News & Tips

If you have not changed your furnace filters, now is a good time to call us to do so. The chill of the desert’s version of winter will soon be here, bringing temperatures that will require heating your home.

As a reminder, the Premier Residential Service’s offices will be closed on Thursday, December 25 and Thursday, January 1.

Call the housekeeping office if you will need help serving or cleaning up from holiday festivities.

We’re pleased to offer the following service suggestions for your consideration. Please call our office to schedule these services.

1. Weather Strip Replacement. Heat or cooling loss through openings and cracks can be costly. Premier Residential Services can replace or install energy saving weather stripping, as well as caulk around doors and windows. In addition, the weather stripping on garage and golf cart doors can be replaced. These small steps can not only save on energy consumption but also cut down on the dust and sand that seems to always be present.
2. Running Toilets & Leaky Faucets/Shower Heads. It has been noted that a number of clients have had issues with their toilets, faucets and shower heads. Premier Residential Services can replace the float valves and flappers to stop the toilets from running and change cartridges to stop drips and leaks. At the same time the feed lines can be replaced with braided wire hose to mitigate the possibility of a future leak problem.
3. Grout Replacement & Drain Cleanout. If the showers, tubs or sinks in your home have developed cracks or need the grout replaced in and around the tiles, Premier Residential Services can help. If you notice that the water is draining too slowly from sinks, tubs or showers the drains should be cleaned out. In addition, if any of the shower pans might have developed a leak these too can be replaced.

The management and staff of Premier Residential Services would like to extend to you our warmest wishes for a happy holiday season and healthy New Year.

As a reminder, your Riverside County real estate tax payments are due and payable by December 10, 2014 and April 10, 2015, respectively.

As the Thanksgiving holiday approaches, you can help to prevent “day after” clogged kitchen drain plumbing issues by following these simple clean up tips: (1) Use and then dispose of paper towels to absorb excess cooking grease and fat; and (2) Avoid using your garbage disposal to grind stringy fibrous or starchy waste (including poultry skin, potato peels, coffee grounds, egg shells and celery stalks).

This month, I am pleased to offer a few home service suggestions for your consideration. Please contact our office for additional information, schedule services and/or confirm costs.

1. Holiday Decorations: Premier Residential Services has partnered with Inside Plants to offer our clients the option of a professional decorator to give your home a festive holiday spirit. Inside Plants can provide a range of products from tree decorating and wreaths to lighting and holiday live plants to complement this festive time of year.
2. Heating & Air Conditioning System Service: Now that temperatures have begun to moderate, this is an optimal time of year to schedule service to ensure that your units run efficiently during the winter season. We will clean/replace filters, check blower belts, assess temperatures, inspect ducts and plenum connections, and clean condensate lines and adjacent areas.
3. Home Maintenance Inspection: Now is an opportune time to schedule a complimentary home inspection of the interior and exterior of your home by our Maintenance Department. The purpose of this inspection is to assist homeowners in identifying items that may require attention and/or repair.
4. Daylight Savings Time: The recent change to daylight savings time provides an opportune time to have our Maintenance Department replace smoke detector and carbon monoxide alarm batteries to assure proper operation. At the same time, we can replace burnt light bulbs and check outdoor photocells for proper operation.

Premier Residential Service’s management and staff wish you and your family a Happy Thanksgiving.

Important Reminder: If you have not yet completed and returned your Season Home Opening instruction form, it is extremely important that you do so no less than three weeks prior to your anticipated return to the desert so that we have ample time to prepare your home for your return. You may use our website to complete and send this form on-line, fax (760-568-0101) it or scan it and send it by e-mail.

Schedule Home Opening Here »

We have several important service suggestions for your consideration. Please call our office to request an estimate or schedule service.

1. Roof Inspections – Premier Residential Services has arranged with Williams Roofing, to provide a special offer that includes inspection of a client’s entire roof for any visible signs of leaks, cracks, splits, broken tiles, and skylight damage. A written report with any repair recommendations will be provided to the client for review. Photos are available on request. The special cost of the inspection as outlined is $99.00.
2. Roof, Downspout, Gutter, and Drain Cleaning – We strongly suggest that you arrange to have your roof, downspouts, gutters, and drains flushed out and cleared of accumulated falling leaves and debris. This small preventive step can avoid future problems of rain water build up on your roof or back up in your drainage system possibly leading to a major leak in the house.
3. Daylight Savings time change on Sunday, November 2nd – The change serves as a reminder that the Fire Marshall recommends replacing your smoke detector, carbon monoxide alarm and thermostat batteries at least yearly and replace the smoke detectors every three (3) years to keep the detectors operative and functioning properly. We can also change batteries in your TV and garage door remotes. It is recommended that landscape lights be adjusted to account for the shift in daylight hours. In addition, Premier Residential Services can perform an interior/exterior light check to identify and replace burnt out light bulbs and non-functioning photo cells.
4. Tile, Carpet & Upholstered Furniture Cleaning – Let us know if you would like to have either service scheduled or an estimate for cleaning prior to your arrival. The warm weather provides for faster and more thorough drying of rugs and furniture.
5. Exterior House, Garage Door, and Entry Gate Painting – The summer sun and desert weather amplify the need to protect and preserve the exterior of your desert home. Experts recommend that at least every 5-8 years the exterior requires attention. Contact your Client Services Associate to arrange for a proposal.

The Napa earthquake serves as a reminder that all of California is subject to a large magnitude event. If you have not done so, Premier Residential Services urges you to schedule some of the following precautionary measures: Secure decorative and artwork pieces with museum putty or strapping; install safety latches on kitchen cabinets; inspect/install safety straps on water heaters; remove all flammable liquids to a garage or outdoor storage area; and create a digital valuables inventory of the contents of your desert residence for insurance purposes. Always have an ample supply of water, batteries, a first aid kit, portable radio and canned food to insure that you can deal with the first several days after an event.

August typically brings some unusual weather events to the CoachellaValley and this August did not disappoint us. We experienced a “Haboob” sand storm which is most unusual and more typically is found in the deserts of North Africa and Arabia or occasionally in and around the Phoenix area. Haboob comes from the Arabic word “habb” which means wind.  A Haboob is a wall of dust that is a result of a microburst or downburst.

As the beginning of the Season approaches, please make use of our online Home Opening Services form for the use of clients whose homes have not been occupied throughout the summer. It is extremely important that your completed form be submitted no later than three weeks prior to your arrival date to ensure timely scheduling of requested services and to avoid being assessed a late minimum services charge (1 1/2 times the regular services hourly rate).

This month I have several home opening suggestions for your consideration. Please call our office for an estimate or arrange for service.

1. Drapery and Blind Cleaning – Our vendor’s “on site” service vehicle contains all of the necessary equipment to dry clean your drapes, valances, cornice boxes and all types of blinds including Hunter Douglas products.  The cleaning system is safe for all types of fabrics including silks and blackout lined drapes.  All drapes are taken down, cleaned and they are then professionally re-hung on the same day.
2. Carpet and Upholstered Furniture Cleaning – Let us know if you would like to have either service scheduled or an estimate for cleaning prior to your arrival.  The warm weather provides for faster and more thorough drying.
3. Artificial Plant and Tree Cleaning – Premier Residential Services can arrange to have your artificial decorative plants and trees cleaned so that they are once again looking fresh and vibrant. You will notice the difference.
4. Vehicle/ Golf Cart Service – If you have a vehicle or golf cart at your desert residence, let us know what maintenance services you would like performed, and we will arrange to have your instructions carried out.
5. Pool/Spa/Fountain Cleaning – Now is an ideal time to schedule cleaning (acid wash/ tile cleaning) service for your pool, spa or fountain to remove built up mineral/salt deposits prior to your return.

Similar to the weather predictions for so many other areas of the country, the Coachella Valley expects to experience record breaking temperatures this summer. If you have not arranged to have your HVAC filters replaced or condenser coils freed of accumulated debris, this would be an ideal time to arrange for Premier Residential Services to perform this service.

Premier Residential Services’ summer schedule is in effect. Our summer hours of operation are Monday-Friday, 7:30 am-4 pm. Should you encounter an after-hours emergency, please call (760) 773-4081 and then follow the after-hours message prompts to reach our on-duty staff representative.

The summer months are an ideal time to schedule a variety of services to improve on the appearance and condition of your home while you are away. Please contact our office if you would like us to perform any of the following service suggestions or assist you with any other special projects.

• Carpet and Upholstery Cleaning
• Thermostat Battery Replacement
• Water Filter Replacement to include refrigerators with water dispensers, freezer and ice maker machines, and Insta-hot and water filtration systems
• Grout Repair – tile floors and around bathroom sinks, showers and tubs
• Artificial Plant Cleaning and Reconditioning to include repotting
• Door Bell Button Replacement

Finally, while you are enjoying the summer months with family and friends, please be assured that our Premier Residential Services will continue to provide you with the quality of home inspection services that you have come to expect during those weeks of the year when you are away from the desert for an extended period of time. We would like you to know how appreciative we are that you have entrusted us to care for your home.

We look forward to a wonderful new season and your return to the desert very soon.

The automobile traffic throughout the valley has dropped off significantly, which is an indication that a majority of the Coachella Valley’s seasonal visitors have departed.

As a reminder, replacing weather stripping on both your garage and entry doors will cut down on the amount of dust and sand that blows in and impede the opportunity for insects and critters to gain entry to your home. It will also save on energy usage too.

Clothes Dryer Vent Cleaning – It is recommended to periodically clean out the built up lint from the entire clothes dryer exhaust system (vent hoses, machine vent housing and the external exhaust cover). The Fire Marshall warns us that clothes dryers start more residential fires than any other appliance.

Heating and Air Conditioning System Service – Now that temperatures have risen, if you have not had your HVAC unit(s) serviced, this is an optimal time of year to schedule service to insure that your units run efficiently during the peak cooling season. To maintain efficiency and reduce energy demands: we will clean/replace filters; check blower belts, temperatures, ducts and plenum connections; and clean condensate lines and condenser areas.

Washing Machine Water Hose Replacement – Laundry equipment manufacturers recommend that hot and cold rubber water hoses along with the gaskets on your washing machines be replaced every 18 months due to the extreme desert heat and constant fluctuations in water pressure which can cause water related damage to your home. We recommend replacing the rubber hoses with the metal braided style and installing a new set of easy to use hot and cold water line shut off valves as necessary.

Summer Project(s) – Exterior door frames and window frames that are subject to the direct sun require upkeep painting or repair if there is evidence of dry rot. If there is another project or task that you would like to schedule over the summer months, contact us with the details and we will arrange to obtain a proposal or schedule the work.

Please call our office for pricing, installation or further information regarding these suggestions or to request assistance with any other home project that you would like to accomplish this summer.

Premier Residential Service’s offices will be closed for the Memorial Day holiday, Monday, May 26. Our summer hours (7:30 am – 4 pm) will begin on Monday June 1.

In April, several severe wind storms created huge amounts of airborne dust that infiltrated many garages and homes throughout the Coachella Valley. As a result, we highly recommend that you arrange to have our HVAC service change or clean your filters. Installation of or replacing weather stripping and door sweeps serve as an additional means to cut down on the grit and grime that can accumulate during these events. In addition, I have a few other service suggestions for your consideration.

Garage and Exterior Doors & Entry Gate Painting and Care – Premier Residential Services can provide an estimate to repaint, stain or oil your garage, exposed exterior doors and entry/side yard gates so that they are further protected from exposure to direct sunlight. In addition, we can lubricate the drive, tension springs and all moving parts of the lift motor(s) to improve their operation.

Outdoor Furniture Maintenance – Tables, chairs and lounges suffer from prolonged exposure to the desert elements. Wood furniture can be restored with a refreshing treatment of wood oil. Metal furniture can be restored as well, by having the frames either repainted or a fresh powder coating. In addition straps can be replaced and new cushions ordered during this process.

Tile Floor & Grout Cleaning – The summer months are an excellent time to have your tile and stone floors (Travertine, marble, limestone, pavers etc.) cleaned. Cleaning is recommended every two years to maintain the look and vibrancy of the floors in your home. Our vendors will strip and deep clean the floors and grout, seal and buff to a high gloss or matte finish, and fill holes and replace grout as requested. At the same time showers, vanities and counter tops can be inspected and an estimate will be prepared for your review.

Summer Off-Site Wine Storage – Premier Residential Services’ vendor partner, Wine Vault of the Desert, is offering a special wine storage program in their temperature controlled state of the art facility to our clients. If you are interested in this program, call us to make arrangements or to obtain answers for any questions that you may have.

Once again, we experienced an earthquake (5.1) this past Friday night that rolled out from the Orange County epicenter. These events provide us with a reminder that earthquakes can occur at any time. I would like to point out that if you have not taken steps to try to limit potential damage by earthquake proofing your residence where possible, it is not too late. Premier Residential Services can provide a list of suggestions, as well as, arrange to document your household belongings for insurance purposes with digital photographs on a DVD. Contact the office to make arrangements.

If you have not done so, please let us know when you plan to depart the valley for the summer by completing the Summer Home Closing Checklist. Please take a moment to review this form and then check off items that you would like Premier Residential Services to schedule to close your home for the summer. Please remember to include your name, address and approximate departure date before returning the check list to Premier Residential Services by mail, e-mail or fax (760) 568-0101. In addition, we need to be apprised of any changes that have been made (new alarm or alarm monitoring service; new water shut-off system; vehicle or golf cart changes) in regard to your home.

Premier Residential Services offers a Summer Home Watch Program that provides inspections to homes during the summer time period only. If you have neighbors, friends or family members who have homes in the Coachella Valley who may not be aware that we can provide home watch services during their absence, please recommend us to them and ask that they contact us at 760-773-4081 for information about our services.

I am pleased to provide the following service suggestions for your consideration.

Misting System Annual Service – Like most mechanical systems, to obtain peak performance, it is always wise to perform a yearly preventive maintenance service before the summer heat arrives. Service will include cleaning all nozzles; replace pump oil and filters; flush and drain the system of residual water; and thoroughly inspect the system. We can also arrange to provide a proposal for the installation of a new system.

Window Washing and General Services – The recent series of wind storms have blown desert sand and dust everywhere coating surfaces of your home with a layer of dirt. If you would like your exterior windows, screens, gates, doors, garage or the exterior of your house washed please call Shannon to schedule the work.

General Maintenance Services – The high mineral content of the desert’s water supply not only creates a cloudy look to the glass in your bathrooms but also creates maintenance issues throughout your home. Faucets, shower heads and aerators can become clogged and discolored which can restrict water flow and pressure. Premier Residential Services can remove the “hard water” stains from your glass, as well as, clean mineral deposits from fixtures and aerators to increase the water flow. In addition, it is a good time to drain and flush your hot water tank(s). Premier Residential Services can also lubricate door hinges to mitigate “squeaky” noise. Let us know if your toilet(s) could benefit from a new flapper or fill system to stop the constant sound of the tank filling with water.

As a reminder, water conservation is an issue that impacts our wallets and the valley’s aquifer. Prior to departing for the season, we suggest you review with your landscaper how you might conserve this limited resource during the summer.

The end of February brought us some much needed rain. As we advance into March, the desert community and tennis fans that flock to the Coachella Valley have an opportunity to see the magnificent new additions to the BNP Paribis Tennis Tournament facilities. In addition, the La Quinta Arts Festival along with Fashion Week El Paseo, Food + Wine Festival and the Kraft Nabisco LPGA golf tournament are on our events radar. This is also the final months of the PS Follies, as this valley favorite will be going “dark” forever.

Please complete the summer home closing form so that we may schedule any end of season departure projects that you would like us to do.

Air Conditioning Service – If you have not arranged to have your HVAC units serviced, this is an optimal time to schedule the service to insure that your units run efficiently during the summer. We will replace/clean filters; check blower belts, ducts and plenum connections; and clean condensate lines and condenser areas.

Daylight Savings Time Change – The change to daylight savings time this year is March 9th. Landscape lights and pool pump timers should be adjusted. This is also an opportune time to have our maintenance department replace smoke detector and carbon monoxide alarm batteries to assure proper operation. If you do not have a CO alarm (required by California law), Premier Residential Services can provide and install them. At the same time, we can replace burnt light bulbs and check outdoor photocells for proper operation.

Screen Repair & Replacement – If your slider, door or window screens have excessive cuts and wear or seem to have rollers that are either broken, frozen or will not slide easily, the simple solution is to replace the screen material and rollers. Premier Residential Services can also order replacements for frames that are bent, warped or broken.

Vehicle Detailing – We can arrange for a complete professional detailing of the exterior, interior and under the hood of your vehicles or golf carts including polishing, waxing and a spot free wash system either at your residence or off site.

Window Washing & Patio Cleaning – If the recent rain storm has caused your windows to become dirty or covered in dust, Premier Residential Services can clean the windows as well as clean your patio and patio furniture so that you can enjoy the benefits of outdoor living.

Wall Repairs & Painting – If the walls or wallpaper in your home have suffered water damage, dents, dings, gouges or cracks, Premier Residential Services can repair the dry wall and texture the finish so touch up painting will mask the damage incurred. We can arrange for a wallpaper repair/replacement cost estimate.

January’s weather in the Coachella Valley was the best in the country. However, all of California needs rain to replenish our water supplies. Please think about conserving water where you are able to do so.

The valley continues to offer many unique and interesting activities and events. Modernism Week (February 13-23) is an example of an iconic Palm Springs event or you may choose to see the latest exhibition at the Sunnylands Visitor’s Center.

I am pleased to offer a few service suggestions for your consideration:

Washing Machine Water Hose Replacement – Laundry equipment manufacturers recommend that hot and cold rubber water hoses along with the gaskets on your washing machines be replaced every 18 months due to the extreme desert heat and constant fluctuations in water pressure which can cause water related damage to your home. We recommend replacing the rubber hoses with the metal braided style and installing a new set of easy to use hot and cold water line shut off valves as necessary.

BBQ Grill Deep Cleaning and Starter Maintenance – Many BBQ grills come with a battery operated ignition system to create the spark that ignites the burners. If you are having difficulty starting your grill, Premier Residential Services can replace the battery(s).We are now able to offer deep cleaning services for your grill/outdoor kitchen which includes hood, drip pan, control knobs, burners, igniters, thermometer and cooking racks so that they are fresh and clean. Call us for an estimate and service.

Air Duct Cleaning – Periodic duct cleaning is recommended, especially if it has not been done in a while. Household and desert dust accumulates in your duct system and once the high temperatures are upon us, will circulate throughout your home when your air conditioner is running.

Bathroom Safety – Installation of Grab Bars and/or Safety Rails on the walls of your bath tubs, showers or other bathroom areas can pay dividends many times over by creating a safer home environment. The Premier Residential Services Maintenance Department is available to install these devices for your protection.

Garage Door Lubrication – Periodic lubrication of the tracks and rollers helps the doors operate with less noise and efficiently. At the same time we can lubricate the door locks in your home too.

January marks the beginning of non-stop events throughout the Coachella Valley. The Palm Springs International Film Festival, Humana Golf Tournament, Clinton Foundation Healthcare Initiative, McCallum Theater performances, Polo and Desert Circuit Horse Show, Southwest Arts Show, Sunnyland’s Tours, The Palm Springs Follies final season, Rancho Mirage Speakers Series and Indian Wells 2014 Desert Town Hall are just a sampling of the valley’s January “happenings.”

New Years is also a time of “Resolutions” for fitness and as a reminder, the concept of “fitness” extends to the upkeep and maintenance of your home. Please take a few minutes while enjoying the sun and fun that the valley makes available to think about repairs that your home may need and schedule a “fix-it” day.

I am pleased to provide the following New Year maintenance suggestions.

Earthquake Proofing – We live in an earthquake prone area. As a reminder, there are precautions that can be taken to mitigate damage should an event occur. Premier Residential Services can install cabinet safety latches and gas line shut-off valves; apply museum putty to secure display breakables and valuables (pottery, decorative glass, vases, statues or figurines); create a Valuables Digital Image Record Inventory; and check water heater Earthquake Straps to insure proper installation.

Hot Water Tank Service – If you have not had your hot water tank(s) drained and flushed now is an opportune time to schedule service. Regular periodic service not only can extend the life of the tank(s), but also allow the unit to operate more efficiently saving money and energy. If your service cabinet platform is in need of repair or replacement we can also assist with that task.

Bird-Related Problems – If your residence seems to be attracting birds and they are becoming a nuisance with nesting materials and other unsightly debris, Premier Residential Services can install spikes along the roof line edge of the overhangs as well as on the surfaces of your chimney(s) to discourage the birds from nesting. We can also power wash any areas around your home including driveways.

Address & Landscape Light Repair/Cleaning – If your address lights, garage lights, or landscape lights have burnt out bulbs, require replacement photo cell sensors or if the landscape lenses are covered by a thick film from hard water deposits created by the sprinklers, we can clean or replace the lights for you. We can also perform landscape light and sprinkler system checks.

Please call our office to arrange for these and other related property and personal services to make this New Year pleasant and enjoyable for you.

Once again, the Coachella Valley has been enjoying an abundance of great weather, perhaps the best weather in the country. However, our version of winter will surely come, bringing both rain events and chilly temperatures. If you have not changed your furnace filters, now is a good time to do so. I also want to remind you that if you have not had your roof, downspouts and gutters cleaned of accumulated debris, this preventive measure can prevent future headaches caused by rain water related problems.

As a reminder, the Premier Residential Service’s offices will be closed on Wednesday, December 25th and Wednesday, January 1st.

I am pleased to offer the following service suggestions for your consideration. Please call our office to schedule these services.

Running toilets, leaky faucets and shower heads – It has been noted that a number of clients have had issues with their toilets, faucets and shower heads. Premier Residential Services can replace the float valves and flappers to stop the toilets from running and change cartridges to stop drips and leaks. At the same time the feed lines can be replaced with braided wire hose to mitigate the possibility of a future leak problem.

Grout Replacement and Drain Cleanout –If the showers, tubs or sinks in your home have developed cracks or need the grout replaced in and around the tiles, Premier Residential Services can help. If you notice that the water is draining too slowly from sinks, tubs or showers the drains should be cleaned out. In addition, if any of the shower pans might have developed a leak these too can be replaced.

Weather Strip Replacement – Heat or cooling loss through openings and cracks can be costly. Premier Residential Services can replace or install energy saving weather stripping, as well as caulk around doors and windows. In addition, the weather stripping on garage and golf cart doors can be replaced. These small steps can not only save on energy consumption but also cut down on the dust and sand that seems to always be present.

On behalf of the management and staff of Premier Residential Services, I would like to extend to you our warmest wishes for a happy holiday season and healthy New Year.