When identifying a company to care for your home maintenance needs, location counts. For Greenwich, CT residents, hiring a Greenwich property management company can yield a range of benefits. Let’s take a look at why going hyper local makes sense when you’re in need of HVAC, plumbing or appliance repair, or even more simple home upkeep services.
Property management companies use a range of different terms to define the business including property maintenance company, home maintenance company, and home management company. At Duffy Home Solutions our Greenwich Property Management services provide one source for all home upkeep, maintenance and repairs – small or large. Types of services can range from replacing lightbulbs and cleaning outdoor furniture to diagnosing and repairing HVAC and plumbing systems.
Duffy Home Solutions’ Greenwich Property Management team is located in Greenwich, CT and has been since 1988. We only serve homeowners in town. As a result, we know the area very well, and the property maintenance challenges that are specific to the town.
Greenwich is broken up into three general zones that include the waterfront, in town, and back country. Let’s take a look at the unique property maintenance needs of the waterfront and back country.
The position of Greenwich along the coast means that the water table is high. This can result in a range of issues for homes that are on or close to the water. Basement flooding as well as lawn and driveway flooding can lead to major issues. Our Greenwich Property Management team has done extensive work on exterior drainage, sump pump installment and repair, and even excavation to move water away from the house when water levels rise.
Another issue that waterfront homes in Greenwich face is rapid wear and tear on home exteriors. The salt air and heavy winds can cause maintenance issues that include siding, door and window rot and corrosion, roof shingle and flashing damage, and downed trees. Getting ahead of these issues can help avoid further damage down the line. And having a local maintenance provider that understands the area intimately can be key to properly diagnosing issues and effectively repairing them.
One of the most significant issues that Greenwich homeowners face when living in the back country is sparsity of underground water. Because the landscape in this section of town is riddled with ledge rock, plentiful well water can be an issue. Warm summer months can lead to dry springs.
Our Greenwich Property Management team has helped homeowners that have simply run out of water when trying to balance household needs with irrigation. We have tricks to help the property produce more water. And we’ve worked closely with local irrigation companies to help homeowners implement irrigation strategies so they do not run out of water for the house or plantings.
Another key benefit to having a local home maintenance solution in town is the ability to respond to issues quickly and efficiently. Our office is only minutes away from our property management clients. When you need us, we’ll be there.
Because The Duffy Home Solutions Greenwich Property Management team is familiar with the specific issues of the town, we not only help fix maintenance problems, but we can also help provide solutions to mitigate issues in the future. Our in-house team of licensed and insured maintenance journeyman, combined with our longstanding relationships with Greenwich based subs, allows us to provide comprehensive service to homeowners specifically in Greenwich.
Contact Duffy Home Solutions for more information about Property Management Services.
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.
Your central AC units use a considerable amount of energy. As the summer approaches the Greenwich, CT area it’s a good time to start thinking about how you can help keep your AC running as efficiently as possible. By doing so you’ll reduce your carbon footprint and lower your energy bills. Start by taking steps to keep cool air from escaping your home. Your residential property management company can help you with some of the more complicated steps, but homeowners can handle some of these efforts as well.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.
