In-Unit Maintenance Work

Maintenance Work

To request maintenance work, log onto the Owner Portal and submit a ticket.

$45 per 1/2 hour per person.
$60 per hour per person.
Major appliances at cost plus 15% mark-up for handling. Parts and materials at cost plus 25% mark-up for handling. (Note: Special orders include a $15 fee).
$90 Minimum Charge per emergency maintenance calls after office hours, weekends, and holidays.

An In-Unit Service is basically a handyman type of service provided by the maintenance staff. Below is a list of in-unit services:

These services may change at the discretion of Management. Please contact the Office for details.

Pest Control

The Colonies has a contract with a leading private pest control firm to address rodents and insects in the common elements and in individual condominium units. If you see rodents around your building or you see insects in the building, please call the Administration Office for this free service.

Tips for Maintaining your Unit

WINDOW CLEANING:

Original Colonies Aluminum Windows:

1. Remove the rubber stopper from the top of the slide then slide the window all the way up.
2. Push the window upwards and towards the left or right; the other side should swing free from its tracks.
3. The window may be replaced by shoving one end back into place at the top of the window and swinging the free end back into its tracks. Only the bottom (or inside) window may be removed.
4. You can remove the screens by pulling the two metal clasps and tugging inward; the screen will come loose only if the inside window has been removed. Do NOT force the screens as they will easily bend and break.

Double-Hung White Vinyl Tilt-In Windows:

1. Unlock the window.
2. Raise the bottom sash up slightly.
3. Pull down the clips at the top of the window track until they click.
4. Tilt the window to clean.
5. Lay the clean side down all the way to the sill, and push clips back up to the top.
6. Lower the top sash slightly and push its inside clips toward the center of the window to release it
7. Pull the window down and tilt it out for cleaning.
8. Push the top sash closed. Pull down slightly until it clicks before pushing back up.
9. Push bottom sash back in and pull down slowly until it clicks.
10. Close the bottom sash the rest of the way and lock your window.

CIRCUIT BREAKER:

Each unit has a master circuit breaker located in the kitchen. If you overload your unit's electrical system, the fuse box is designed to trip automatically, shutting off electricity to the affected area.

PLUMBING:

The master on/off faucet for your unit is located near your hot water heater. All of the water to your unit may be shut off by turning the faucet off.
You should be especially careful when the temperatures drop well below freezing; a lot of pipes burst during the winter months making life miserable for all. When it really gets cold we suggest you pour a cup of anti-freeze or a salt solution into your sinks, tub or shower to keep the pipes from freezing. All units are affected-even third floor ones! In fact, most damage is caused by second and third floor pipes freezing, bursting, and flooding units below; when first floor pipes burst, they flood the basement (garage). If you go off on a winter vacation, be sure to set your thermostat at 60°F to prevent your water pipes from freezing.
As a co-owner, you may be responsible for water damage to surrounding units and/or common areas if you have a leak and destroy the ceiling or contents of the unit(s) below.

AIR CONDITIONING UNIT:

It is important to remember to clean/replace the air filter and drainage tube. If the filter and hose are not changed/cleaned regularly, this may lead to flooding.
Begin by unlatching the clips holding the metal plate, then remove the plate. Slide the horsehair air filter out and soak it thoroughly in your bathtub with hot water (or discard and replace it with a fiber-glass filter). While the horsehair filter is soaking, remove the plastic tubing from the drip spout by tugging it downward and unhook the other end by unscrewing the clip or bolt. Take out the plastic drainage tube and clean out the algae that has grown inside the tube. Follow the basic procedures for re-assembling the unit.

HOT-WATER HEATER:

Your hot water heater is a major source of electricity. There are two thermostats which regulate the heat in the unit. Both should be set to the same temperature. The thermostats may be set at the recommended range of 120°F to 140°F to conserve electricity; otherwise both should be set over 140°F. Be sure to remember to turn off electricity before attempting to work on your hot water heater.
Begin by unlatching the clips holding the metal plate, then remove the plate. Slide the horsehair air filter out and soak it thoroughly in your bathtub with hot water (or discard and replace it with a fiber-glass filter). While the horsehair filter is soaking, remove the plastic tubing from the drip spout by tugging it downward and unhook the other end by unscrewing the clip or bolt. Take out the plastic drainage tube and clean out the algae that has grown inside the tube. Follow the basic procedures for re-assembling the unit.