News & Tips

As a reminder, the Riverside County real estate tax payments are due and payable by December 10, 2016.

Also if you have not done so, adjust your landscape light clocks to account for the most recent daylight saving time change. Please remember, if your smoke detectors were installed or purchased prior to July 2014 and are more than 5 years old, the authorities recommend replacing them to ensure peak operating efficiency.

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 dispose of paper towels in the trash to absorb excess cooking grease and fat
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.

Please find a few suggestions below for your consideration. Please contact our office to schedule services and confirm costs.

Daylight Saving Time Services. The time change this month serves as a reminder to have our Maintenance Department replace smoke detector, carbon monoxide alarm, and thermostat batteries to assure proper operation and prevent the midnight “chirping” sounds. At the same time, we can replace batteries in all your remotes, replace burnt out light bulbs, and check outdoor photocells for proper operation.

Heating & Air Conditioning System Service. Now that temperatures have begun to moderate, if you are not on a regular HVAC service program, this is an optimal time of year to schedule equipment service to ensure that your units run efficiently this winter. We will clean/replace filters, check blower belts, temperatures, ducts and plenum connections, and clean condensate lines and condenser areas.

Home Maintenance Inspections. Beginning December 1, Premier Residential Services is pleased to offer to our clients, on an availability basis, a complimentary home inspection of the interior and exterior of your home by our Maintenance Department staff. The purpose of this inspection is to assist homeowners in identifying items that may require attention and/or repair.

Thanksgiving Day Assistance. Premier Residential Services can arrange to provide housekeeping help on Thanksgiving Day to assist in serving and cleaning up after your holiday gathering.

Premier Residential Service’s management and staff join me in wishing 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 3 weeks prior to your anticipated return to the desert. This will give us the time necessary to prepare your home for your return.

You may use our website to complete and send this form to our office online, fax to 760-568-0101, or scan and send by email.

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

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, which could lead to a major leak in the house.

Daylight Savings. The time change will occur on Sunday, November 6. This 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 actual smoke detectors every 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.

Tile Cleaning. Let us know if you would like to have tile cleaning services scheduled or an estimate for cleaning prior to your arrival.

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. Also, it is recommended to have yearly operational maintenance services for your garage doors. Contact your Client Services Associate to arrange for a proposal or to schedule maintenance service.

The Rolling Stones, Paul McCartney, Bob Dylan, Neil Young, The Who, and Roger Waters are teaming up in Indio this October for what many are already calling “the rock concert of the century.”

The concerts are being held the first two weekends of October: Oct 7-9 and Oct 14-16, 2016.

Premier Residential Services is going to be extremely busy this fall and much earlier than normal, due to the concerts and the club openings in early to mid-November. If you are planning on opening your home in early October, we suggest you send your Home Opening Form to us immediately.

We are booking on a first come, first-serve basis.

In addition, due to the wind storms this summer it is very likely that the openings will be taking longer than normal.

We want your home to be prepared to your expectations. Therefore, please understand that if we do not receive your form at least 3 weeks prior to your arrival, overtime charges may be incurred.

Complete a Home Opening Request

This month, we have several home opening suggestions for your consideration. Please call our office for an estimate or to arrange for 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.

An “impressive Haboob” (sand storm) that blew through the Coachella Valley under the cover of darkness this past Friday night led to a hazy Saturday and a coating of sandy dust throughout the entire valley.

Meteorologists said a thunderstorm complex over southwest Arizona pushed the dust storm across the lower desert at roughly 40 mph, triggering cell phone alerts, dropping visibility to less than a mile from Thermal to Palm Springs at that time.

Drought Penalties Lifted

The Coachella Valley Water District (CVWD) announced the lifting of drought penalties in response to the state’s decision to transition from statewide conservation targets to a long term conservation plan. Water budgets and tiered rates remain in place. The expectation is for customers to maintain a 20% water savings.

SCE’s Rate Structure Change

As a reminder SCE’s energy rates have been changed. When you receive your next bill, SCE has implemented the new three–tier rate structure (reduced from four-tiers). You may learn more about the changes and how they affect you by going to the Southern California Edison website.

Service Suggestions

In addition to dust storm cleanup, we are pleased to offer several timely service suggestions for your consideration.

Bedspread and 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.

Aerator, Shower Head and Faucet Cleaning. The high mineral content of the valley’s water supply is the reason why sinks, faucets, showerheads and mister system nozzles become clogged, which often impedes the water flow and the discoloring of the hardware. Our maintenance department can clean the screens, as well as remove the built up mineral deposits from these items resulting in the fixtures that look and act as new.

Vehicle and Golf Cart Batteries. Extreme weather conditions in the valley often result in a limited life span for vehicle and golf cart batteries and can cause rapid build up of corrosion on the battery terminals and cables. A vehicle battery may fail in as little as 18 months and if a golf cart battery is four years or older the likelihood is that it will begin to fail too and/or not be able to hold a charge. Premier Residential Services can replace the 6 or 8 volt batteries in your golf cart, as well as clean the terminals of built up corrosion and replace connector 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.

Once again the temperatures for the month of June have consistently been over 110 degrees and even topping out over 120 degrees.

The past 10 days have had humidity levels that typically occur in August. The above average temperatures coupled with the humidity has your HVAC system working hard to maintain the interior temperature of your home.

Also, your landscape plants may have suffered the effects of the extremely high heat.

Our Home Watch inspection team is monitoring your HVAC systems, your landscaping, and pool as part of their weekly inspections. However, as a reminder, it is important to arrange regular service for your HVAC system by scheduling cleaning/replacing air filters, as well as ensuring the condenser coils are free of debris.

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

Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning. Let us know if you would like to have either service scheduled or obtain a free estimate. The warm weather provides for faster and more thorough drying.

Thermostat Battery Replacement. The thermostats in your residence have batteries that allow the controls to operate and require periodic replacement. If you would like to have fresh batteries installed, please contact the office.

Sprinkler System & Landscape Light Checks. In light of the drought and mandated reduction of water, coupled with the fact that electricity costs continues to climb in the Coachella Valley, this is an ideal time for you to request that Premier Residential Services perform a sprinkler and landscape lighting 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 photo cells and landscape lights are functioning properly.

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. We can replace your water filters.

Grout Repair. The grout in your tile floors, as well as in and around showers, tubs and sinks can 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 completely dry. We can also obtain proposals to clean and polish your Travertine or other stone floors.

Doorbell Button Replacement. Premier Residential Services continually receives inspection reports 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.

Please contact our office if you have any other special projects that we can assist you with.

Our offices will be closed on Monday, July 4th. Our summer hours (7:30 am – 4 pm) began on Wednesday, June 1.

The May bonus weather is gone and the oven has been turned on with temperatures reaching 115 degrees the first weekend of the month.

Remember To Send In Your Home Closing Form

If you have not sent in your Home Closing form, please complete it so that we can properly prepare your home for the summer.

As a reminder, SCE’s energy rates are changing. Starting this month, SCE has a new three–tier rate structure that will be reflected in your next bill. You may learn more about the changes and how they affect you by going to the Southern California Edison website.

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.

Summer Project Ideas

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 & 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, window frames and patio furniture that are subject to the direct sun require upkeep painting or repair if there is evidence of dry rot or paint that is peeling. 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.

As you may have recently heard both in the Desert Sun and on local television news reports, there was an unfortunate swimming pool electrocution accident this past week in Palm Springs. A Northern California resident was killed and several children were hospitalized for severe electrical shock.

If you have an older pool that you would like inspected by a licensed electrical contractor, we have made arrangements with one of our electrical contractors to do an inspection for $95.

The contractor will inspect the pool/hot tub/spa equipment for electrical connectivity, appropriate wire grounding, and GFI protection, as well as underwater pool lighting. If improvements are required, the inspection fee will be waived by the contractor and you will only be charged for the repair work.

Call us at 760-773-4081 to arrange for an inspection.

Home Closing Services

If you have not done so, please let us know when you plan to depart the valley for the summer.

Please take a moment to review the Home Closing Form and then check off items that you would like us to do to close your home for the summer. In addition, please let us know of any changes that have been made (new alarm or alarm monitoring service; new water shut-off system; vehicle or golf cart changes) in regards to your home.

Summer Home Watch

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.

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.

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 squeaking. 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.

Air Conditioning System Service. If you have not scheduled HVAC services, this is an optimal time of year to schedule service to ensure that your units run efficiently this spring and summer. Premier Residential Services will clean/replace filters, check blower belts, temperatures, ducts and plenum connections, and clean condensate lines and condenser areas.

Beginning March 7th, the desert community and tennis fans will flock to the Coachella Valley to have an opportunity to see the competition in the BNP Paribis Tennis Tournament. The BNP Tournament is considered tennis’ “fifth major.” In addition, La Quinta Arts Festival, Fashion Week El Paseo, Food + Wine Festival, Taste of La Quinta, and the ANA Inspiration LPGA golf tournament are on our events radar.

Summer Home Closing Form

Please complete and the Home Closing form so that we may schedule any end of season departure projects that you would like us to do.

Request Home Closing Services »

1. Air Conditioning Service. If you have not arranged to have your HVAC units serviced, this is an optimal time to schedule the service to ensure 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.
2. Daylight Savings Time Change. The change to daylight savings time this year is March 13th. 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), we can provide and install them. At the same time, we can replace light bulbs and check outdoor photocells for proper operation.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. Wall Repairs & Painting. If the walls or wallpaper in your home have suffered water damage, dents, dings, gouges, or cracks, our handyman service 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.

Important Reminder that if you are sending packages to our office for delivery to your residence you must include your name in the address section so that we can identify them.

The January rain events are an indication that El Niño has arrived. The forecasters are telling us that historically February and March are the months that have the highest activity. Continue to monitor the weather forecasts for future events. Please be mindful that water conservation mandates and restrictions remain in place.

Local Events & Activities

This month there are a number of events and activities in the Coachella Valley. The Riverside County Fair and National Date Festival (February 12-21), which takes place at the County Fairgrounds in Indio is an example of an iconic Palm Springs event, or you may choose to see some examples of the architecture that was spawned and flourished here in Palm Springs during Modernism Week (February 11- 21). In addition, there is the Palm Springs Fine Art Fair (February 11-14), the Cathedral City Hot Air Balloon Festival (February 13-14), and the Frank Sinatra Celebrity Golf Invitational (February 18-20).

We are 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 more efficiently. At the same time we can lubricate the door locks in your home too.

Please keep in mind that the Coachella Valley Water District has mandatory landscape watering restrictions on Mondays and Thursdays through March 31, 2016.

We are pleased to offer several timely service and maintenance suggestions:

1. Weather Strip Replacement. The recent bout of below average temperatures increases heat loss through openings and cracks. 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 always seems to be present.
2. Earthquake Proofing. There was a 4.5 magnitude earthquake along with several aftershocks in the 3.3 range centered in Fontana the evening of December 29. As a reminder, there are precautions that can be taken to mitigate damage should an event occur. Premier Residential Services can arrange or 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.
3. 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 allows 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 this task.
4. Address & Landscape Light Repair/Cleaning. We have had several wind storms recently as winter takes hold. If your address lights, garage lights, or landscape lights are dirty or 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 services to make this New Year pleasant and enjoyable for you.

We have been advised by Security Officials that over the past two weeks there has been a marked increase in residential crime.

The Palm Desert and Rancho Mirage Communities have experienced the greatest impact with burglaries, attempted burglaries, vehicle break-ins, and vehicle thefts in both gated and non-gated areas. Please make sure that the doors, garage doors and windows in your home are secured and that if you have an alarm it is set when you are not in residence.

In addition, be sure to lock your vehicle if left in the driveway. Do not leave keys or valuables in plain sight.

Be vigilant and report anything unusual to authorities.

Now Is a Good Time To Replace Furnace Filters

If you have not changed your furnace filters, now is a good time to call us to do so. The chill of the deserts version of winter is here. Temperatures in the morning and evening may require heating your home.

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

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

Timely Service Suggestions for December

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

• 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.
• Running Toilets & Leaky Faucets and Showerheads. 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 & 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.

The Riverside County real estate tax payments are due by December 10, 2015. Visit the Riverside County Office of the Treasurer to make a payment.

As a reminder, if you have not done so, adjust your landscape light clocks to account for the most recent daylight savings time change.

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 dispose of paper towels in your trash to absorb excess cooking grease and fat.
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).

Please remember, if your smoke detectors were installed or purchased prior to July 2014 and they are more than 5 years old, the authorities recommend that they should be replaced to ensure peak operating efficiency.

I am pleased to offer a few suggestions for your consideration. Please contact our office to schedule services and confirm costs.

1. Daylight Savings Time Services. The time change to daylight savings this past Sunday serves as a reminder to have our Maintenance Department replace smoke detector, carbon monoxide alarm and thermostat batteries to assure proper operation. At the same time, we can replace batteries in all your remotes, replace burnt out light bulbs and check outdoor photocells for proper operation.
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 this winter. We will clean/replace filters, check blower belts, temperatures, ducts and plenum connections, and clean condensate lines and condenser areas.
3. Home Maintenance Inspections. Now is an opportune time to schedule a complimentary home inspection of the interior and exterior of your home by our Maintenance Department staff. The purpose is this inspection is to assist homeowners in identifying items that may require attention and/or repair.
4. Thanksgiving Day Assistance. Premier Residential Services can arrange to provide housekeeping help on Thanksgiving Day to assist in serving and cleaning up after your holiday gathering.

Premier Residential Service’s management and staff join me in wishing you and your family a Happy Thanksgiving.