Summer is unofficially here and that means taking dips in the pool, grilling and entertaining on the patio, and relaxing outside while the kids play (okay that last one is wishful thinking). Before you can do all of that, it’s likely there are a few chores required to get your outdoor spaces fully ready for the season. Some might include power washing the patio, setting up outdoor furniture and touching up exterior paint. For many of our Greenwich property management clients this work has already been completed. Let’s take a look at some of the outdoor home maintenance tasks that the Duffy Home Solutions Property management team has been hard at work at.
The winter season can take a toll on the exterior of the home. Our Greenwich Property Management Team conducts a thorough inspection of the exterior to determine if paint needs to be touched up and/or there is rotting wood that may need to be addressed. Sanding chipped and weathered paint, priming and repainting can make trouble spots as good as new, and keep the overall paint job lasting longer.
Mildew, mold, pollen and dirt can accumulate over the winter on decks and stone work. Cleaning these surfaces with a power washer is an effective outdoor home maintenance task that brings bluestone, driveways, and decking back to life. This is a task that requires some equipment knowledge. Improper use of power washers can actually damage surfaces. Our Greenwich Property Management team understands the pressure setting requirements, as they vary between different types of wood and stone.
If your outdoor furniture and/or cushions are stowed away for the off season, our Greenwich Property Management team brings everything out, arranges the furniture and cleans and freshens up the cushions as needed. We’ll take care when cleaning to ensure that proper solutions and methods are used depending on the material. Wood, metal, plastic and/or fabric often require different cleaning products and methods.
The summer months bring thunderstorms that can lead to downed trees and power outages. Many of our Greenwich Property Management clients are enrolled in regular generator preventative maintenance. Regular generator maintenance can help ensure that your equipment will fire up when needed, help extend the life of the equipment, and help the generator function at peak efficiency.
Generator manufacturers recommend a preventative maintenance checkup at least once per year. Servicing typically incudes load bank testing (to ensure the equipment will fire up when called on), changing the oil and filters, inspecting the wiring and electrical system, and inspecting the air intake system, among other items.
As the peak spring pollen season winds down, now is a good time to have your windows cleaned by a home maintenance service. Clean windows not only make the house look nice; they also have a range of other benefits. Window cleaning can remove debris to keep track windows sliding effectively. Regular cleaning can also make each appointment less time consuming. And the job can double as an inspection opportunity to identify any issues that might be occurring– particularly on upper windows.
When you have home equipment that lays dormant for several months throughout the year it’s always a good idea to have it inspected for proper functionality when it’s time to put the system back into use. Our Greenwich Property Management team conducts thorough lawn and garden sprinkler system inspections and will repair any issues. We’ll check for clogged or broken sprinkler heads and leaking sprinkler lines. We’ll also analyze the watering pattern to ensure that it is functioning at peak efficiency, among other tasks.
When the exterior of your property is well cared for by home maintenance professionals it provides peace of mind and allows you and your family to get the most out of your deck, patio, pool, and lawn. The Greenwich property management team at Duffy Home Solutions provides one source for all of your home exterior, as well as interior, maintenance needs. Please reach out to discuss how our program works in detail.
Winter in Greenwich, CT can feel like a time of dormancy and stillness, but this season can also provide a wonderful opportunity to make progress on the performance, aesthetics and market value of your home. This time of the year, after the holidays and before the warmer months, provides the downtime needed to focus on the home maintenance and home repair projects you’ve been meaning to tackle.
Another reason winter in Greenwich, CT can be a smart time for home maintenance and remodeling projects is that tradespeople are not as busy as other times of the year. In busy renovation months, like spring and summer, even simple renovations can take months to complete. Reach out to Duffy Home Solutions property management team to discuss the following projects.
There are likely a number of unfinished spaces in your home that would be excellent candidates for refinishing. Attics and basements, for example, can be remodeled quite efficiently. These spaces are perfect for a home office, gym, playroom, pantry or media room. Storage is also something to consider. Finished, climate-controlled rooms are excellent for storing items, particularly those of value.
The residential property management team at Duffy Home Solutions provides full build-out services for unfinished space. Our professional team of luxury home remodeling and home design experts can handle the full scope of your project including conceptual planning, project execution and fully fitting out your new space.
According to HGTV columnist Kathy McCleary, “kitchen or bath remodeling is a sure-fire investment, often returning more than 100 percent of the cost.” And winter is a great time to tackle a bathroom remodel.
The Duffy Home Solutions property management team can guide and facilitate Greenwich homeowners through bathroom renovations of any scope. We will ensure the project is handled with efficiency and an eye for detail. Our streamlined process ensures that you avoid the headaches associated with coordinating unreliable contractors, changing timeliness and unexpected costs. Our team will provide:
Your project can also be coordinated and scheduled around an upcoming winter or spring vacation for increased efficiency and convenience.
It doesn’t take long for a kitchen to lose its luster or simply go out of style. And sometimes you just want the space to function better as your needs evolve. Oftentimes kitchen renovations don’t require a full gut job. Kitchen remodels can be effective with just a refresh that may include new countertops and/or backsplash, additional cabinet or island space, fixtures or new cabinets. Items such as flooring, moldings, and plaster or wallboard can remain in place in a refresh.
This winter the Duffy Home Solutions Design-Build team can help you strategically scope a kitchen refresh project that will update the style, comfort and functionality of your kitchen without the expense of a full renovation.
Given today’s extremely long lead times on new furniture, it may make sense to repair certain existing pieces. The Duffy Home Solutions Property Management team’s in-house designers can orchestrate the repair and updating of your existing furniture. Re-upholstering otherwise good quality chairs, sofas and headboards can be a fun and exciting way to upgrade the look and comfort of your favorite furniture items. We can also oversee the repair and refinishing of your wood furniture using expert furniture finishers.
Paint color is one of the most obvious design elements that can make a room look dated. Newly updated color-schemes can dramatically enhance the aesthetics of your home. The Duffy Home Solutions Property Management team can guide you with a new palate for a particular room or for the entire home. We also coordinate accessories to tie it all together! The cold winter months in Greenwich, CT are an opportune time to repaint while painters generally have less work.
Winter in Greenwich, CT means that trades are more available for renovation projects. When you’re a Duffy Home Solutions property management customer you have one point of contact for all of your home renovation, remodel, repair and maintenance needs. Handling home maintenance work this way provides peace of mind, makes things run easier and smoother, and ensures that all of your home projects will be handled by local experts in their field.
Managing a home in Greenwich, CT can almost be a full time job. Greenwich property management tasks such as power washing the patio, painting the house, or putting away patio furniture are hard to ignore, but there are several home maintenance needs that do. At Duffy Home Solutions our Greenwich property management team has put together a list of tasks that should be done on a regular basis to keep your appliances, mechanical equipment and home working efficiently and effectively.
Enrolling in our property management program can ensure these items are taken care of for you. Following are a few key home maintenance initiatives to keep an eye on.
Tree limbs can cause a lot of damage if they fall on the house, auxiliary buildings, or other plantings or trees. And overgrown shrubs that are too close to the house can inhibit airflow and lead to mold and/or rot on siding. The property management team at Greenwich Home Management can inspect the entire property at least once per year to determine if any trees need to be trimmed or plantings need to be trimmed or moved.
Some homeowners don’t realize that inspecting and cleaning the HVAC system is critical to helping mechanical equipment operate at peak efficiency. In addition, this yearly home maintenance task can help equipment last longer. And finding and fixing minor issues can help avoid larger breakdowns before they become bigger, more expensive problems. AC systems should be inspected and cleaned once per year, around May. Heating system yearly maintenance should be completed around October.
Putting this task off could reduce the life span of your refrigerator. Condenser coils run across the bottom or back of the unit. Over time they collect dust and pet hair. This clogs the vents and limits airflow. As a result the unit has to work harder to maintain the proper temperature. The fridge will then use more energy and more strain will be put on the mechanical components. Cleaning refrigerator coils is the type of chore that homeowners often avoid. That’s where Duffy Home Solutions Greenwich property management services come in. Tasks like this can be part of your regular, ongoing home maintenance plan.
One of the leading causes of hot water heater failure is not draining the tank at least once per year. Sediment can settle at the bottom of the tank. When left in, the sediment can corrode the tank and cause it to leak. When the tank is full of sediment the equipment also has to work harder. This puts strain on the system that can reduce the life span of the unit.
Hot water heaters have a sacrificial anode rod inside the tank. It works by attracting corrosive elements away from other parts of the tank. The anode rod should be inspected regularly and replaced once it becomes significantly deteriorated. The Duffy Home Solutions Greenwich property management team recommends inspecting hot water heaters once per year. During the inspecting we drain the tank and inspect the anode rod.
There’s nothing like relaxing in front of the fire on a cold winter day. Avoiding chimney cleaning, however, could result in a serious safety issue. Over time wood burning fires deposit soot and creosote inside the lining of the chimney. These elements are highly flammable. Too much buildup could cause a chimney fire. We recommend cleaning the chimney once per year.
Most know to clean the dryer lint trap after each run. This allows airflow to effectively move through the dryer. The equipment has to work harder and takes longer to dry clothes when clogged. The same rule applies to the vent pipe itself. Lint can build up inside the pipe. This restricts airflow as it works to push air out. More importantly, a dryer vent full of lint can be a serious safety issue. Lint is extremely flammable and can ignite while the machine is running. The Duffy Home Solutions Greenwich property management team cleans dryer vents by using special brushes with a long extension.
Making sure your home is properly maintained will help the investments that you make last longer, and keep things running more efficiently. Some homeowners keep lists of essential home maintenance tasks to check off throughout the year. For those that would rather spend their free time being with family and friends, Duffy Home Solutions offers full service property management services for Greenwich Homeowners. We provide one point of contact for all of your home maintenance needs.
Every section of the country has its unique challenges when it comes to home maintenance, renovations, new construction and residential property management. Weather, geography, vegetation, and permitting all play a role. So what do you need to think about when considering how to manage property and/or renovate in the town of Greenwich? There are several unique attributes of Greenwich in particular that makes it a challenge. These same factors also make it a privilege to live here. Let’s take a look.
The Greenwich, CT area has unique landscape features that can make renovation, new construction and landscaping a bit of a challenge. The area has a lot of ledge, for example. This specific issue has been a thorn in the side of Greenwich homebuilders, residential property management companies and homeowners for years. Ledge in the ground makes it very hard to dig for a pool or basement foundation. Growing grass, trees and plantings can also be difficult unless you’re able to get enough soil over it to allow for proper root growth. Blasting the ledge is typically the solution when looking to dig deep into the ground.
Having a relationship with an experienced Greenwich area homebuilder and maintenance professional will be key when looking to build and maintain a waterfront property. The land in the area typically has a high water table and so drainage and redirection of water is key for keeping finished basements dry and building new foundations. In addition these types of lots often have sloping and rocky topography with highly technical engineering requirements for building.
When it comes to maintenance, it’s important to have a residential property management professional that understands how to take care of waterfront homes. The salt air and winds coming off the water will ware on the structure and landscaping much quicker than homes that are inland. More frequent inspection, repair and maintenance of roofing, flashing, decking, doors and windows is typically the norm. Greenwich Home Management manages waterfront properties and so we understand what it takes to keep up.
If you’re building or buying property directly on the waterfront, or positioned just off the water, you’ll want to consider the interior of the home as well. Sand and saltwater will inevitably make its way inside. Flooring, fine rugs, and upholstery can be subject to ware when exposed to these elements. Consider installing an outdoor shower and be sure to have a mudroom space or entry with durable flooring to catch sand. And make it a habit to remove shoes before entering the main space.
Greenwich is an area with a large population and high frequency of complex home building and renovation projects. Large homes that are built on challenging land require specific permit requirements from the town. It’s critical to have a building partner that understands the local permitting process. At Greenwich Home Management we’ve been managing residential properties and building new homes and renovations for years in Greenwich. As a result we have relationships with town officials as well as an intimate knowledge of the permitting requirements.
This factor is not unique to Greenwich, however the New England climate is something that homeowners here need to consider. Typical Connecticut seasonal weather factors require ongoing maintenance. Autumn means fall cleanup, gutter cleaning and tree trimming. The winter snow and ice as well as heavy spring rains and summer heat can ware on roofing, flashing, decking, masonry, siding, and other parts of the home. When homeowners are enrolled with Greenwich Home Management property management program they have one point of contact for professionals across all trades.
If you’re considering building a new home or renovating an existing property in Greenwich, CT, it’s important to know the challenges you may face. This way you’ll be prepared when it comes time to build or buy and you’ll know what to expect in terms of ongoing property management requirements. At Greenwich Home Management we’ve helped numerous families navigate the area. We’ve found that living in this beautiful section of the country is well worth any of the challenges that it may pose.
There are numerous projects that come up around the house are appropriate for a handyman to tackle. Sometimes home renovation or maintenance tasks require the skill of an experienced professional. Other times you may just not have the time to handle everything that needs to be done around the house. Either way these are just a few of the key home maintenance projects that call for a Greenwich area handyman.
Clogged gutters and damaged flashing and roofing material can lead to water issues inside the house. When gutters get clogged, water can backup and work itself under roofing material, eventually moving it’s way into the house. Gunk in gutters can also attract rodents and pests and be a harbinger for mold. This is a good job for a handyman. The project is not only time consuming, it also requires getting up on high ladders, which can be dangerous and requires specific equipment.
Damaged wood, shingle, metal or slate roofing and flashing can also lead to water infiltration. Oftentimes this type of issue goes unnoticed for long periods of time. Water can get inside soffits and attic space, and soak insulation and framing while causing mildew and rot that can’t bee seen. A good handyman can provide an inspection of these spaces periodically and fix issues as needed.
Power washing is one of those tasks that requires a fair amount of time as well as specific equipment. It can be difficult to justify making the investment in a power washer, particularly when you may only use it once per year. At Greenwich Home Management our residential property management team handles a large number of power washing jobs across Greenwich and surrounding Fairfield County towns. We send a handyman to tackle power washing of siding, driveways, patio furniture, stone surfaces and more. This is an excellent task to outsource and the results are gratifying.
Even the highest quality hardware tends to become misaligned over time. Hinges and doorknobs can be tricky to get just right, and It can be frustrating when doors and windows stick or when locks are hard to open or close. Bringing in a handyman from a property management team can make all the difference. When a stuck door is restored to its proper functionality, it’s a nice relief.
Installing or repairing a fixture, such as chandelier, kitchen sink, water filter, or shower faucet requires time and can be an intimidating task for homeowners. These are the types of jobs are perfect for the handyman crew of our property management team at Greenwich Home Management. And when you have a professional handling the task you’ll have peace of mind that the job will be done property. That’s important because improper installation can result in flooding, electric or other issues. It can be extremely frustrating when things in the house don’t work property, particularly after spending precious time working on them. Hiring a professional in this case is always a good idea.
Light bulb changing is the never-ending task of homeownership. And some of them are difficult, or near impossible to reach without large ladders. This is one project that’s simply a delight to outsource. Changing light bulbs is one of the more common tasks that the handyman crew at Greenwich Home Management handles for our Greenwich clients. Just give us a call and we’ll take care of it. In addition we can string your interior and exterior holiday and decorative lights. So you’ll always have a warm and inviting property to come home to around the holidays.
Having a trusted Greenwich area handyman to reach out to can be a time saver and always ensures that projects around the house get done efficiently and correctly. When you have Greenwich Home Management residential property management team on your side it just takes one phone call to handle any and all of your home maintenance needs.
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
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.
Dealing with property management projects can be time consuming and costly. Waiting them out, however, can lead to even larger jobs with higher costs. In and around the Greenwich, CT area the ever-changing weather constantly tests our homes. Fairfield County, CT climates bring heavy rains, heat, cold, snow, ice, and wind. These elements put strain on your HVAC system, erode roofing and siding, etc. Keeping up with maintenance can save you in the long run, whether you do the work yourself or employ a residential property management company. The following projects require attention before they lead to bigger issues.Homeowners know it’s a just a matter of time before the next home maintenance issue comes up. This is particularly the case in the harsh climate of Greenwich, CT and surrounding Fairfield County. Weather is constantly testing homes. There are ways, however, to prevent small problems from becoming major issues. Bringing in a residential property management company to maintain your home can help keep systems and materials in good condition, and help stave off costly repairs. To help prioritize the items that demand the most attention let’s take a look at repairs that are typically the most expensive.
Replacing an entire roof is a big, costly job, particularly if you have wood or slate roofing. You can extend the life of your roof, and avoid significant repairs, by conducting regular maintenance from a trusted residential property management company. Yearly roof inspections can uncover minor issues that have the potential to get worse down the line. For example, damaged or missing shingles and flashing should be replaced. Trees limbs hanging over the roof should be trimmed. Leaves and debris should be removed from the roof to avoid rotting. And proper ventilation, such as ridgeline, soffit and even cupola vents should be in place, and not blocked.
Average Cost:$1,200 for a small repair and up to $75,000 for a wood roof replacement.
Foundation issues can be caused by a number of different factors that all revolve around the levels of moisture in the soil. Some of these include poor drainage, poor grading, and/or high levels of clay in the ground. Cracks in the foundation can occur when the soil swells intermittently during heavy rains and melting snow, and then contracts during dry periods. Cracks in the foundation can lead to water infiltration and cause structural issues. These can be costly to fix. If you have an issue like this call a professional to assess the situation. Better yet have someone keep an eye on the foundation and surrounding landscape before there’s a big problem.
Proper drainage can be maintained with yearly inspection. Your handyman should conduct a thorough cleaning of the gutters once per year. In addition downspouts should be cleared of clogs and the surrounding landscape should be monitored to ensure the grades continually slope away from the house. You should also keep an eye on pooling water. Conditions change, and if you start seeing resting water it’s time to have a professional make a change to ensure the water runs off properly.
Average Cost: $850 for a superficial crack repair to $20,000 for structural restoration
The average lifespan of a central air conditioning unit is roughly 12 -15 years. Furnaces last 20 years on average. With regular maintenance, however, these units have the potential to go far beyond that. It is recommended to have your HVAC system inspected, cleaned and tuned once per year. The best time to schedule your AC inspection will be in the early spring before you start heavy use. For the furnace you’ll want to get the inspection done in early fall before the heating season begins. Without proper maintenance small issues can become big issues with big price tags attached.
Average Cost: $472 for AC, $588 for furnace repairs and approximatly $20,000 for a new furnace
Replacing a septic system can be costly and extremely disruptive to your outdoor space. Investing in maintenance it is well worth it. When it comes to avoiding septic issues some preventative steps can be taken by the homeowner. Others require a residential property management professional that can bring in the right specialists.
To keep your septic system functioning at peak efficiency never flush anything other than bodily waste and toilet paper. These items will break down with water and diminish with time. This goes for the kitchen sink as well – only water should go down the drain. Food particles and grease are not septic friendly. Have your home maintenance professional schedule a pumping and inspection every one to two years. This will help avoid any issues and ensure the system is functioning properly.
Average Cost:up to $30,000 for a full septic system replacement and approximately $500 for a yearly pump out
Average Cost:$823 to repair and $4,500 to replace
Water heater issues can lead to flooding and problems can occur when the unit is not maintained. Your home maintenance professional should inspect your water heater yearly. Inspections include checking your shut off valves to make sure they are not broken. In addition joints should be inspected for signs of ware. And it’s always a good idea to flush the system once or twice per year to remove sediments. Failed water heaters are one of the main causes of residential water damage. Regular maintenance can help you avoid getting to that point.
When it comes to home repairs, maintaining is always cheaper than repairing or replacing. Of course finding trusted professionals across the large selection of trades can be time consuming. And it’s hard to know whom to trust. Using a residential property management company, like Greenwich Home Management, is an excellent option because we have the full range of trusted pros at our fingertips. At Greenwich Home Management we can schedule and monitor all of your regular home maintenance inspections, cleanings, and repairs, so that your property remains in peak working order.
The best way to protect your home, likely your biggest investment, is through preventative maintenance. What may be only a small problem now could develop into a disaster down the road. And the time and cost of preventative care is only a fraction of what you might have to spend if you neglect it. Here's a checklist of tasks that we recommend for every home as the Autumn season sets in.
For assistance with these or any other home maintenance or repair tasks contact us.
