Certain home maintenance and renovation projects can be a disruption to life at home. The perfect time to schedule this type of work is while you’re away on vacation. This way you can avoid having work done on the spaces that you enjoy day to day, particularly in the summer.
At the moment Greenwich Home Management property management team is working on a kitchen facelift in Greenwich, CT. Just one of the many projects we have in progress around the Fairfield County area. This includes repainting cabinets, and replacing the outdated hardware, backsplash and countertops. This is a quick, high impact renovation that can be done easily when you’re on a trip. Here are a few others:
This is a really good home maintenance project to complete while on vacation since you should avoid driving on fresh pavement for the first three to five days after the job is completed. Ideally you should wait up to two weeks before parking on a new driveway. And when you do park, for a short period after that, try to avoid placing the car in direct sun where the asphalt is hottest.
Hiring the right pavement contractor is critical because the job requires following the right application process, using the right materials, and implementing proper drainage. These steps are important to maintaining the longevity of the surface. Greenwich Home Management works with the best pavement contractors in the Greenwich, CT area.
We’ve had a couple of hot days this year in Greenwich and some pool maintenance needs may have already become apparent. Instead of losing out on quality swimming days during repairs, schedule the maintenance during your next trip. The Greenwich Home Management property management team is hard at work repairing cracked, faded or rough pool surfaces and tile, leaking and malfunctioning pool pumps and filters, and broken pool heaters. These projects will help ensure back yard parties go off without a hitch.
Refinishing hardwood floors can put a whole level of the home out of commission. The process requires several days for sanding and multiple coats of stain. This is a great time to be on vacation. And newly finished hardwood floors are a pleasure to come home to.
One advantage of working with a property management company like Greenwich Home Management is that we can not only refinish the floors, but we’ll carefully move and stow your furniture and belongings and then return them in perfect condition so that it was as if nothing ever happened.
Marble, granite, soapstone and quartz countertops can get dingy and faded. Without treatment some materials can become susceptible to staining. Of course kitchen work is one of the most disruptive of the home maintenance projects. Although countertop sealing and polishing does not require a lot of time, it’s a good one to have done while you’re away. Coming home to nicely polished countertops is always a good thing.
Bathroom tile grout can crack and deteriorate over time. This is unsightly, but can also cause problems. Cracks in the grout can allow water to seep behind the tile. When this happens it can cause mold and rot. It can also compromise the integrity of the tile work, leading to more issues. Regrouting and/or sealing will help avoid serious potential issues and bring the tile back to life, giving it a fresh appearance.
Rug and carpet cleaning projects are another one of those property maintenance jobs that take over large areas of the home. While you and the family are lounging on the beach our crew will take care of it for you.
Care and attention should be placed on cleaning rug and carpet surfaces. The right chemicals and cleaners need to be used, and attention needs to be placed on the specific material the rug is made from. Certain area rugs require hand washing. Greenwich Home Management handles cleaning of delicate, heirloom, vintage and antique rugs to ensure the proper steps are being taken to clean these cherished items appropriately.
Vacation is a perfect time to complete home maintenance projects. When you are a Greenwich Home Management property management client we are key holders and a single source of contact for your Greenwich, CT home maintenance needs. This means we can handle all of your interior and exterior projects. Having a trusted partner for maintenance is priceless. Particularly when you’re away.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 weather in Connecticut can be brutal on your roof, particularly in costal towns like Greenwich. Your roof is the primary line of defense for stopping water from entering your home. Wind, rain, snow and ice slowly degrade the roofing material and flashing and at some point it will start to break down. When it comes time to repair or replace your roof, hiring the right professional is critical. Using a trusted residential property maintenance company for this job can help assure the job is done right.
Because storms can cause premature ware, a thorough roof inspection should be part of your yearly maintenance program. Hiring a residential property management company is a good first step. They’ll have experienced professionals on staff that can handle the inspection as well as any work that needs to be done.
Your home maintenance handyman will be looking for missing or damaged shingles, flashing that is damaged or out of place, and cracked rubber vent pipe boots, among other things. They’ll also inspect the gutters to ensure that water from the roof is running away from the house. They’ll also inspect your drainage. Bent or misaligned gutters, disconnected gutter straps, and/or clogging are all issues that should be resolved.
Sometimes homeowners don’t realize there is water entering the house because the damage can’t be seen within everyday living spaces. Slow leaks can infiltrate attics, crawl spaces, and basements. Your handyman will thoroughly inspect these areas to look for mold, water stains, wet insulation, and/or rotted wood.
Homeowners oftentimes try to solve a roofing issue with a hasty patch from workmen that are inexpensive. This process typically ends with more repairs shortly down the line and unresolved issues. Fixing a roof the right way is a process that requires knowledge and skill. This is particularly true when dealing with the complex rooflines of homes like those found in the Greenwich, CT area.
Oftentimes it makes more sense to replace the entire roof instead of adding patch after patch. By avoiding continual issues you’ll end up saving in the long run. Costs add up when water issues become persistent. You end up paying for the new roof as well as new insulation, sheetrock, paint, and sometimes even framing.
An ice dam is when poor insulation in the attic allows heat to escape and melt the snow on the roof. The melting snow trickles to the edge and freezes in thick bands. When snow continues to melt, the water gets trapped behind the damns and can get pushed back under the shingles and leak into the house.
There are multiple steps that can be taken to prevent ice dams. The first step is to make sure that your attic is properly insulated. Insulation issues can allow heat to escape and melt resting snow. Bat insulation can fall off over time, or even be removed by animals. And today’s insulation codes call for a far higher R-value than in years past.
Proper ventilation is another critical part of fighting ice dams. Make sure that your attic has ridge and eve vents, and that your soffits are properly vented. This ventilation helps cool air circulate through the attic and eves. Also make sure to move any items that are blocking vents. When inspecting your eves make sure that the bath and kitchen fans do not vent into the eves. They should always vent directly outside. Homeowners can handle some of these jobs, but rerouting soffit vents and installing a ridge vent are jobs that typically require a trained professional.
Making the investment to do the job right from the start is always a smart idea – particularly when it comes to your roof. Leaking roofs can lead to big, expensive issues. By hiring a residential property management company you’ll be assured that any roof repair or replacement job will be done right the first time.
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.
