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.

Maintaining a home in Greenwich, CT is a year round effort involving a wide range of seasonal and yearly tasks. If you’ve moved from an apartment in New York City to Greenwich, the contrast in responsibilities can be overwhelming. Property upkeep is no less daunting for those that have owned property in the suburbs for years. Fairfield County, CT provides a range of unique maintenance challenges. Oftentimes homeowners look to property management services to help stay on top of things.

HVAC Needs

Homes in New England towns like Greenwich are constantly subject to harsh heat and cold. As a result your HVAC system is in high demand almost year round. High temperatures in the summer can require your AC to run constantly, and cold winters put strain on furnaces. Conducting yearly inspections and cleaning of your HVAC system is essential to avoiding large mechanical issues. These checkups also help keep the equipment running at peak efficiency. When you hire a residential property management company, such as Greenwich Home Management, we will schedule AC and Furnace maintenance with trusted local HVAC professionals. In fact, our home maintenance company can help maintain your entire property year round.

Water and Waterfront Issues

Greenwich waterfront properties have a unique set of maintenance needs. High water tables can lead to basement, yard and driveway flooding. And wind and rain coming off the Long Island Sound can constantly barrage your exterior. The roof, siding, doors, driveway, and deck all wear faster as a result of these conditions. Your home maintenance service can provide regular inspections, repairs, and upkeep. Typical tasks include painting, roofing repair and replacement, wet basement repair, drainage modifications, rust remediation, etc. Even if your home is not located directly on the water, the Greenwich, CT climate is still a bear on home exteriors. All of the issues mentioned above typically require attention, just not as frequently.

Permitting

If you’re planning to remodel or build a pool or addition in Greenwich, CT you’ll want to first consider the permitting requirements. They can be complicated. The property management professionals at Greenwich Home Management provide full renovation services. We are highly experienced with area regulations and can navigate the entire permitting and building process. Building in Greenwich comes with some unique challenges. Oftentimes builders encounter issues such as ledge, high water tables, wetlands, footprint restrictions, etc. Having a professional on your side that knows the local permitting process can help make the project run faster and smoother.

Maintaining a Second Home 

Many properties in Greenwich, CT are second homes for full time Manhattan residents. Having a trusted source to help with sustained upkeep is critical in this case. Larger tasks may include yard and garden maintenance, plowing, pool cleaning, and repairs. Smaller tasks can include opening and closing the house, dusting, light bulb replacement, etc. When you have a trusted maintenance professional on your side you’ll feel confident that things will be well cared for, and that the home will be in perfect condition when you arrive. In conclusion, keeping up with maintenance in Fairfield County, CT can be a challenge, but support from a Greenwich property management company can make all the difference. At Greenwich Home Management we provide year round maintenance support for virtually any task, large or small. We manage and schedule trades as needed, all of which are experienced, local professionals. And you’ll have one point of contact for issues and questions. Your primary contact will also be responsible for letting trades into the house when needed. The end result is peace of mind and more time to enjoy your property.