Spring is here and with it comes a laundry list of spring cleaning and home maintenance tasks. The Greenwich Home Management property management team in Greenwich, CT has put together a checklist of essential to-dos. These tips will help ensure your property is looking its best and help you keep your equipment running efficiently for the months to come. Homeowners can tackle some of these tasks, however, some are best handled by a home maintenance professional.

 

The following provides more information on some of the key tasks that demand attention:

Gutter Cleaning

Gutters can trap leaves and debris over the winter – even if they were cleaned in the fall. Cleaning your gutters in the spring helps to ensure water is always directed away from the house. Clogged gutters can lead to water backup that can be pushed under shingles and cause serious moisture issues that lead to rot and mold. This is a task that Greenwich, CT homeowners often look to Greenwich Home Management to handle. It requires high ladder work. For this reason gutter cleaning is often best handled by a pro.

Schedule Sump Pump Service or Assess Basement for New Equipment Installation

April and May are typically some of the wettest months of the year. Spring rains can be a scary time for Greenwich homeowners that have had wet basement issues in the past. If you have a sump pump, March and early April are the time to have the equipment inspected to ensure everything is working properly. Inspections can also help expand the lifespan of the pump.

If you have water issues in the basement, but don’t have a sump pump, reach out to Greenwich Home Management to discuss how to eliminate the wet basement once and for all. We can provide a full assessment and determine the cause of the issue. We may recommend installing new drainage, or consider the value of adding a sump pump to remove and water.

Inspect The House Exterior for Paint Issues

The winter months are harsh on home exteriors. Springtime is typically when we see signs of peeling paint. If you do see paint flaking or fading, it’s always a good idea to get ahead of it. Sumer heat can exacerbate the issue. Once wood is exposed to moisture it starts becoming susceptible to rot. This is when having a property management professional like Greenwich Home Management on your side can pay off. We can handle any and all home maintenance tasks, and our master painters can handle the inspection and get the job done.

Clean Dryer Vent and Refrigerator Coils

Lint can build up over time inside dryer vent tubes. When this happens it becomes a fire hazard. Lint is extremely flammable. Keeping the dryer vent clean also helps the machine work at peak efficiently. When clogged, the unit has to work harder to push air out. This uses more energy and causes more ware and tear on the equipment.

Clogged refrigerator coils are not necessarily a fire hazard, but they can affect the efficiency and function of a fridge. When the coils are clogged it can be hard for them to release heat efficiently. The compressor then works harder. This causes stress to the unit which can shorten its lifespan, and it will use more energy.

The Greenwich Home Management property management team vacuums dirt and dust from refrigerator coils. For dryer vents, the crew uses a special brush with a long extension. Both jobs are relatively easy, however it can be nice to have someone handle these types of projects for you.

Pressure Washing

The winter weather leaves deck, patio, driveway and siding surfaces dirty and covered with debris. Power washing, otherwise known as pressure washing, is an excellent way to clean these surfaces in the spring. Pressure washing, however, requires equipment and knowledge of technique. Improper or overly aggressive use of the machine can result in damaged surfaces. The pressure setting should be in line with the type of surface that is being washed. Some machines can put a hole through asphalt. When done properly, however, pressure washing can make surfaces look like new.

In Conclusion

Spring is a great time of year. Kick it off with a thorough spring cleaning and maintenance plan. Having the property ready for outdoor fun with the family, and ensuring your mechanical systems are in top working order, will help ensure that you can relax and enjoy your home for the months to come. The Greenwich Home Management property management team will be busy helping Greenwich households with their checklists. Please reach out to us if you would like help getting your home ready for the season.

The concept of residential property maintenance is relatively new in the Greenwich, CT area. Homeowners are realizing the value of having one point of contact for all upkeep and repairs. Experienced property maintenance companies, like Greenwich Home Management, can handle virtually any job around the house, from changing light bulbs to installing and maintaining HVAC systems. They do so by employing trusted professionals across the full range of trades. 

The key to a successful property maintenance solution comes down to bringing in the right pros. It can be hard to find trusted, reliable trades. Greenwich Home Management has been in the luxury home building and remodeling business in Greenwich for decades. As a result we’ve developed relationships with top area pros in HVAC, plumbing, roofing, electrical, pool maintenance, handyman services and many other trades. Our group of talent is highly experienced and skilled so customers always know the job will be done right. 

The benefits go beyond just quality workmanship. You’ll no longer need to manage communication, estimating, and invoicing from multiple workmen. Your maintenance company representative will be a single point of contact for all billing, accountability, inquiries, and follow up. And in the event of an emergency, such as an HVAC failure while you’re away, your representative will be a single key holder that can provide access to pros when needed. 

Homeowners know it’s just a matter of time before something comes up that needs attention. Repairs are common, but homes also require standard maintenance and upkeep. The following outlines a few of the more common items that residential property maintenance companies help with.

Seasonal Upkeep & Minor Repairs

Each season in Greenwich, CT brings its own set of home maintenance tasks. Spring is a good time to address paint and staining needs, fix minor issues with roofing and masonry and start on spring cleanup, mulching and landscaping. Summer means pool maintenance and repair, lawn mowing and gardening. Fall requires leaf cleanup, chimney cleaning, and trimming of trees. And winter brings plowing and can be a good time to upgrade safety equipment such as aging smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. 

Unexpected Repairs

Major mechanical system failure can be extremely stressful. Having someone reliable to properly diagnose and fix HVAC, plumbing and electrical issues can be a major weight off your shoulders. Other areas of the home that can require significant work include the chimney, large appliances, and hot water heaters. And minor issues such as garage doors and entry gates can be a major inconvenience when they go down. 

Preventative Maintenance 

To keep your systems running at peak efficiency, and to avoid premature breakdowns, furnace and AC systems should be inspected and cleaned before the start of each season. Other preventative maintenance includes refrigerator coil cleaning, inspection and repair of damaged boards, and/or roofing. Having a property maintenance service for these tasks is critical to helping prevent issues before they become major problems. 

Water Infiltration  

Wet basements and garages can be a big problem in Greenwich, CT. We get plenty of rainy days and properties close to the sound can have a high water table. The same is true for garages. Dealing with water issues requires the knowledge and skill of experienced professionals. Your property maintenance company can help you assess and fix water issues as well as help prevent future leaks. 

It can be exhausting when you consider all that goes into maintaining a home in Greenwich, CT. Hiring a residential property maintenance company can provide major relief. You’ll be assured that all of the work will be done right and you’ll have one point of contact for all of these tasks. The end result will be a well-maintained property and you’ll have time to focus on what’s important to you. 

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.