The leaves are starting to turn and it’s time to start thinking about buttoning up the property for winter. It’s always sad to see the summer go, but making sure your property maintenance needs are taken care of will ensure your home stays looking and functioning well through the winter and beyond. The Greenwich Home Management Property Management team is hard at work on fall maintenance projects that include winterizing water spigots, cleaning and storing outdoor furniture and cushions, and gutter cleaning, among others. Let’s take a look at some of the home maintenance projects you should be taking care of this time of year.
The spring and summer months can cause paint to chip and peel. When left unattended these spots can lead to rot. Nip any potential issues in the bud by sanding, scraping, priming, and painting or staining these spots. This is the type of job that a homeowner can handle, but high spots require tall ladders, and severe peeling paint is most efficiently handled by power equipment. Greenwich Home Management has the equipment for these tricky and time-consuming projects.
One of the most appreciated home maintenance tasks that the Greenwich Home Management Property Management Team handles for Greenwich, CT homeowners is the cleaning and storing of outdoor furniture and cushions. Mildew, dirt and even food spills can build up over the summer. It’s always a pleasure to have fresh, clean cushions in the springtime when it’s time to start enjoying outdoor spaces again.
Your boiler or furnace and your generator should be serviced yearly. Regular HVAC and generator maintenance will help ensure your most valuable home equipment is running at peak efficiency. Cleaning and maintaining these systems will also help prolong the life of the equipment and help avoid bigger mechanical issues down the line. When you’re a Greenwich Home Management Property Management client we schedule these appointments for you, and ensure that the best Greenwich, CT area maintenance professionals are taking care of the work.
Water left inside hoses and water spigots throughout the winter can freeze and crack the equipment. To avoid this issue it’s always a good idea to drain them around this time. If there are turn valves inside the basement for outdoor faucets, make sure to turn these off and then drain the pipe by opening the spigot until it runs dry. Drain hoses and then put them away in the basement, garage or storage shed.
Clogged gutters can lead to serious issues. Water cannot properly drain when leafs and debris pile up inside gutters. When water cannot drain properly the gutters can overflow and damage the roof. Overflowing water can also pour down against the foundation, which can lead to flooding issues in the basement. Furthermore, debris can be a nesting place for rodents and bugs.
Gutter cleaning is a task typically handled by a home maintenance professional. The Greenwich Home Management Property Management team has the proper ladders to reach high spots. After cleaning the gutters we test the water flow of your downspouts to ensure they are not clogged. If they are clogged we will make sure to remove the blockage and restore proper flow.
It’s always a good idea to have your roof inspected to ensure that no issues are occurring in places that cannot be seen day to day. Inspections can uncover curling or missing shingles, damaged or missing flashing, and/or inadequate attic, eve and soffit ventilation. All of these potential issues, when left untreated, can lead to serious problems down the line. Points of entry for moisture can cause rot and mold. Greenwich Home Management provides full roof inspections to give you peace of mind as we move into winter.
Fall is a special time of year in Greenwich, CT. As we think about moving into winter, tackling these jobs now will help you rest easy when the snow starts falling. But we know you’re busy, and want to spend time with family and friends. When you sign up for the Greenwich Home Management Property Management program, all of your home maintenance needs can be taken care of, year round. We employ the most trusted pros in the Greenwich area to ensure your home maintenance needs are not only taken care of, but taken care of the right way.
The spring and summer seasons are upon us. This means finally being able to enjoy your outdoor spaces. The Greenwich, CT area is seeing warm weather and it’s time to relax on the patio or take a dip in the pool. But before you mix that margarita, you’ll want to make sure your maintenance tasks are taken care of. At Greenwich Home Management our residential property management team is busy power washing patios, repairing pool surfaces and cleaning gutters, among other home maintenance tasks. Here are a few items that typically require attention this time of year.
Teak, wickerand metal outdoor furniture gets dingy with mildew and dirt over the winter. Take care when washing these surfaces. A mild cleaner and scrub brush will be all that’s needed to clean them properly. Dish soap and water is typically sufficient, however if you have stubborn residue you can use environmentally friendly cleaners that can be purchased at a garden center. Scrub gently at first and increase the pressure as needed. You can also carefully power wash teak furniture to bring it back to looking brand new.
The Greenwich Home Management property management team handles furniture cleaning. We take it a step further for our clients by taking away all outdoor patio cushions in the fall. We clean andstore them in a dry space and bring them back fresh in the spring.
If you plan to wash your windows yourself, consider purchasing a squeegee. This tool will make the job a lot easier and help ensure a professional level of clean. Make sure, however, to purchase a few extra blades. They tend to get cracked or nicked and this can cause streaking. When our property management team’s professional window cleaning crewuses squeegees they change out the blade frequently. This ensures a beautiful result for every window.
Patio stone, driveways, siding, and decking can develop a coating of dirt and mildew over the winter. Power washing can be an excellent way to bring these surfaces back to life. This tool, however, is extremely powerful. It can take paint off of a car, break windows, or put holes in brick surfaces when not used properly. If you plan to handle power washing yourself, there are a few things to keep in mind. Always wear eye protection and long pants, make sure you use the right settings for the type of material you are washing, and avoid using the power washer while on a ladder.
Over time the weather in Greenwich, CT wares on pool surfaces. Fluctuating temperatures, ice, hot sun, and wind can cause tile, plaster and vinyl to degrade over time. Repairing pool surfaces is typically a job for a professional pool repairman. Our property management team includes pool repair specialist that can bring a pool back to life to be enjoyed for years to come. If it’s early in the season we will drain the pool and make any necessary repairs. If the pool is in use and you don’t want to drain it, we can provide underwater plaster repair of small cracks or chips.
Spring and summer brings bugs and insects. One of the first steps in helping to reduce the chance of being overrun by ants, spiders, wasps, cockroaches, and so on, is to conduct a thorough house cleaning. Some of these critters like warm moist places so make sure to remove clutter around the outside and inside the home. If you already have a problem, reach out to our property management team. Our pest specialist can remove bugs and insects and take thorough steps to ensure they don’t return.
This is one of those jobs that’s often best handled by the professionals. It’s a big job and often requires high ladder work. Bringing in a property management team to paint the exterior of your home will give you more time to enjoy your outdoor spaces. The painting teams at Greenwich Home Management will clean the exterior thoroughly, sand and scrape and then apply finish to trim and siding. There’s nothing like a fresh paint job to make the house look beautiful for the summer.
The changing seasons in Greenwich, CT brings falling leaves and tree debris that ends up in gutters. Spring is a good time to clean gutters. When left unattended they can get clogged. When this happened they overflow and can backup under shingles and cause serious moisture issues. If you’re not comfortable on a ladder have a professional handle the job.
Taking care of spring and summer outdoor maintenance pays off big when it comes time to enjoying your outdoor spaces. When it comes to the tricky home maintenance tasks, bring in the help of a Greenwich, CT residential property maintenance team. You’ll feel better when things are taken care of the right way.
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.
Keeping up with regular property maintenance can be a chore, but staying on top of it can help avoid bigger issues down the line. Our Greenwich, CT area handyman pros and trade experts put together a list of items that should be completed throughout the year. By staying on top of these items you’ll extend the life of your equipment and systems. You’ll also feel good knowing that your home is taken care of.
Fire and carbon monoxide issues, although relatively rare, are real threats to you safety and property. Stay safe by testing your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and inspecting fire extinguishers on a regular basis. To test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors check with the manufacturers instructions for the exact steps to take. Typically they are equipped with test buttons that are easy to operate. To inspect your fire extinguisher first check the gauges needle to ensure it indicates proper pressure. Secondly lift the extinguisher to make sure it is still full. And always make sure that it’s unobstructed.
Obstructed air vents can lead to moisture and mold issues. Sometimes these types of problems occur out of site. To avoid issues your monthly home maintenance program should consist of a thorough inspection of gable, ridge, and other vents. Check to make sure that boxes or other items are not blocking airflow.
Clogged filters can lead to poor performance and make equipment work harder by restricting proper air and water flow. This can shorten the life of some systems. Check your HVAC, range hood and water system filters to make sure they remain clean. Clean or replace them if needed per the instructions on the filter or packaging.
Maintaining your roof is one of the most critical property maintenance tasks. A residential property management company may be required to handle this one. To ensure that the roof stays watertight, shingles and flashing should be inspected. Replace or repair missing, worn or damaged materials. Also inspect the vents on the exterior to ensure there are no issues that may restrict airflow. And make sure there are no tree limbs hanging over the roof. They can break off and cause damage.
Remove debris from gutters and test the downspouts to make sure they are flowing properly. Inspect the gutters and replace or repair any damaged or missing parts that would affect water flow. On the ground make sure that water is flowing away from the house by inspecting the runoff areas under each gutter. Downspouts that are connected to underground drains should be attached securely at the base of the connection. And make sure that slabs on the ground under downspouts are in good condition and tilting away from the foundation.
A professional residential property management company should service your central AC units each year. The springtime is a good time to do this. Your HVAC professional will clean the system, inspect the controls and replace or clean the filters. These inspections are critical to keeping your HVAC system running at peak efficiency and will make the equipment last longer.
Rotting wood and crumbling stone and concrete can lead to safety and water issues. Inspect the siding, trim, walkways, foundation and retaining walls. Make sure there are no cracks, rot or missing pieces. If there are issues you may want to bring in a property management company to help complete the repairs.
To help avoid any rotting issues inspect stained and painted surfaces and refinish the decking, siding, trim and/or outdoor furniture if needed. It can be easy to let these projects go another year, but exposed wood can lead to rot, and that will be a bigger job down the line.
Homeowners typically have their chimney cleaned in the fall. Doing it in the summer, however, gives you a better chance of getting an appointment before the fall rush. Chimneys should be inspected and cleaned once each year if used regularly. A chimney professional will inspect the firebox, liners, flue and smoke chamber to ensure there are no cracks or issues. He will also inspect the exterior to make sure the masonry and flashing is in good condition.
Having your furnace inspected is a critical yearly maintenance task. This is one task that requires a property maintenance professional. They’ll have a licensed HVAC specialist on staff that can clean and inspect the system. Doing so will keep the equipment working at peak efficiency. It will also help to extend the life of your furnace.
If you’ve been considering replacing your windows, fall is a good time to do so before the weather turns cold. Today’s energy efficient windows are made so well that some manufacturers claim a 30 percent energy savings when replacing non-efficient types. Different manufactures and models have different performance ratings, so consult a professional to help guide you.
It’s always a good idea to winterize outdoor water faucets, pipes and irrigation systems. Frozen outdoor plumbing can lead to burst pipes. To winterize start by disconnecting, draining and storing your outdoor hoses. If the faucets have a shut off valve indoors make sure to turn those off. To winterize irrigation and sprinkler lines, drain the lines and turn off the water supply to the system.
Cleaning the condenser coils on your refrigerator can help it run more efficiency. When the coils are clogged with dust and dirt they can’t release heat as efficiently. As a result the unit not only functions less efficiently, but also works harder. This can decrease the lifespan of the equipment. Coils can typically be found on the back or on the front at the bottom. Pull off the protective grate and vacuum the coils with a brush attachment. Special refrigerator coil brush attachments are also available for vacuums.
Clearing snow doesn’t end with a plowed driveway and shoveled walkway. When storms hit you’ll want to make sure gas meters and access to oil lines are clear. When snow and ice accumulate around gas meters it can cause a dangerous buildup of gas that can leak into the home. And the oil company will need to access your lines, so make sure to keep a pathway snow and ice free. Also, keep an eye on exterior vents to make sure they are not blocked by snow and ice.
This list covers some of the basics of home maintenance. Maintaining your home year round requires a lot of vigilance and some know how. To help ease the burden, and ensure that these tasks are being done correctly, consider hiring a residential property management company. At Greenwich Home Management we have trained and licensed professionals in all trades on staff as well as essential handyman services. Having a trusted professional to handle these efforts will provide piece of mind for your family.
Those of us familiar with Fairfield County, CT winters know that the season can be brutal on our homes, particularly in coastal towns like Greenwich, Westport, and Fairfield. Most of the time damage from the snow, freezing rain, ice, and cold temperatures is caused slowly, out of site. To avoid issues it’s important to prepare your house for winter before the harsh weather sets in. Some of these home maintenance tasks can be accomplished by homeowners; others are best handled by a residential property management team that provides handyman services.
Buttoning Up Your Building Envelope
When water ends up in the wrong places it can cause big problems including rot and mold. To avoid water issues from rain, sleet and melting snow and ice, you’ll want to make sure water is effectively flowing away from the house. The first line of defense is drainage. Start by cleaning your gutters, or have your handyman service do so. Remove all debris then test each downspout to make sure they are flowing, as they should. If you have basement flooding issues, or basement water problems of any kind, make sure the gutter downspouts extend at least four feet beyond the foundation.
Inspection and Repair of Your Roof
The roof is one of the most critical elements to shore up during residential winter preparation. Prepping the roof starts with a thorough inspection. You’ll want to make sure there are no loose or missing shingles, the gutters are secured to the structure and not damaged, and that the flashing is properly fastened and in good condition. If you live on a wooded lot, like many Fairfield County residents do, make sure there are no low hanging tree limbs over the house, as they may break with the weight of heavy snow and ice and cause damage to the roof. Also, check for potential signs of leaks in the roof by inspecting the attic for mold, damaged insulation, and/or water stains.
Roof inspection and repair is one step that is probably best handled by an experienced handyman service or residential property management company. They’ll be able to not only identify issues, but also make necessary home repairs. Making sure the proper steps are taken by hiring a home maintenance professional can mean the difference between a small home repair now and a major carpentry project in the future.
Standard Yearly Home Maintenance
The major mechanical systems of your home require yearly maintenance. When it comes to winter prep one of the most important systems to service will be your HVAC. Having your furnace cleaned and inspected each year is critical to keeping it in good working order, and doing so will help you avoid larger issues down the line. A trusted HVAC professional can help you here.
If you have a sump pump make sure the system is fully operational by testing the backflow valves and making sure the discharge pipe is unobstructed. If you have a radon removal system that uses a carbon filter make sure the filter is changed out if it’s due. Also, make sure that your chimney has been cleaned before using the fireplace–and carefully inspect the exterior of the chimney to ensure there are no cracks or leaks. Lastly, if you’re due for a septic cleaning it’s best to get that done before the snow piles up on the yard.
Shore up Your Plumbing
Frozen pipes can be an issue when really low temperatures set in. To help avoid pipes from freezing you’ll want to make sure they are properly insulated, and that insulation has not degraded or been removed by animals. Plumbing that runs along outside walls should receive particular attention, as they will be more exposed to the cold.
Have your water heater inspected to make sure it’s’ working properly to avoid a breakdown when you need it the most. And it’s never a bad idea to have your garbage disposal checked to ensure it doesn’t break down while your preparing your holiday meals.
Protecting Shoreline Area & Waterfront Homes
For Fairfield County residents in shoreline towns like Fairfield, Greenwich, Stamford, Norwalk, and Westport, certain property maintenance steps will be even more important. Shoreline areas typically see stronger winds and driving rain. As a result these residents should take special care when inspecting shingles, flashing and chimneys. They should also keep a close eye on tree limbs that are near to the house. And proper drainage will be essential for high water table areas that are more prone to basement flooding.
Undertaking thorough winter property maintenance can require a range of experienced professionals. A trusted residential property management company that provides handyman services can take the entire process off your shoulders. At Greenwich Home Management we have a full team of trusted, experienced home maintenance pros at our fingertips to handle the entirety of your winter preparation needs, as well as your year round maintenance needs. Contact us to learn more.
