Premier Helps Residents After Fire Destroys Several Units

This photo by Patrick Dooley of Squad Fire Photos shows the fire and smoke that poured out of the building. See more of Patrick's photos HERE

On May 9, 2015, a 4-alarm fire ripped through one of our properties in Meriden, CT. Twenty-two units were damaged, and around 100 residents were left homeless. Three were injured in the fire, but luckily everyone inside made it to safety.

Representatives from Premier were on the scene for several hours that day, offering comfort to residents and working with the Red Cross to help ensure all the victims had housing and daily necessities. They also worked closely with the Fire Marshall to help communicate information to owners and residents.

Since the fire, we've been assisting the Board in working with fire inspectors and finding contractors to begin the cleanup and repair process.

Kevin Wilson, Premier's Director of Operations, promises to continue to stay on top of the project until the building is restored to its original specs and everyone has returned to their homes.

Looking for a management company that you can count on in any situation? Call us at (877) 208-4570 or visit our website.

The Importance of Dryer Vent Cleaning

Have you noticed that your clothes dryer takes a longer than usual time to dry, although it seems to be getting very hot to the touch? Before you buy a new dryer, consider a dryer vent cleaning.

Dryer vent piping can be as long as 40 feet with several bends and turns, and in many cases goes neglected for years. Professionals use a sturdy snake or power brush and a strong vacuum to clear out pipes.

An average dryer vent cleaning costs around $95, but can save you around $20 per month on your energy bill.

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, blocked dryer vents cause more than 15,000 fires annually.

As your Manager, Premier Property Management can help you located a reliable dryer vent cleaner. Contact us today at (877) 208-4570 or visit our website.

Tips for Preparing Your Condo to Sell

In today’s buyers market, it is more important than ever to make your condo unit more attractive to potential buyers – it’s very important to present it at its best!

Here are a few no and low cost things you can do to make your condo more appealing to potential buyers. Some are DIY projects and others require the help of a professional. Either way, these upgrades can help you get top dollar for your condo unit.
 
De-clutter and De-personalize: This is probably the easiest, most effective change you can make. When it comes to showing your condo, less is more. Put away gadgets, small appliances, knickknacks, personal photographs and religious items. Keep in mind that you want the buyer to remember the condo unit, not your “stuff”!
 
Clean It Up: Dust, vacuum, clean the glass, wash the floors and counter-tops. People cannot envision themselves living in a dirty home.
 
Upgrade Hardware: Changing the cabinet hardware is a simple and cost effective way to give a new, modern look to an old cupboard door.
 
Upgrade Light Fixtures: Replace old, outdated light fixtures and switch/outlet cover plates. Make sure there are no burned out bulbs.
 
Paint: Freshen the interior of your condo unit with a new coat of paint. Use neutral colors (white, gray, beige) to make the space appear larger than it is and allow the buyer to envision their own furniture in the space.
 
Upgrade Flooring: Replace worn or stained carpet with a neutral berber style. Cracked linoleum can be replaced with vinyl tiles or laminate.
 
Kitchens: If it’s not in your budget to renovate the whole kitchen, consider replacing old appliances with stainless steel. Stainless steel appliances are sleek and will give your home that modern touch. Cabinet refacing or even painting can also bring new life into an old kitchen. A new laminate counter-top is also an inexpensive way to freshen up the kitchen.

Baths: Update the vanity cabinet and replace old fixtures. Make sure mirrors and glass doors are spotless. Clean grout and or ever consider painting outdated colored grout with a more modern, neutral color.

Your potential buyers only get a few minutes in your home, make them count!

Premier is Hiring!

Premier Property Management Services, LLC of Enfield, CT, is looking for a Full Time Property Manager. Individual must be reliable and have condo association knowledge or some type of prior, related property management experience. We are willing to train the right individual on the condo portion of the position. Candidate must be highly organized and able to multi-task in a fast-paced environment. Interpersonal communication skills are a must, as our managers work directly with contractors and clients. This is a full time position, Monday through Friday, with occasional evening meetings and/or property walk-throughs. To apply, please send a resume to Kevin Wilson at Kwilson@ppmgmtonline.com or call our office at 860-523-0157.

Spring Project Spotlight - Hamlin Court Parking Lot Cleanup

Hamlin Court is a 28 unit condominium complex located in downtown Middletown. The building was the former Central School, converted to condominiums in the 1980s. It's a very unique property, with several different unit types and sizes.

In addition to the main resident parking lot, there is a small overflow lot down the block from the building. It wasn't clearly marked, so there were unauthorized cars, vandalism to the signs, overgrown weeds and litter. As you can see from these photos, the lots looked abandoned.

With the help of one of the Board members with graphic design experience, we were able to create a new sign made of a durable PVC material. The association's landscape contractor cleaned up the weeds and litter, and then our maintenance team installed the new signage. 

 When a driver goes to pull into the lot, they now see this sign directly in front of them:

 

If they still aren't sure if the lot is for public parking, we also installed these standard signs at each end of the lot:

We're hoping that these changes will make this space look less like an abandoned lot and more like an extension of the complex.

Do you need a management company that cares about your property as much as you do? Contact Premier Property Management Services, LLC today! (877) 208-4570 or visit our website.

The Importance of Having Trees on Your Property

Studies have shown that residences with trees in the area can increase home values from 10% to 15% depending on the location. A study in Portland, Oregon showed increased values between $1,688 and $19,958. See the article HERE.

Benefits of trees include (other than the obvious aesthetic enhancements):

• Improve air quality
• Sequester carbon by absorbing carbon dioxide
• Increase oxygen in the air through photosynthesis
•  Reduce storm water runoff and erosion by absorbing water through the root system and deflecting rain as it falls to the ground
• Trees cool the air through transpiration which is the releasing of water vapors through the leaves during hot weather
• Provide shade that cools buildings and saves cooling utility expenses, especially from shade trees planted on the southern and western sides of buildings
• Deciduous trees (those that lose their leaves each fall) provide both heating and cooling attributes because they provide shade in the summer but after they drop their leaves they allow sun light penetration onto buildings in the winter which helps in warming and reducing heating expenses
• Well placed evergreen trees act as wind breaks which also can help reduce heating costs
• Trees can help shade and protect pavements and other hardscapes from the degrading effects of the sun, which can help reduce replacement and maintenance costs
• Trees can block unwanted views
•  Recent studies have shown stress reduction, shorter healing times for people, and improved behavior in children from settings with trees

These are the positives of having trees on property, but it’s also important to maintain them properly in order to maintain their health and beauty. Risk management is also very important, as trees and branches can fail and drop to the ground causing damage to property or people – but these issues can be managed through a proper tree management program of regular tree evaluation, pruning, cabling, fertilization and pest control. A licensed arborist can help make sure the trees on your property and healthy and safe.

Questions? Contact Premier Property Management at (877) 208-4570 or visit our website.

Source: James Dean, CT Licensed Arborist, White Oak Tree & Landscape

Spring Maintenance Checklist for Condos and HOAs

After a long, brutal winter like the one we’ve had this year, your property may have suffered some damage and may be in need of a few repairs. With a little effort, your property can look its best and be safe for residents and visitors at the same time.

Here are some things our Managers will look for during upcoming property inspections:

Buildings: Broken/sagging gutters and downspouts, loose window frames, deteriorating
wood, concrete or brickwork, missing roof shingles, signs of water damage. Evidence of water collecting around building foundations. Evidence of clogged drains. Broken chimney caps. Siding damage including broken boards and popped nails.

Landscaping: Fallen branches and leaves. Trees and shrubs in need of pruning. Damaged sprinkler systems. Blocked drains.

Parking Lots & Walkways: Cracked or heaved concrete. Potholes. Broken curbing. Excess sand.

Spring Maintenance Checklist

Here’s a typical checklist of things that your Manager may suggest to help get your property in shape for the coming months:

• Repair exterior siding; patch and paint as necessary.
• Turn on outside water and inspect system for leaks. Check sprinkler systems for broken pipes, missing or broken heads, and clogged valves.
• Repair window and sliding glass door caulking and flashing to help prevent leaks.
• Ensure all exhaust fans are clean and remove lint buildup from the clothes dryer vents.
• Inspect all wood decks and fences for rot, broken boards, raised nails, loose screws, etc.
• Prepare for pool opening: Clean and inspect the pool and poolside area for cracks and tripping hazards. Clean all pool furniture to remove dirt and mildew.
• Do a safety check of any playground equipment.
• Clean the clubhouse/common room.
• Sweep the parking lots, private access roads and sidewalks.
• Pressure wash any areas that have mildew or dirt.

Need a manager that will make sure your property stays in shape? Contact Premier Property Management, LLC today at (877) 208-4570 or online at ppmgmtonline.com