Top Hat Home Services

4 Essential Things to Look for When Hiring a Contractor in Manhattan 🏙️🔧 As the Founder and Managing Partner of a Manhattan property management company, I’ve worked with my fair share of contractors for both small and large home renovations. Finding the right contractor can make or break a project (and make or break the budget). Here are 4 things to consider before signing on with anyone doing ANY work on your home: 1️⃣ Experience with NYC Building Codes & Regulations New York City has some of the strictest building codes and regulations in the country. Make sure your contractor has solid experience working within the city, understands the permitting process, and is up to date on local regulations. It's a non-negotiable. 2️⃣ Clear Communication & Transparency From initial estimates to timelines, transparency is key. A contractor who communicates well from the start is more likely to keep you informed during the project, helping you avoid surprises down the road. 3️⃣ Strong Reputation & References In a city like Manhattan, word of mouth is everything. Always check references and look for online reviews. A reputable contractor should have a strong track record with past clients and a portfolio that speaks to their quality of work. 4️⃣ Proper Insurance Coverage Any contractor working on your property should have general liability insurance, workers’ compensation, and commercial auto insurance. General liability insurance protects against property damage or injuries that might occur during the project. Workers’ compensation covers employees in case of job site injuries. Commercial auto insurance ensures that vehicles used for transporting materials or workers are covered. Always verify their insurance certificates before signing any contracts! When it comes to maintaining and improving properties, choosing the right contractor ensures the job is done right, on time, and within budget. Top Hat Home Services makes it easy, with a vetted network of service providers and specialists in just about every industry. From assessing feasibility studies for kitchen or bathroom renovations🛠to overseeing subcontractor service delivery, Top Hat Home Services helps to assure your home renovation balances efficient planning with superb execution. What else would you like to know about hiring the perfect contractor? Let’s discuss in the comments! 👇 #PropertyManagement #NYCRealEstate #ContractorTips #ManhattanLiving #BuildingMaintenance #propertymanager #manhattan

Wishing all of you an easy and meaningful fast.

Wishing you and yours a sweet new year!

This time of year, our monthly maintenance includes checking the circulator pump. What's that, you ask? It's a device that ensures you get hot water and heat when you need it. A well-maintained circulator pump can last 10-15 years, so it's important to check it regularly. Here are 3 signs your pump is going and needs some attention. As always, we're here to help!

It takes a lot of work to keep a home in pristine condition. That's our passion. Here are some of the services we provide to Manhattan homeowners as part of our preventative seasonal maintenance. #propertymanagement #propertycare #manhattan #propertymanager #homemaintenance #homerenovation

The Top Hat Home Services team just completed the building and istallation of a new custom wooden staircase from the New York Studio School Chester French room to the Sculpture basement studio. The new staircase, in a style consistent with the original, has enhanced the appearance of the historic Chester French room and greatly improved the safety and experience for those using the Sculpture basement studio.  This building was the original site of the Whitney Museum in 1931. NYSS moved in in 1965. Big tip of our top hat to Village Preservation (GVSHP) for making the introduction. Here's to years of safe trips down to the Sculpture basement studio! #landmark #nyclandmarkpreservation #historicalny #propertymanagement #propertymanagers #manhattan

The Old Farmer's Almanac says that this fall, New York will be cooler than normal. Fortunately, one of our seasonal maintenance tasks is to do a weatherization inspection from roof to basement. With New York's high energy costs, you can save as much as $500/year on your energy bill by making sure drafts aren't getting in windows, walls and doors. If you've got older windows or doors, they should be replaced. NYSERDA recommends Energy Star Certified windows, which can save 12% on energy bills. We also perform thermal imaging of our clients’ homes walls so we can see where the insulation isn’t as effective. Our trucks are all over Manhattan at our clients' homes as the weather FINALLY cools down. We'll be caulking, weatherstripping, and replacing screens with storm windows. If you see a Top Hat Home Services truck, give our driver a honk or a wave!

⛱ Going away this holiday weekend? We recommend that you keep the AC on, ideally setting it at 78 degrees. The New York Times recently reported that it's MORE efficient --and your home will be more comfortable -- if you keep the AC running instead of turning it off when you leave. NYSERDA also shared that you can save an average of 3% of your energy costs💲for every degree you turn up the thermostat. #propertymanager #propertymanagementcompany #propertymanagement #residential #brownstones #townhouses #manhattan #homemaintenance #propertycare

Manhattan residents - this just in! The New York City Department of Sanitation announced that as of Oct. 6, it's mandatory to separate leaf and yard waste, food scraps and food-soiled paper from your trash. Composting pick up will be weekly on your regular recycling day. Request a free DSNY brown bin by Oct. 28 at nyc.gov/curbsidecomposting Composting must be put in a labeled bin, 55 gallons or less, with a secure lid. Free label at nyc.gov/compostingbindecal #sustainability #recycling #manhattan #propertymanagement #propertymanagers #propertymanager #residential #compost

When you've been in business for close to 20 years, you meet a lot of great people along the way. We're honored to be the property management and home maintenance service company of choice for some of Manhattan's top home service specialists. Thanks to Manhattan's Nationwide Chimney & Fireplace for being one of our long-time partners and trusting us with your clients. #manhattan #propertymanager #propertymanagement #residential #brownstones #townhouses #condo #homemaintenance #propertycare