Busting the Biggest Manhattan Property Care Myths
Owning a Manhattan home, whether it’s an investment property or primary residence, comes with unique challenges and responsibilities. Top Hat Home Services has been the city homeowners’ trusted property care and property management expert for almost two decades. Our team has seen it all, helping to mitigate our clients’ frustrations and fears. As part of our mission to make owning a Manhattan property carefree, we’re going to debunk some of the most common myths that can lead to expensive repairs and sleepless nights.
Myth #1: An unoccupied house doesn’t need maintenance.
Reality: Leaving your house vacant for extended periods can spell trouble with a capital T. There are a number of nasty (and costly) issues that happen when a home is unused for longer than the usual week or two. Colleen, our Senior Field Operations Manager, shares that it’s crucial to keep your home systems operational to avoid temperature fluctuations. Humidity can damage trim, furniture, artwork, and finishes. Plumbing lines may dry out, causing sewer gas odors. If gutters and drains are clogged, it can result in flooding or ice dams. For our clients that are away for more than two weeks, we recommend keeping the thermostat set to around 55 degrees in the winter to avoid heating an empty home, while keeping it warm enough to avoid burst water pipes. In warmer months, keep the AC set to 85 degrees.
It's also crucial to the life span of your appliances to keep them running. Though the cost of appliances may have decreased, the cost to fix them has not. Your appliances are meant to be kept in regular use. If your home is going to be vacant for the summer, have someone come in to run the dishwasher, washing machine and other equipment to extend their life and avoid future repair bills. Regular maintenance, from either a trusted (and handy) neighbor or property management company is key to preventing surprises when you get home.
Myth #2: Familiarity with your home means you'll catch all the issues.
Reality: Even long-time residents can overlook minor cracks or water damage. Sometimes, it takes a fresh perspective and expert eyes to spot potential problems before they escalate. Jose, Top Hat Home Services Manager of Major Projects, has seen first-hand how minor plumbing or electrical issues can snowball into major headaches if left unaddressed. Regular inspections by professionals can help catch issues early, saving you time and money in the long run.
Myth #3: Recently constructed homes are easier to care for than older homes.
Reality: There are benefits to both newer and older homes. It’s a common myth that newer construction means that no immediate maintenance is needed. Contrary to popular belief, newer construction isn't immune to problems. Scott, our Senior Technical Director and Service Manager shares that newer homes can experience similar complications as do older homes, including construction defects and settling issues. Older, well-maintained homes might also experience concerns, but they have stood the test of time. With years of occupancy, many issues have likely been identified and resolved, assuming the home has been well maintained.
Choosing to invest in an older, well-maintained home can offer numerous advantages, such as unique architectural details and solid craftsmanship, and you’re benefiting from years of upkeep and improvements—especially if the previous owners were Top Hat customers. Newer construction has its benefits, as long as you have home experts do a thorough check of the home from roof to basement. Our clients’ homes are kept in pristine condition due to consistent care and a high level of attention, increasing the value of the investment.
Myth #4: Small home issues stay that way.
Reality: For those of us who have lived in our homes for a while -- we get used to that faucet dripping or strange basement smell. We’ll get around to it --eventually. Dan, our Daily Operations Coordinator wants to remind homeowners that small issues are not always small or often stay small. It's crucial to address even what seems to be minor home issues promptly to prevent potential bigger, and costlier complications. Weather and water are the two leading causes of home damage, accounting for 65% of home insurance claims. A small roof or plumbing leak can become a much more expensive repair down the road. There also might be less visible and harmful Issues, like mold lurking behind walls.
Don’t let common misconceptions about property care in Manhattan keep you up at night. Whether you choose an older or a new Manhattan home, proactive maintenance is key to safeguarding your investment and ensuring a comfortable living environment for years to come. We hope these tips remove some of the misconceptions and headaches of homeownership. Our expert team is here to help keep your home in pristine condition so you can rest easy.
Gary Mindlin is co-founder and owner of Top Hat Home Services, a full-service property care and management company. Top Hat services homes in Manhattan and are known as experts in every aspect of building management, maintenance and repair, as well as renovation and construction supervision.