AAA House Manager Blog

This post has been updated to better address the added challenges of managing the dangers of wildfire season at a time when communities are already impacted by COVID-19.

At this point, we've been through enough wildfires to be familiar with the myriad ways our lungs take a beating when the air quality outside is poor — including increased risk of asthma, pneumonia, bronchitis, COPD, and heart failure. 

What we aren’t used to: fewer firefighters, shortages of N95 masks, an increased number of individuals already suffering from respiratory problems related to the pandemic, and emotional and mental fatigue from already spending months cooped up indoors. We can also add to that list rolling blackouts and PG&E’s calls to reduce energy consumption. 

As the saying goes, knowledge is power. Don't be fooled by these myths about AAA House Manager: that we're redundant with other services — such as home warranties or home insurance (we know, all these options for your home can get confusing!) — require special assessments before you start scheduling maintenance or repairs, or are not necessary or useful for new homes. Yes, it's true — new houses need maintenance too! Let's take a closer look at these myths and more.

Plants are one of the most natural and affordable (depending on what you select!) ways to liven up an interior, and Millennials have noticed. In case any confusion remains as to the growing obsession (pun intended), the Instagram hashtag #plantsofinstagram clocks in at more than 4 million posts — that's 3 million more than the cohort's beloved #avocadotoast! But the approachable hobby isn't only for Millennials. Anyone and everyone can benefit from some added verdure in their life. As members of the House Plant Club will brightly explain, plants make people happy.

What are the attributes of a great House Manager? What does it take to diagnose and repair a complex system like a home, to earn a member's trust, and become their first call when something in their home goes wrong? While we've given the subject elaborate consideration, we often find inspiration in the outstanding passion and work ethic of our House Managers. Whether it's George working past a scheduled appointment time to make sure everything on a member's list is taken care of, or Ben seeking every possible avenue to increase his knowledge of homes, we never cease to be amazed by the dedication and care they bring to their craft. Troubleshooting complicated systems is no easy task, and we truly appreciate their commitment to making the critical task of caring for a home that much easier for our members. Now without further adieu, meet Ben!

Happy 2020! With this new year, comes a wonderful opportunity to set some new habits around your home. One we can't recommend enough: doing a little something for your home each month. Those small efforts add up quickly! To make it easier, we compile our top recommendations each month. No need to research, simply follow along and start appreciating the impact around your home. If you want to skip ahead, we have the entire year's plan set out in our 12-month Bay Area Home Maintenance Checklist, plus optional calendar reminders and monthly emails so you never miss an update. 

What are your home goals for 2020? As you're sitting down to set your New Year's resolutions, will any for your home make the list? Whatever the project, we're here to help when you need us. Here are a few ideas (and a special free smart home tech offer):

Between Scandinavian-inspired minimalist design and hygge vibes, house plants becoming a staple of modern living, and open floor plans taking the lead, 2019 was a more subdued, earthy year for home décor and design. Lovers of everything lavish and extravagant will be pleased to hear that more decadent styles are on the horizon, largely thanks to a nostalgic re-imagining of 1920's classic looks. 

If you want to become a great cook, you watch how renowned chefs prepare their own meals. After all, they know what really matters — and what you can ignore. (Soufflé, here we come!) The same goes for your home. If you want to know the key steps to maintaining you biggest investment, you turn to the pros. Fortunately for us, we have a number of them! This month, we get to know Matthew and his advice for the holidays.

It's the most wonderful time of the year! With the caroling, marshmallow toasting, glowing lights... and bursting pipes. OK, so maybe winter isn't all hot mulled wine and gingerbread decorating, but most home maintenance and hosting hiccups can easily be avoided with a little preparation. 

Ever wonder who our House Managers are? How they got started in the "biz"? Or what they do when they're not on the clock? They have fascinating backstories and hobbies! Next up, we're pleased to introduce you to George, one of the most seasoned House Managers on our team and also a talented classic car builder. Read on for his story as well as his top tip for homeowners this fall.