A Designer’s Guide to Luxury Home Maintenance

When I bought my first home, I thought I had factored in all the expenses: the mortgage, insurance, and property tax. What I naively failed to consider was all the maintenance that goes into owning a home. Plumbing surprises, a new roof, and did you know that without an irrigation system you’re supposed to water your yard? I sure didn’t.

Maintaining a luxury home is an entirely different ballgame. And if you (like me) didn’t grow up with access to the finer things in life, this might be a whole new world.

Recently, a client who owns a portfolio of luxury properties asked us how to shield their walls from suitcase marks left by guests (wood wainscoting for the win). I instantly thought of that stereotypical 1980s grandma who wrapped her furniture in plastic. Don’t worry — I won’t suggest you go that far, but there are a few steps you can take to ensure your luxury property stays in pristine condition.

Step 1: Identify & Prioritize Your Favorite Features

Before we jump into the nitty-gritty of maintenance, it’s important to identify what you love most about your luxury property. What would you be super bummed to lose or have damaged? Where should you direct that extra dose of TLC?

For example, maybe you’re the type who can’t relax if there’s even a tiny speck of dirt on your pristine white rugs. Or your windows must offer a crystal clear view of the outdoors at all times. Understanding your priorities will guide your maintenance efforts, helping you place focus on what genuinely matters.

Step 2: Assemble Your Maintenance Team Leaders

Here’s the secret: Preserving the beauty and functionality of your luxury home requires a dedicated maintenance crew. You won’t be doing it alone, especially if you don’t live in the house year-round. We recommend outsourcing to the experts or hiring a professional property manager to oversee operations. 

Many of our clients opt for a two-caretaker approach: one excels in meal prep and housekeeping, while the other tackles maintenance and groundskeeping duties.

Step 3: Outsource the Rest

Additionally, property managers can also hire and supervise the other experts necessary for keeping your home in tip-top shape. Your dream team could include:

Luxury House Cleaners: Look for professionals who are well-versed in treating delicate surfaces like antique wood, silk carpets, and marble. (And who don’t shove furniture right up against the walls!) These experts will ensure your home remains spotless without damaging valuable materials.

Upholstery Cleaners: Keep your fine fabrics and delicate drapes in pristine condition with an upholstery cleaning service. These skilled professionals can provide expert stain treatments and refresh the textiles in your home so they look as new as the day you bought them.

Painters/Repairmen: Plan for touch-ups to keep your painted walls looking flawless, along with any other annual maintenance of appliances. 

Climate Control Specialists: Keep the elements out and the temperature stable. Consider UV blockers on the windows to safeguard any sun-sensitive art, furniture, or hardwood floors.

Tech Professionals: Trust a tech-savvy pro to handle all those pesky updates and keep your home security top-notch.

Plant Care Providers: Plants need love, too. Enlist someone with the task of watering and nurturing your indoor plants, ensuring they thrive in your luxury oasis.

Enjoy Your Well-Maintained Property

A good luxury home should invite lots of use (hopefully not abuse) by you and your guests. With the right team in place and a clear understanding of your priorities, your home will be a source of pride and comfort, protecting your investment and your way of life.

Cheers,
Melanie

P.S. If you’re planning a renovation or home project, we’d love to support you. When you’re ready, you know where to find us.