Preparing Your Home for the Summer

April 4, 2014

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.