This is an unusual time for us all. Like many you’re probably trying to figure out how to juggle family, work, and home tasks. Although some projects can be put on hold, certain home maintenance needs will require attention. Many New York City residents are coming to their second homes in Greenwich, CT to avoid the city. As a result we’re seeing an uptick in demand for properties that need to be ready for full time occupancy. So how should you approach residential property management during this time? Following are some ideas on how to keep your family and your home maintenance professionals healthy.
At Greenwich Home Management we provide residential property management services. As a result we dispatch the full range of home maintenance professionals. During this time of year in Greenwich, CT we are starting to handle outdoor work, such as spring-cleaning, masonry, and pool installs and openings. These workers pose lower health risk than others that need to be indoors. Indoor projects, of course, still require attention. When it comes to AC maintenance, appliance repair and plumbing issues, you’ll want to take additional care.
If you plan to have workers on your property it’s important to maintain close, remote communication with your property management company to ensure certain protocol can be implemented. You should feel comfortable asking questions and providing any guidelines that you feel are necessary to maintain the health of your family. In addition you may need to let your management team know when you want certain work to be done. And always inform crews before hand if you have someone in the house that is showing signs of sickness.
At Greenwich Home Management we are taking a range of precautions daily. Before dispatching a handyman, HVAC repair professional or landscape crew to someone’s house we ensure that nobody has fever, cough or shortness of breath. We instruct our crews to handle only the tools and equipment needed to accomplish the job. In addition our crew will regularly be using hand sanitizer, thoroughly washing hands, and avoiding contact with mouth, eyes and nose. We also employ facemasks and booties to cover footwear.
The New England Journal of Medicine states that coronaviruses do not survive well on clothing surfaces. As a result it is unlikely that a worker would carry the virus on their clothes into a home.
We are social animals and it’s instinctual to reach out and shake someone’s hand when they arrive up at your home. During this time, however, skip the handshake, and maintain six feet of distance to work crew. In some instances you may be more comfortable leaving instructions with your property management company that allows them to enter the home on their own.
At Greenwich Home Management our residential property management services are set up well for this type of situation. You have one point of contact for all of your home maintenance needs. And your management contact will have key access to allow workers into the home if needed. If it makes you more comfortable we can let the tradesman into the home even if you are there. This way you can avoid any potential contact. And we can work closely with you to establish schedules that you’re comfortable with.
Many Greenwich residents are now working from home. As a result a home office space needs to be fully functional. For those using weekend homes, dedicated offices may not be in place. And of course the kids are home now full time. This all leads to more usage of equipment and appliances as well as special requirements that may need maintenance and/or setup. Your property management company can help you establish a comfortable workspace.
It’s spring and so there are likely several projects that need to be completed. And of course things always come up unexpectedly. To help make the process easier during this stressful time, our property management team can tackle all of your spring maintenance needs. These may include AC tune-up and cleaning, spring yard cleanup, roof repair, wet basement issues, driveway repair, gutter cleaning, etc.
Making smart decisions when it comes to social distancing can make all the difference in this unique situation. Our Greenwich, CT residential property management team will do our part to help keep you and your family healthy. Eventually we’ll get through this and we’ll do it by working together.
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.
