Premier Residential Services is pleased to offer its clients convenient transportation to local and other Coachella Valley destinations. As a reminder, transportation reservations must be made no less than 24 hours in advance to avoid an additional administrative late charge to coordinate your request.

This month’s service suggestions are:

1. Drains, Downspouts and Gutter Cleaning
   Although we have not had a significant rain event this winter, this does not mean that we have escaped water-related problems that can be encountered in your home from the result of clogged drain pipes. When water is blocked from flowing freely off the roof and through drainage pipes, accumulated water may leak into the residence. If you have not had your drain pipes flushed and roof cleared of debris, it should be done on a twice-yearly basis to avoid the potential of water damage. Contact our office at 760-773-4081 to schedule services.
2. BBQ Grill Starter
   Many barbecue 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) and at the same time clean your grill and cooking racks so that they are fresh and clean. Call us to arrange for service.
3. 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. Premier Residential Service’s maintenance department is available to install these devices for your protection.

As a reminder, if your golf cart batteries are more than four years old, it is highly recommended that the batteries be replaced to avoid future problems.

In addition, we are pleased to provide these four New Year maintenance suggestions:

1. 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 affected areas around your home, including driveways.
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 will 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.
3. 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? Do you have an annoying drippy faucet or a toilet that seems not to fill properly? Would you like to have weatherstripping installed to prevent drafts and heat loss? Do you need light bulbs replaced in difficult-to-reach areas? Does your cabinet drawer not close properly, or is your doorbell button broken? Are the screen door rollers and latches no longer in good working order? Does the built-up lint in your laundry dryer exhaust system need to be cleaned out? If so, our expert maintenance specialists can make these and all the other nagging little household problems go away.
4. Address Sign and Landscape Light Repair/Cleaning – If your address lights, garage lights or landscape lights have burnt-out bulbs or require replacement photocell sensors, or if the landscape lenses are covered by a thick film from hard water deposits created by sprinklers, We can clean the lights for you or, if the lenses are beyond cleaning, replace them to provide better illumination throughout your property. We can also perform landscape light and sprinkler system checks.

Please call our office (760-773-4081) to arrange for these and other related property and personal services to make this year pleasant and enjoyable for you.

As a reminder, the Premier Residential Service’s offices will be closed on Monday, December 26 and Monday, January 2.

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

1. Running Toilets – It has been noted that a number of clients have had issues with their toilets. Premier Residential Services can replace the float valves and flappers to stop the toilets from running. At the same time, the feed lines can be replaced with braided wire hose to mitigate the possibility of a future leak problem. Please contact the office to schedule the service.
2.  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.
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 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.
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 at (760) 773-4081 for details and scheduling.

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

As a reminder, the Riverside County real estate tax payments are due and payable by December 10th. Also, remember to adjust your landscape light clocks to account for the time change.

We are pleased to offer a few suggestions for your consideration.

1. Heating and Air Conditioning System Service – Now that temperatures have moderated, if you have not arranged to have your units serviced, this is an optimal time of year to schedule service to insure that your units run efficiently this winter. Our 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 and 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. If you have not had the vents cleaned recently, now is an excellent time to arrange this 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 possible battery failure by replacing your existing battery. We can purchase and install a new battery for most vehicles.
4. Thanksgiving Day Help – Premier Residential Services is pleased to offer housekeeping help on Thanksgiving Day to assist in serving and cleaning up after your holiday gathering. If you wish to have one of our staff assist in your home, please contact the office to schedule service and confirm cost (minimum costs apply).

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.