you’re using a finished basement or renovating one, and natural light is harder to come by, work with your property management company to design a lighting scheme that keeps the space bright and provides even light throughout.
When choosing flooring for your home gym you’ll want to consider traction, shock absorption, and durability. Hard or slippery surfaces like concrete or hardwood can lead to injury. Rubber flooring, or large rubber pads, is an excellent choice. Vinyl, indoor outdoor carpet, cork, or even artificial turf are also good materials. Rubber mats, or large interlocking rubber tiles can be used if you don’t plan to replace existing hard flooring.
Every home gym workout routine requires different equipment. In addition to the big items, such as stationary bikes and weights, you’ll want to have a few key elements that encourage a positive workout. Mirrors help create the illusion of a larger space. They also help you see the position of your body during workouts such as yoga and weight training. Fans help keep you cool and keep the air moving. Plants boost oxygen levels. And air purifiers remove pollutants from the air.
The basement can be an excellent space for building a home gym. Finishing a basement, however, starts with the help of a professional that understands how to handle complex home renovations. A residential property management company will bring in the right trades to ensure your space is setup the right way.
The fist thing to consider when finishing a basement is moisture. Water issues typically start on the outside of the home. Work with your property management company to ensure that water is not running towards the house and up against the foundation during rainstorms and when snow melts. This can happen when the yard is sloped towards the home and/or rainwater is being drained from gutters improperly.
If you have slope issues you may need to regrade the yard to ensure water is flowing away from the foundation. You’ll also want to ensure that french drains are in place. This type of drainage consists of pipes buried up against the perimeter of the foundation. The pipes have holes at the top that collect water. The water is then redirected away from the house.
Trench drains can also be very effective. If water is running down the driveway towards the house, for example, you can install a trench drain to catch and redirect it.
Another consideration with a finished basement will be natural light. Walkout basements often have doors and windows, however this feature is typically realized when the land slopes down on one side of the house. If your land does not provide these natural contours, consider adding egress windows. Your property management company will dig out from the foundation to open up a portion large enough to fit a window or two. Retaining walls will be built several feet back from the foundation to hold the earth. Egress windows also provide a point of exit, which is important for any finished room in the house.
Having a dedicated space to workout in your Greenwich, CT area home will help remove barriers when it comes time to get moving. With the help of a residential property management company you can outfit an existing space, renovate, or build a new addition to create the ultimate home gym to your specifications. Designing and planning the space ahead of time will go along way towards creating a comfortable environment that you’ll want to spend time in. Greenwich Home Management can help you every step of the way.
Installing a new heating system can seem like a daunting task. Whether your existing system is being replaced, or you are building a new home in the Greenwich CT area, a wide range of options exist, from furnaces to heat pumps. So where do you start? We recommend discussing the issue with a residential property management professional before making any final decisions. The following information, however, will help you get a handle on the options that are available. At Greenwich Home Management our property management services include heating system consultations as well as installation and ongoing maintenance.
Many people refer to their heating unit as a furnace – even though it may actually be a boiler. They are two markedly different systems, however. Boilers work by employing hydronics to heat water. A circulator pump distributes the hot water though pipes that lead to baseboards, radiators or radiant floor tubing. Boilers can use natural gas, heating oil, electricity or propane as fuel.
Furnaces heat air that is moved though ductwork and distributed to each room. Cooler air is drawn into the system then heated by the furnace. It is then redistributed as warm air throughout the house. Furnaces operate by using electricity, oil, propane or natural gas. Air can be filtered as it circulates through the ductwork to remove allergens and pollutants.
Hydro air systems combine boilers with air handlers to turn hot water into warm air. This is a good system for homes with central air conditioning because it allows for the heat and AC to run through ductwork. Hydro air systems are typically more efficient and they provide a dryer heat.
Choosing among the major heating systems can be tricky, but it comes down to your specific needs and comfort levels. Before making a choice, consult with a residential property management company. In the meantime consider the following pros and cons of each.
Quiet operation is one of the most significant pros of installing a boiler. They don’t employ hot air blowing though ductwork, which can be noisy at times. They’re also more efficient and provide more consistent, even heat. And boilers require less maintenance because they have fewer parts that need regular attention, such as filters.
The cons of boilers include the speed of which the equipment can change the temperature of a room. Hot air from a furnace heats a room faster. Boilers are also harder to convert and harder to install. And they pose a potential leaking hazard, as water will be running through pipes throughout the home.
The most significant pro of a furnace is cost. They are considerably less expensive than boilers, primarily because they are more common. They can be up to half the price of boilers. Other pros include ease of installation and the reduced risk of frozen pipes and water leaks.
The primary con of a furnace is efficiency. Heating air requires more fuel than heating water. Other significant cons include poor air quality, noisier operation, and poor heat consistency.
Heat pumps are becoming more and more popular. One of the biggest draws is that they have the ability to provide heat and air conditioning. When it’s cold outside there is still heat energy present. The equipment extracts this heat and moves it into the living space. The same principle applies for cooling.
The main pro of a heat pump is efficiency. They are very efficient, and require less maintenance and running costs. The main cons include high upfront costs, complicated installation and questionable performance in very cold temperatures.
Several factors come into play when deciding which heating system is right for your Greenwich area home. It can be easy to get overwhelmed. Using a residential property management company can be a big help right from the start. At Greenwich Home Management we employ only experienced, knowledgeable heating and air conditioning professionals. We’ll walk you through the process from start to finish so that you feel comfortable with the choice that you make.
Winter is fast approaching. When harsh weather hits, maintenance issues are typically not far behind in homes across Fairfield County, CT. Homeowners can handle some of these tasks themselves; however, others require the experience of a residential property management professional. Here are a few of the more common winter maintenance challenges, and how they can be fixed.If you’re ready to call in a pro to help with regularly maintaining your Greenwich, CT area property there are several things to consider to ensure you’ll get the most out of the relationship. Residential property management companies can help with small projects that can be managed by a handyman or they can bring in pros year round to service and maintain every part of the home. By going this rout you have one point of contact for plumbing, HVAC, roofing, plowing, landscaping and all other trades. At Greenwich Home Management we handle everything from changing light bulbs to installing a new home theater system.
Understanding the Process
Before you hire a residential property management company, be prepared with questions so that you have a firm grasp on what to expect. The following questions will help:
How do you charge?
You’ll want to know how you’ll be billed. Ask if the fees will be based on an hourly rate or per project. A good home maintenance company will typically bill monthly for general upkeep based on an agreed upon list of tasks. Ask ahead of time, however, how billing will work for projects that come up beyond the scope of the monthly or yearly program.
What Are My Payment Options?
Make sure to get an understanding of what form of payment is accepted. This can effect how you plan to manage your money. You may want to know if your property management company accepts credit cards, if they accept large installations up front, and/or what time of the month invoices will arrive and are due.
What are the Qualifications of Your Subcontractors?
The people that work under your contractors are just as important as the contractors themselves. Ask about subcontractor qualification and experience. Greenwich Home Management only hires trusted, experienced, skilled labor to handle client work. Fly by night operations or moonlighters should be avoided.
How Do I Provide Entry to My Home and Who Do I Come to With Issues & Questions?
You’ll want to have one point of contact for all work to be done. At Greenwich Home Management we provide a single source for communication. This individual will be the only person with key access to the home. At your discretion they allow trades to gain entry to the house and outbuildings when work needs to be completed. If you have any issues or questions at any time you can contact your maintenance rep for resolution.
What is your Experience With Obtaining Permits?
Permits are required for a range of different projects. You may want to build a new pool house or install a new HVAC system. Applying for and obtaining permits in Greenwich, CT and the surrounding area requires knowledge of the local system, regulations and experience in the range of fields. Be sure that your property management company has knowledge of the permitting process in your area.
Preparation
When hiring a reputable handyman and property management company you’ll be getting experienced professionals across the entire line of trades. To ensure this is that case you’ll want to prepare before hiring. Check licensing and insurance paperwork. Don’t chase the lowest price – oftentimes you get what you pay for. Ask for references from clients that have used the service in the past. And discuss how they plan to resolve any issues that may arise.
Additional preparation prior to meeting your home maintenance professional should include creating a list of short and long-term projects as well as ongoing tasks that you’ll want help with. Consider the tasks for each season as you create the list and take a walk around your property to identify the areas that you would like help with. With the right help you’ll have more time to focus on the things that are most important to you.
The concept of residential property maintenance is relatively new in the Greenwich, CT area. Homeowners are realizing the value of having one point of contact for all upkeep and repairs. Experienced property maintenance companies, like Greenwich Home Management, can handle virtually any job around the house, from changing light bulbs to installing and maintaining HVAC systems. They do so by employing trusted professionals across the full range of trades.
The key to a successful property maintenance solution comes down to bringing in the right pros. It can be hard to find trusted, reliable trades. Greenwich Home Management has been in the luxury home building and remodeling business in Greenwich for decades. As a result we’ve developed relationships with top area pros in HVAC, plumbing, roofing, electrical, pool maintenance, handyman services and many other trades. Our group of talent is highly experienced and skilled so customers always know the job will be done right.
The benefits go beyond just quality workmanship. You’ll no longer need to manage communication, estimating, and invoicing from multiple workmen. Your maintenance company representative will be a single point of contact for all billing, accountability, inquiries, and follow up. And in the event of an emergency, such as an HVAC failure while you’re away, your representative will be a single key holder that can provide access to pros when needed.
Homeowners know it’s just a matter of time before something comes up that needs attention. Repairs are common, but homes also require standard maintenance and upkeep. The following outlines a few of the more common items that residential property maintenance companies help with.
Each season in Greenwich, CT brings its own set of home maintenance tasks. Spring is a good time to address paint and staining needs, fix minor issues with roofing and masonry and start on spring cleanup, mulching and landscaping. Summer means pool maintenance and repair, lawn mowing and gardening. Fall requires leaf cleanup, chimney cleaning, and trimming of trees. And winter brings plowing and can be a good time to upgrade safety equipment such as aging smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
Major mechanical system failure can be extremely stressful. Having someone reliable to properly diagnose and fix HVAC, plumbing and electrical issues can be a major weight off your shoulders. Other areas of the home that can require significant work include the chimney, large appliances, and hot water heaters. And minor issues such as garage doors and entry gates can be a major inconvenience when they go down.
To keep your systems running at peak efficiency, and to avoid premature breakdowns, furnace and AC systems should be inspected and cleaned before the start of each season. Other preventative maintenance includes refrigerator coil cleaning, inspection and repair of damaged boards, and/or roofing. Having a property maintenance service for these tasks is critical to helping prevent issues before they become major problems.
Wet basements and garages can be a big problem in Greenwich, CT. We get plenty of rainy days and properties close to the sound can have a high water table. The same is true for garages. Dealing with water issues requires the knowledge and skill of experienced professionals. Your property maintenance company can help you assess and fix water issues as well as help prevent future leaks.
It can be exhausting when you consider all that goes into maintaining a home in Greenwich, CT. Hiring a residential property maintenance company can provide major relief. You’ll be assured that all of the work will be done right and you’ll have one point of contact for all of these tasks. The end result will be a well-maintained property and you’ll have time to focus on what’s important to you.
Your central AC units use a considerable amount of energy. As the summer approaches the Greenwich, CT area it’s a good time to start thinking about how you can help keep your AC running as efficiently as possible. By doing so you’ll reduce your carbon footprint and lower your energy bills. Start by taking steps to keep cool air from escaping your home. Your residential property management company can help you with some of the more complicated steps, but homeowners can handle some of these efforts as well.