We put together the following Q&A with John Duffy from Greenwich Home Management in Greenwich, CT to help you better understand how residential property management works. Right now it’s springtime and the busy season for home maintenance is upon us. We thought this would be a good time to discuss the benefits that come along with having a dedicated partner to handle the wide range of home maintenance needs. 

Q: What is residential Property Management?

A: Property management is a program that homeowners enroll in that provides year round home maintenance and repair coverage. When you enroll in the program you have a single point of contact for all repairs, maintenance and emergencies, 24/7 365 days a year. This means you can call us at any time and we’ll send one of our experienced professionals over to handle jobs such as fixing a leaky faucet, yearly pool opening, or refinishing your basement. 

You pay a nominal fixed monthly fee, which gives you access to the service. Your home repair or emergency will then be responded to and handled immediately. For major repairs we will obtain multiple competitive bids from our pre-vetted roster of qualified service providers. 

At Greenwich Home Management we’ve been in the business of home improvement in Greenwich, CT for over 25 years. Our employees are full-time professional journeymen. As a result, when you enroll in our property management program you’ll be confident that a skilled professional is handling the job – no matter what type of project it is. 

Q: What’s the difference between Property Management and a Handyman?

A: A handyman typically handles small, relatively simple jobs around the house. Using a handyman for specialized, highly skilled work, however, is not typically recommended. 

DHS employees are full-time professional journeymen that are skilled in precision home repair projects. When it comes to home maintenance projects such as installing a new pool pump, building custom cabinetry, or maintaining your HVAC system, you always want to be employing experienced, skilled specialists that are licensed in their specific trades. In these instances, we obtain multiple competitive bids from our pre-vetted roster of service professionals.

Homeowners know that maintaining a home requires a wide range of professionals. Finding and scheduling ones you trust is challenging. When you’re a client of DHS we will assess your specific project need and provide the appropriate solution with prompt and professional customer service. 

Q: Whom do I call when I have an issue?

A: We are your single point of contact. Certain yearly maintenance will automatically be taken care of depending on your homes specific requirements. These types of projects may include pool opening and closing, pool cleaning, setting up patio furniture, gutter cleaning, yearly HVAC cleaning and servicing, etc. When additional needs come up we pride ourselves on our expeditious response to client requests. 

Q: Can you do indoor work when nobody is home?

A: We will assign a single key holder to your account. If indoor maintenance is required when you are not home, your key holder will come over to let the tradesperson in. This way you have a trusted contact to take care of it, and you won’t have to work around someone else’s schedule to get things done around the house. 

Q: What are some other examples of the types of maintenance that is provided?

A: When we say no job is too big or too small we mean it. Property management covers virtually anything that you can think of regarding the repair and maintenance of your home. We even get calls from our clients from time to time with trivial non-repair issues  - they may have left the house and cannot remember if they turned off the stove or they are running behind on their way home and call us to stop by and let the dog out.  We are always happy to help!

Some other examples of small or miscellaneous projects would include changing light bulbs, stringing holiday lights, adjusting hinges, or installing a pet door. And since we employ highly skilled local Greenwich, CT area trades and craftsmen, we can also help you install a new pool, fix wet basement issues and finish the space, build a new home addition or renovate your kitchen and/or bathroom. 

At Greenwich Home Management we started out as luxury custom homebuilders and renovation specialists. Being a custom home contractor requires pulling the full range of trades together. This is how we’ve vetted the tradespeople that we hire for our property management program. The same professionals that help build the finest custom homes in Greenwich, CT and Fairfield County are the pros that will be maintaining your home. 

Q: Is residential property management only for luxury homes?

A: No. Everyone has maintenance needs. At Greenwich Home Management we maintain a range of property types. It comes down to convenience. We provide a level of service that helps you eliminate the time consuming calling and scheduling required to keep up with your property. This allows you to focus on more important things, like spending time with your fa

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.

Door Squeaking and Misalignment

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.

Drafty Doors and Windows

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.

Fixing a Sticky Door

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.

Window Condensation

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.

In conclusion

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.

Exercising at home comes with a range of benefits. It’s convenient, private, and allows you to remain close to your family while working out. As a busy Greenwich, CT area resident you know time can be hard to come by. Building a home gym is one way to ensure you’ll have a dedicated space for your workouts. Doing it right means more than just throwing an exercise bike in the corner of the study. The following tips can help you plan out the space.

The Space

The first step is to determine where your home gym will be located. If you’re building a new custom home, renovating, or building an addition, now is a good time to factor in the room you’ll need. For these types of jobs you’ll want a professional organization familiar with the Greenwich, CT area permitting process and someone that can handle the project from start to finish. At Greenwich Home Management our property management services range from full custom home building and renovation, to ongoing home maintenance programs.

If you’re using an existing room you can still build it out to function well for effective workouts. Make sure to remove clutter and clear out any distractions that may sidetrack your workout. For news spaces, work closely with your residential property management company to ensure that the room is built out to your specifications.

Lighting

One of the first things to consider should be lighting. Light helps you feel energized and alert. Natural sunlight is ideal. If possible, make sure there are plenty of windows and doors to let the light pour in. If you’re using a finished basement or renovating one, and natural light is harder to come by, work with your property management company to design a lighting scheme that keeps the space bright and provides even light throughout.

Flooring

When choosing flooring for your home gym you’ll want to consider traction, shock absorption, and durability. Hard or slippery surfaces like concrete or hardwood can lead to injury. Rubber flooring, or large rubber pads, is an excellent choice. Vinyl, indoor outdoor carpet, cork, or even artificial turf are also good materials. Rubber mats, or large interlocking rubber tiles can be used if you don’t plan to replace existing hard flooring.

Beyond the Equipment

Every home gym workout routine requires different equipment. In addition to the big items, such as stationary bikes and weights, you’ll want to have a few key elements that encourage a positive workout. Mirrors help create the illusion of a larger space. They also help you see the position of your body during workouts such as yoga and weight training. Fans help keep you cool and keep the air moving. Plants boost oxygen levels. And air purifiers remove pollutants from the air.

Finishing a Basement

The basement can be an excellent space for building a home gym. Finishing a basement, however, starts with the help of a professional that understands how to handle complex home renovations. A residential property management company will bring in the right trades to ensure your space is setup the right way.

The fist thing to consider when finishing a basement is moisture. Water issues typically start on the outside of the home. Work with your property management company to ensure that water is not running towards the house and up against the foundation during rainstorms and when snow melts. This can happen when the yard is sloped towards the home and/or rainwater is being drained from gutters improperly.

If you have slope issues you may need to regrade the yard to ensure water is flowing away from the foundation. You’ll also want to ensure that french drains are in place. This type of drainage consists of pipes buried up against the perimeter of the foundation. The pipes have holes at the top that collect water. The water is then redirected away from the house.

Trench drains can also be very effective. If water is running down the driveway towards the house, for example, you can install a trench drain to catch and redirect it.

Another consideration with a finished basement will be natural light. Walkout basements often have doors and windows, however this feature is typically realized when the land slopes down on one side of the house. If your land does not provide these natural contours, consider adding egress windows. Your property management company will dig out from the foundation to open up a portion large enough to fit a window or two. Retaining walls will be built several feet back from the foundation to hold the earth. Egress windows also provide a point of exit, which is important for any finished room in the house.

In Conclusion

Having a dedicated space to workout in your Greenwich, CT area home will help remove barriers when it comes time to get moving. With the help of a residential property management company you can outfit an existing space, renovate, or build a new addition to create the ultimate home gym to your specifications. Designing and planning the space ahead of time will go along way towards creating a comfortable environment that you’ll want to spend time in.  Greenwich Home Management can help you every step of the way.

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.

Ice Dams

An ice dam occurs when warm air escapes from the roof and melts the snow. Water running down the roof surface refreezes as it hits the colder edges. As a result a thick band of ice builds up. Ice dams can be a major problem if not addressed. Water can eventually back up and be pushed under shingles, causing infiltration into the home. The short term fix when dealing with ice dams is to remove resting snow from the roof. Homeowners can handle this with a roof rake, or this can be a good job for a handyman. Getting at the root of the issue, however, will require the expertise of a residential property management professional. Ice dams are typically caused when poor insulation allows hot air to escape. Bring an expert in to repair or install new insulation and/or ventilation as needed.

Garage Door issues

Garage doors are made of metal components that can become compromised when exposed to cold temperatures. Metal contracts in the cold, which can cause springs, and other parts, to break more easily. Lubricant can also dry up after time. Without proper lubricant, excess friction and wear can occur. To help avoid garage door issues, have your handyman regularly lubricate the metal tracks, springs and hinges. If an issue does occur, your property management company can replace parts as needed.

Frozen Pipes

Chances are you’ve experienced frozen pipes if you’re a homeowner. Pipes often freeze during extended cold spells when temperatures reach sub 20 degrees for several days. This can lead to big problems. Water expands when frozen, leading to cracked pipes. When thawed, water can be released through the compromised areas and flood interior spaces. Flood damage can be very costly. Frozen pipes typically occur to plumbing that runs along an exterior wall. These spaces are naturally more exposed to the cold. To solve for this you may need to better insulate behind the pipes, as well as wrap the pipe itself in insulation. When extreme cold spells are forecasted, it’s always a good idea to keep the heat a little bit higher than normal overnight.

Fireplace Repair

Moisture is a major offender when it comes to chimney damage and problems can occur in the winter months. Any moisture issues within the chimney can cause cracking as water expands and contracts during freezing and thawing. Moisture typically enters the chimney through deteriorated mortar, a broken or missing crown, a damaged chimney cap, or damaged flashing. Yearly winter maintenance inspections should help identify damage. If issues do occur, however, this is a job best handled by a professional.

Heating System Breakdowns

In Greenwich, CT and surrounding Fairfield County, your heating system will run for approximately seven months out of the year and it will run non stop, day and night, for about five of those months. This puts constant ware on your heating equipment. Furnace breakdowns can be expensive and can leave you without heat for a period of time. To help eliminate major breakdowns you should have your furnace inspected and serviced every year. Cleaning and tuning up the equipment will extend its life and help things run more efficiently.

In Conclusion

Greenwich, CT winters can be brutal on homes. Luckily the residential property management professionals at Greenwich Home Management are a quick phone call away. Our programs cover all of your maintenance needs – from furnace repair to deck staining to changing light bulbs. No issue is too big or too small. As we await the start of winter, now is a good time to plan for coverage. Dealing with property management projects can be time consuming and costly. Waiting them out, however, can lead to even larger jobs with higher costs. In and around the Greenwich, CT area the ever-changing weather constantly tests our homes. Fairfield County, CT climates bring heavy rains, heat, cold, snow, ice, and wind. These elements put strain on your HVAC system, erode roofing and siding, etc. Keeping up with maintenance can save you in the long run, whether you do the work yourself or employ a residential property management company. The following projects require attention before they lead to bigger issues.

Frozen Pipes

You may have had frozen pipe issues in the past that were fixed by simply thawing them with a hair dryer. Some, however, don’t get so lucky and the pipes burst. Frozen water inside of plumbing causes water pressure to build up behind the blockage. That pressure can split the pipe. When this happens rooms can flood, leading to major cleanup and repair costs. To avoid this issue make sure that all susceptible plumbing is properly insulated or moved to a different space. Water pipes that run along outside walls are more apt to freeze. Adding rigid foam insulation behind these pipes and/or wrapping the pipe in heating tape is a good preventative measure. And it’s always a good idea to raise the thermostat a bit when long cold spells set in.

HVAC Maintenance 

Regularly maintaining your heating and air conditioning systems is one of the most important maintenance steps to take as a homeowner. Doing so will help you avoid more costly breakdowns later. This type of work typically requires the skill and experience of a residential property management company. Their HVAC professionals are licensed to conduct regular maintenance as well as any repairs. Furnaces should be inspected and cleaned once per year in later summer of early fall. Central air conditioning units should be inspected yearly in late winter or early spring. Regular maintenance of HVAC systems can reduce the risk of major, costly breakdowns by as much as 95 percent. In addition it can help extend the life of your equipment and keep the systems running more efficiently. Furthermore, regular maintenance is required by some manufacturers to ensure the equipment remains under warranty.

Paint and Stain

It’s easy to put house painting or deck staining off. These are big jobs that often come with a hefty price tag. Delaying, however, can lead to a more costly job down the line. And it doesn’t take long for issues to creep up. When paint is peeling or chipping the wood will be exposed. Water can quickly cause rot on siding, decking and trim. Keep an eye on your painted and stained surfaces. Although a full paint job may not always be required, it’s best to clean, sand and paint sections that have considerable peeling or fading. For a larger painting project you may want to talk to a property management company. A thorough job completed by a professional should last for several years.

Damp Basements

If your basement has a musty smell, or you can visibly see water entering the space, it’s best to act fast. Taking care of the issue right away will help you avoid mold and rot. Water can destroy insulation, trim, plaster and sheetrock, flooring, subflooring, and floor joists. To help pinpoint the issue, your home maintenance service should conduct a thorough inspection of the basement interior as well as the property surrounding the foundation. Pooling rainwater against the foundation is a typical cause of wet basements. This can occur when the land is not graded properly and/or effective drainage is not in place. Your property management professional will make sure that gutter downspouts are releasing away from the foundation. They will also make sure that land does not slope towards the house. If this is the case you may need to re-grade or add additional ground drains to redirect the water.

Water Marks on Walls or Ceiling

Water in the walls or ceiling is typically a sign of a leaking roof. Another issue, however, could be siding or window leaks. A third possibility is a leaking pipe in the walls. If the water spots are constant it is likely a plumbing issue. When they are more pronounced during and/or after heavy rains then it’s probably an exterior issue. If you suspect an exterior issue your maintenance professional should inspect the roofing material, flashing, and gutters. It’s possible that the roofing is in good shape, but the flashing has been eroded or damage from a storm. It’s also possible that the flashing or gutters were not properly installed, which could lead to issues. Interior inspections should be conducted by opening up a small section of the wall or ceiling, where the water mark appears. Look for leaky plumbing, and/or follow the trail of water to identify the source of the leak. Although it’s never fun to confront a home maintenance issue, waiting to solve the problem can make things worse. Homeowners can handle some of these maintenance tasks, but for the bigger jobs it makes sense to bring in a property management company. This way you know the job will be done the right way using the appropriate materials. And when you’re enrolled in a property management program they’ll keep an eye on your home all year long.

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.