News & Tips

September was a very active month. We had the challenge of the east half of the valley blacked out by the failure of the power grid as well as monsoon rain storms coupled with high temperatures and humidity. We managed these challenges well and now look forward to the beginning of the season. If you have as yet not completed your home opening form, it is extremely important that you return the completed home opening instruction form so that we may prepare your home for your return. Please fax it to our office (760-568-0101) or scan and email it as an attachment.

We have several service suggestions that we feel are important for you to consider. Please call the office to for an estimate or schedule the service (760-773-4081).

1. Roof Inspections

The brutal summer sun and high temperatures can compromise your home’s roof. Premier Residential Services has arranged with a vendor partner, Williams Roofing, to once again provide a special roof inspection offer. Williams Roofing will inspect a client’s entire roof for any visible signs of leaks, roof damage, 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

As you are aware, our area has a winter “rainy season.” 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 buildup on your roof or backup in your drainage system, which could possibly lead to a major leak in the house.

3. Smoke Detector Batteries & Landscape Light Timers

Daylight Savings time change this year is on Sunday, November 6th. The change serves as a reminder that the Fire Marshall recommends replacing your smoke detector batteries at least yearly to keep the smoke detectors operative and functioning properly as well as to avoid the annoying middle-of-the-night beeping sound when the battery becomes weak.

If you have not installed Carbon Monoxide Alarms (required by law beginning July 1, 2011), this is the ideal opportunity to install them. It is also recommended that address sign lights, exterior sconces and garage lights be checked. Landscape lights on timers should also be adjusted to account for the shift in the daylight hours. Premier Residential Services can schedule an interior/exterior light check to replace any burnt-out light bulbs and non-functioning photocells, as well as to change the batteries in all your TV remotes.

The Premier Residential Service’s staff is preparing to welcome back those clients who spend the summer months away from the Coachella Valley. In order for us to prepare your home in the manner that you have come to expect, we need your help. If you’re a current client, please contact us to request a Home Opening checklist. The checklist also serves as a helpful reminder for those that do not close up their residence of the important services that should be scheduled on a regular basis to ensure that basic home operating systems of the house are well maintained and performing at peak efficiency.

We at Premier Residential Services want your residence to be fully prepared and operational upon your return. It is extremely important that you advise us of your plans and anticipated date to return to the Coachella Valley.

This month we have several home opening service tips for you to consider. Please call our office for an estimate or to arrange for service.

1. Drapery and Blind Cleaning – If you would like to have your window treatments cleaned, Premier Residential Services can arrange for the cleaning to be done on-site at your home.  Our vendor partner’s service vehicle contains all the necessary equipment to 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 and dry cleaned, then they are then professionally re-hung with any minor repairs completed prior to re-hanging on the same day.
2. Carpet & Upholstered Furniture Cleaning – Let us know if you would like to have either service scheduled or are interested in an estimate for cleaning prior to your arrival. The warm weather provides for faster and more thorough drying.
3. Artificial Plant & Tree Cleaning – Premier Residential Services can arrange to have your artificial decorative plants and trees cleaned so that they once again look fresh and vibrant.
4. Vehicle and Golf Cart Service – If you have a vehicle or golf cart at your desert residence, now is a good time to have it serviced prior to your return for the season. Let us know what services you would like performed, and we will arrange to have your instructions carried out.
5. Pool/Spa/Fountain Cleaning – Prior to your return 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. Your pool can be drained, repairs and maintenance can be performed, and the pool can be filled again.

August’s arrival has also brought the Summer Monsoon weather. This week’s hot and humid atmosphere, coupled with late-day thunderstorms, are conditions that typically bring a significant amount of rain in a short period of time.

The Premier Residential concierge staff continues diligently to conduct inspections of clients’ homes. When we have discovered problems, we have quickly addressed these issues by initiating action with your vendors or directly communicating possible solutions to you.

Quick note: Current legislation requires that we dispose of burnt out fluorescent and FLC light bulbs in a responsible manner as they are hazardous waste. On occasion this may result in a disposal fee which will appear on your monthly statement.

As we do in each of our monthly letters, we are pleased to offer several timely service suggestions for your consideration.

1. Bedspread & Duvet Cover Cleaning – Now is an ideal time to have your bedspreads, duvet covers, mattress covers and blankets dry cleaned or laundered. Premier Residential Services will arrange for cleaning and insure that items are placed in plastic bags so that they will be ready for use when needed.
2. Aerator Cleaning – The high mineral content of the valley’s water supply causes faucets, shower heads and mister system nozzles to become clogged, cutting off water flow as well as discoloring the hardware when the evaporating water residue dries. The maintenance department can clean the aerator screens as well as remove the built-up mineral deposits from these items, allowing the fixtures to look and act as if new.
3. Golf Cart Batteries – Every summer we are called to replace several clients’ golf cart batteries because they were failing and no longer able to hold a charge. During our inspections, we also commonly discover that terminals have become corroded and battery cables require replacement. We have been advised by the distributors that if a battery is 4-6 years old, the likelihood is that it will begin to fail and not be able to hold a charge. Premier Residential Services can replace the 6- or 8-volt batteries for you, as well as clean the terminals to remove built-up corrosion and replace cables if needed. Any golf cart that operates with a 12-volt system requires replacement from the distributor. Contact the office if you feel that your golf cart requires battery replacement and Premier Residential Services will have it ready for your return in the fall.

As a reminder, the new California Law (SB 183) that requires all existing residences to install Carbon Monoxide Detectors became effective on July 1, 2011. If you would like Premier Residential Services to install the Carbon Monoxide Detectors, please contact the office.

We need your help. The Internet has become an extremely important source of new clients and business for Premier Residential Services. Potential new clients rely on positive reviews and comments made by you to give them confidence to contact us. We would appreciate your taking a few minutes to post any compliments for our services to one of two web sites:

1. Premier Residential Services on Google Places – Click the red “Write a Review” button
2. Premier Residential Services on SuperPages.com – Click the yellow “Write a Review” button

Summer is always an ideal time to assess the condition of your home and to schedule projects that can be completed while you are away. Here are several service suggestions for your consideration:

1. Carpet and Upholstery Cleaning – The summer season is an ideal time to schedule carpet and upholstered furniture cleaning. Premier Residential Services will obtain a free estimate from one of our vendors to clean your rugs and furniture.
2. Sprinkler System and Landscape Light Checks – Water and electricity are very expensive. If you are away until the fall, this is an ideal time for you to request that Premier Residential Services perform a sprinkler and landscape lighting systems check. The check will ensure that your irrigation system is working properly and that there are no broken irrigation heads. At the same time, we can check the landscape lighting to make sure that the timers are properly set and that any photocells and landscape lights are functioning properly.
3. Appliance Water Filter Cartridge Replacement – Manufacturers of Insta-hot systems, refrigerators with water dispensers and ice makers, water filtration systems, freezers and ice-making machines recommend that homeowners replace the water filter cartridges at least yearly. Simply contact Premier Residential Services and we can replace the filters.
4. Door Bell Button Replacement – We have noticed that there are a number of homes that have door bell buttons that are cracked or broken and in need of replacement. We can replace the buttons upon your request.

Once again May was especially windy, the temperatures have been quite moderate and are running in the below normal range which made the month delightful. Although the beginning of June has continued the same trend and even given us a mild earthquake this past weekend, we shall see what else Mother Nature has in store for the Coachella Valley for the balance of this month.

Here are home maintenance tasks and services to consider this month.

1. Whole Home Circuit Surge-Protectors – As more sophisticated electronics are installed in homes and we continue to be subject to the potential of brown-outs and power failures, it becomes advisable to consider adding Whole Home Circuit Surge Protection. The units are installed at the service entrance panel site(s). Depending upon manufacturer, they come with a high dollar value warranty for connected equipment should there be a problem. Contact our office and we will obtain a proposal from one of our electrical vendor partners.
2. 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.
3. Grout Repair – The grout in your tile floors as well as in and around showers, tubs and sinks will develop cracks or have pieces become loose or fall out. Now is a good time to have repairs made or to re-grout the areas requiring work to allow the grouted surfaces to dry completely.
4. Mechanical System Checks – As time permits this summer, Premier Residential Services is once again offering to have our maintenance department conduct a complimentary maintenance check of the operating systems in your home. The maintenance staff will check all the systems and make a list of any issues or problems for you to consider. Please call for more information or to schedule service.
5. 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. The rubber hoses and gaskets can become brittle and subsequently crack in our desert climate or can bulge and split from the constant fluctuations in water pressure, causing water-related damage to your home. We recommend replacing the rubber hoses with the metal braided style which can provide greater strength and reliability. If needed, we can also install a new set of easy to use hot & cold water line shutoff valves.

As a reminder, please let us know when you plan to depart the valley for the summer. In anticipation of arranging to close up your residence for the summer period, please request a copy of Premier Residential Service’s Summer Home Closing Checklist. Take a moment to review this form and then check off the 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 checklist to us by mail, email or fax (our fax number is 760-568-0101). Also advise us of any changes that have been made (e.g. new alarm or alarm monitoring company; new water shut-off or vehicle or golf cart changes).

We are pleased to provide the following service suggestions for your consideration.

1. Misting System Annual Service – As the temperatures begin to rise, those clients with misting systems should have them serviced prior to use. Like any mechanical system, to obtain peak performance it is always wise to schedule a yearly preventive maintenance service. The service includes the cleaning of all nozzles; changing the pump oil; replacing all filters; flushing & draining the system of residual water, and a thorough system inspection. If you would like to add misters to your patio, Premier Residential Services can also arrange to provide a proposal for the installation of a new system.
2. 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, Premier Residential Services can also assist with that task.
3. Mineral Deposit Cleaning – The high mineral content of the desert’s water supply creates a cloudy look to the glass in your bathrooms and throughout your home. In addition, faucets, shower heads and aerators become clogged and discolored, creating reduced water flow and inadequate shower pressure. Premier Residential Services can remove the “hard water” stains from your glass as well as clean mineral deposits from fixtures and clean out the aerator screens to increase the water flow. Contact the office to arrange for service.
4. Water Shut-Off Systems – If you are concerned about leaks in your home, several of our plumbing vendors are now offering the installation of water shut-off systems. If you are interested in receiving a proposal, contact our office.

This season “Mother Nature” has provided a significant amount of rain. The wet weather should make the desert bloom with wildflowers shortly. If you have not been privileged to see Mother Nature’s pallet of colors, do not miss the opportunity to do so.

Following are several service suggestions for your consideration.

1. Air Conditioning Service – If you have not had a recent A/C service on the units in your home, it is advised that now is an optimal time to schedule the service to insure that your units run efficiently. The service includes either replacing or cleaning the filters; checking the blower belts and bearings, as well as the wiring contacts and condensate lines; the condenser areas will be cleaned, the duct/plenum connections will be checked as will the ambient temperature and plenum temperature; the coils will be vacuumed and cleaned of accumulated debris.
2. Screen Repair & Replacement – If your door or window screens have cuts/excessive wear & tears in the screen material or seem to have rollers that are either broken, frozen or will not slide easily, the solution is to replace the screen material and rollers. We can also order replacements for frames that are bent, warped or broken.
3. Window Washing and Patio Cleaning – As a result of the winter rains and high winds your windows may have become water spotted and dusty. We can wash the exterior view windows and clean your patio so you can enjoy the all that the desert has to offer. Call to schedule your home. (Read more about Window Washing and Patio Cleaning…)
4. Daylight Savings Time Change – The daylight savings time change this year is March 13^th. Landscape lights and pool pump timers should be adjusted for the time change. This is also the time to have Premier Residential Service’s maintenance department replace smoke detector batteries to assure proper operation of the smoke detectors. Premier Residential Services, at the same time can replace burnt out light bulbs both inside and outside the residence, as well as to check the outdoor photocells for proper operation.
5. Wall Repairs & Painting – If the walls or wallpaper in your home have suffered water damage or are the victim of bothersome dents, dings, gouges or cracks, Premier Residential Services can make repairs to the dry wall and texture the finish to match so that the touch up painting will make the damage invisible. We can also attempt to repair or recommend replacement of your wallpaper. Call the office to schedule the work or an estimate.

Hot Tips for Snowbirds

Premier Residential Services is offering some valuable tips to part-time homeowners to help protect their empty home during their absence.

Homes should not be left unattended for a long period of time without properly conducted routine inspections to look for problems typical to the desert climate. Examples of issues that may occur include water related problems, insect and termite infestation or earthquake damage.

A few precautions that homeowners can take are:

• Unplug Electronics and make sure surge protectors are properly functioning.
• Earthquake proof your home and move valuables to a secure location.
• Cancel newspaper and mail delivery.
• Confirm landscape and pool/spa service vendor schedules.

For other tips and to arrange for weekly inspections, please contact Premier Residential Services.

Premier Residential Services has recently gone “live” with this new updated web site. Please have a look and let us know what you think. In addition, Premier Residential Services has begun to advertise our menu of services on television station KMIR, local channel 6. We would love to hear your opinion of our three commercials. You might even recognize some familiar faces.

There is a new California Law (SB 183) that requires all existing residences to install Carbon Monoxide Detectors effective July 1, 2011. There are two main types of detectors: stand-alone battery-operated units, and monitored units that could be tied in to a home security system. It is recommended that CO detector alarms “should be installed in a central location outside each sleeping area and on every level of your home.” Premier Residential Services is researching manufacturers and models. At your request, Premier Residential Services will purchase and install CO detectors in your residence. Contact the office to obtain more information and to schedule installation.

This month’s service suggestions are:

1. Golf Cart Battery Replacement – Recently several of our clients’ golf cart batteries have failed. If your golf cart batteries are several years old, and you would like to have Premier Residential Services purchase and install new replacements, please contact the office with your request.
2. Grab Bars / Safety Rails – Premier Residential Services can install grab bars or safety rails on the walls of your bath tubs, showers or other bathroom areas that may need safety enhancements to insure safe mobility.
3. Decorative Pot Refurbishment – If you have indoor or outdoor patio, decorative planter pots may have become discolored or stained from lime scale or hard water buildup. We can help restore and rehabilitate them. Call for a service appointment.
4. BBQ Grill Starter – Many BBQ grills come with an ignition system. The system uses a battery to create the spark that ignites the burners. If you are having difficulty starting your grill, Premier Residential Services can replace the igniter battery(s) and at the same time clean your grill and cooking racks so that they are fresh and clean. Call us to arrange for service.

You might remember that last month we mentioned that it was cold. Well, the moderate temperatures have not yet arrived. Once again there was a significant rain event in December to go along with the colder than usual temperatures. However, as we begin January, the forecast is a bit better than the rest of the country with temperatures set to climb into the more normal range of the middle 60s. As a reminder, if you have not had your furnace filters replaced or cleaned and if your roof, downspouts, gutters and drains have not been cleaned out, it is not too late to do so. We will have more wet and cold weather. We are pleased to provide the following additional maintenance suggestions.

1. Hot Water Tank Service – If you have not had your water heater tank drained and flushed, now is the right time to schedule service. Servings your water heater regularly can not only extend the life of the appliance but also allow the it to operate more efficiently, lowering your energy costs.
2. Maintenance and Repair Services – Is the water flow from your showerheads, faucets and aerators weak? Do your sinks, shower drains or bathtubs drain very slowly? Would you like to have weather stripping installed to prevent drafts and heat loss? Do you have an annoying drippy faucet or toilet that seems not to fill properly? Do you need light bulbs replaced in difficult to reach high ceilings? Does your cabinet drawer not close properly? Are the screen door rollers and latches in good working order? Does the built up lint in your laundry dryer exhaust system need to be cleaned out? Call the Premier Residential Service’s office to schedule our expert maintenance specialists to make these and all the other nagging little household problems just go away.
3. Address Light and Landscape Light Repair/Cleaning – If your address sign lights, garage lights or landscape lights have light bulbs that are burnt out or photocell sensors in need of repair, or if your landscape light lenses are covered by a thick film from hard water deposits created by the sprinklers, Premier Residential Services can replace the bulbs or photocells and clean the lights for you. If the lenses are beyond cleaning, we can replace them to provide better illumination throughout your property. Please contact the office to schedule a cleaning.

Brrrr! We are not immune from having a taste of cold weather. The recent cold mornings and chilly days remind us that we should not take for granted the generally pleasant weather during the winter season. Do not forget the rainy season is upon us, so if you have not had your roof, downspouts and gutters cleaned of accumulated debris, this preventive measure can save you from future headaches caused by rainwater-related problems.

As a reminder, the Premier Residential Service’s offices will be closed on Friday, December 24, 2010 and Friday, December 31, 2010.

If your home is ten years old or older, it might be wise to replace the wax rings and caulk around the base of your toilets, as the desert climate tends to make them dry and brittle and is the source of a potential leak. In addition, if there are cracks or water stains in your drywall or ceiling, these blemishes can be repaired and fresh paint can be applied. We can also remove any insects from inside light covers or fixtures while cleaning them at the same time.

We are pleased to offer the following service suggestions for your consideration this month:

1. Doorbell Button Replacement – Our team has noticed that a number of clients have cracked or inoperable entry doorbell buttons. These buttons can be replaced easily. Please contact the office to schedule the service.
2. Grout Replacement – If the showers or tub areas in your home have developed cracks in the grout between the tiles, call the office to schedule repair. In addition, if any of the shower pans have developed a leak, these too can be replaced.
3. 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 doors 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 always seems to be present.
4. Holiday Help – If you would like help to assist in serving or cleaning up during and after a holiday gathering, Christmas dinner, or a New Year’s Party, Premier Residential Services does have members of our staff who are available to help in clients’ homes. Contact the office for details and scheduling.

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.

Warm days and cool nights that make desert living pleasurable are back. The winter flowers and rye grass are beginning to flourish throughout the valley.  Premier Residential Services has begun our “In Season” office schedule.  The office is open Monday – Friday from 8am-5pm to receive requests and schedule services.

As a reminder, the Riverside County real estate tax payments are due and payable by Friday, December 10th.

I am pleased to offer a few suggestions for your consideration.

1. Heating & Air Conditioning System Service – Now that temperatures have moderated,if you have not arranged to have service on the units in your home, it is advised that this month is an optimal time to schedule the service to insure that your units run efficiently this winter.  The service includes either replacing or cleaning the filters; checking the blower belts and bearings, as well as the wiring contacts and condensate lines; the condenser areas will be cleaned, the duct/plenum connections will be checked as will the ambient temperature and plenum temperature; the coils will be vacuumed and cleaned of accumulated debris.
2. Clothes Dryer Vents – Clothes dryers start more residential fires than any other appliance.  It is extremely important to periodically clean the built up lint from the entire exhaust system (vent hoses, machine vent housing and the external exhaust cover) not just from the machine screen.  Call us to schedule service.
3. Automobile Replacement Batteries – The desert summer temperatures take their toll on automobile batteries.  If your vehicle battery is more than 3 ½ years old, you may want to avoid the problem of your vehicle not starting by replacing the battery.  Contact the office and we will purchase and install a new battery.
4. Thanksgiving Day Help– Premier Residential Services is pleased to offer to our clients housekeeping help on Thanksgiving Day to assist in serving and cleaning up after the holiday gathering.  Premier Residential Services does have several members of the staff who are available to work.  If you wish to have one of our staff assist in your home,please contact the office to schedule service (there is a four hour minimum) and confirm cost.
5. Artificial Plant & Tree Cleaning – If your artificial decorative plants and trees have lost their vibrant look, a simple cleaning can bring them back to life.  Call the office so that we may obtain an estimate for any cleaning or repairs that are required.