Elite Notions
Welcome to
 | |  | |  | |  | |  |
FAQ
FAQ
FAQ
Serving Eastern North Carolina
Serving Eastern North Carolina
Elite Notions
© 2008 Elite Notions, LLC. All rights reserved.
 | |  | |  | |  |
What exactly does Elite Notions provide?
Elite Notions is basically a concierge service for you, your home and your business needs.
Services Include but are not limited to:
Is Elite Notions considered a security service?
You could say that we provide you with security that someone is actually seeing your home, visiting your home inside and out to make
sure things are still as you left them. We make routine visits to help you detect any issues that may arise during your absence. Elite
Notions is not a managed security company that offers alarm systems or 24 hour patrol services.
Why would I need a house sitter?
For those homeowners that have investment properties, having a house sitter is great. Typically these homes sit for few months out of the
year vacant and the homeowner lives relatively too far to drive. Having someone check on things while you're away gives you updates on
your home without you having to worry if a tree fell on your home or if its been burglarized. Having a house sitter stop by for a visit while
you're out of town for a few days is a great idea as well. Watering plants, setting out trash, rotating lights are just some things that not only
help you but help deter break-ins.
Should I keep my thermostat on a certain temperature while I'm away rather than off?
During the humid summer months temperatures will cause all sorts of unwanted issues. Walls and ceilings can start to sweat, cabinets
can warp, mold and mildew can start to develop in corners and around windows and doors. Odors are susceptible to humidity as well.
You want to make sure you keep your thermostat on during the winter and summer months. Try to keep your settings at no more than 82
degrees on auto cool and during winter months above 60 degrees.
During the winter months, shouldn't I lower my temperature in my home to save energy?
Your pipes could freeze. When you lower your thermostat and the temperatures outside are in the teens or lower, you place your heating
system into a "dormant" like stage. Your heat will not kick in until the interior temperature has dropped to your setback temp. If your home
is very well insulated, this could take many hours for your temperature inside to drop causing the not-so-insulated pipes to freeze.
Here are some things to remember:
A vacant home is an invite for pest and rodent infestation.
Rodents only need a crack the size of a pencil to enter your home and here they can live freely for months without the homeowner ever
knowing. Making sure that the yards are kept tidy can help reduce rodent infestation. If the yard is overgrown with weeds and debris,
rodents will find it conducive to habitation. They are always looking for a quiet place to nest and always searching for food.
Should I leave my appliances running?
Stoves, Dishwashers, microwaves...yes. Refrigerators and freezer should be shut off unless you have a vacation rental and it is frequently
occupied. If you know that you will not be back for more than 3 weeks or longer, disconnect these appliances. You want to throw out any
food that spoils. Most sauces will be fine to leave. However, you should place a box of baking soda inside to help eliminate any odors. If
you decide to leave your refrigerator running, make sure to shut off your ice maker by lifting the ice lever. In the event that you have a power
outage you may want to freeze some zip loc bags full of water or gallon jugs to help keep your freezer items protected until the power is
returned.
I've been told that I should turn off my hot water heater. Is this true?
While some may disagree, turning off your hot water heater at the fuse box is a good idea. It usually takes less than an hour to reheat.
Is it necessary for me to shut off the main water valve?
Shutting off your main water supply is a great way to keep pipes from freezing during the winter months. Make sure to bleed the lines.
Why do you flush the toilets, run the faucets, washing machine and garbage disposal?
In some areas the water may leave a hard to remove deposit ring around your toilet. Your faucets, washing machine and garbage
disposal are run basically for the same reason. Calcium starts to form which could cause a lot of problems down the road and by
flushing these pipes, not only does it push out the sediment of calcium, but it will help to eliminate odors that start to build in your pipes
from your septic tanks and sewage lines. Same applies to the washer. Stagnant water could discolor your next washing. If there is an
unusual odor coming from your disposal, we usually drop 1/2 of a lemon to freshen the blades and drain.
Do you provide any lawn care or pool services?
If there is an unusual amount of debris such as fallen tree limbs and storm debris, trash, etc., Elite Notions will remove this minimal
debris upon our visit. We will also fill your pool if we notice it is unusually low. However, no lawn care services or pool services are
provided by Elite Notions. Arrangements can be made to have service started at your residence at your request.
Can you provide any other home maintenance services such as repairs or house cleaning?
Elite Notions does not provide the repair service ourselves, however, we do have qualified repairmen that we can contract for you. All
repair men are bonded and insured and hired on your approval. We can supervise the job for you while they are at your property. Elite
Notions does not provide house cleaning services, however, the only way that we may offer the service is if your home is an investment
property and you have an emergency situation where tenants are arriving in a few days and your home needs to be cleaned and ready for
them. If you need routine service we can arrange the service for you.
Can Elite Notions prepare my home for a hurricane or hurricane proof my home?
Elite Notions cannot guarantee that your home will not be damaged during a hurricane, however we can take the standard precautions
recommended. We will prepare your home for a hurricane by:
If my home is broken into while I'm away, will Elite Notions be responsible for any damage or missing items?
Again, Elite Notions is not a monitored security service. Elite Notions makes visits to your home to keep you aware of any known issues in
which we hope there are none. Elite Notions will not be held responsible for any damage to your home due to weather, break in's,
vandalism and so forth. The homeowner agrees that Elite Notions does not make unscheduled visits even in the event of a hurricane.
The homeowner must contact Elite Notions to schedule a visit.
As a personal assistant can you do things such as balance my checkbook?
This is just a great example of how Elite Notions does not offer these type services. This is something we feel is too personal.
Suggesting Realtors, Health Insurance companies, mortgage lenders are some of the personal things we may help with when you ask
for assistance. However, personal financial assistance it not provided by Elite Notions. We may suggest and accountant for you and
make those arrangements for you.
What type of services do you offer as a personal assistant?
The sky is the limit...almost. The client usually creates the project for us. We do have limitations so inquire with your request. Please visit
the personal assistant page to get an idea of what we offer. Don't hold us just to these requests. We offer way more that what you find
here.
How do you charge for these projects?
We have day rates which usually cover most projects. Each job is different and could be more than what's posted. The average day rate is
$300. The rate will never be any less than this, however, could go up. If you are needing Elite Notions to be a personal assistant, that is
present with you and handling your daily obstacles, the rate starts at $400/day and all day rates are based on 8 hours. This rate does
NOT include mileage. An additional $0.58/mile will be added to the final invoice.
Elite Notions is basically a concierge service for you, your home and your business needs.
Services Include but are not limited to:
- House sitting. This is great for a homeowner that has an investment home and needs someone to check on things since they
may live far away. House sitting is also great while you're on vacation just to give the appearance someone is still home to deter
burglars. These visits are drop in visits only. - Meeting appointments at your home when you are unavailable. This could be for furniture delivery, painters, the exterminator,
electrician, repair man, carpet installers etc. Just ask we will show up for you. - Grocery shopping. This could be for you and your family that will be arriving Friday evening and you'd like your vacation home
stocked up on groceries. We even wash your fruits and veggies and put away your groceries. That's the last thing you want to
tackle. This could also be for a busy Mom or Dad that didn't get a chance to shop this week. Maybe you have elderly parents that
can't get around easily and need someone to assist them with their groceries and deliver them as well. - Appointment setting, making reservations, travel accommodations
- Gift shopping and specialty shopping such as wine, cigars, flowers, gourmet foods, etc.
- Cooking Classes. We have classes that are held in your home for entertainment meaning demonstration only or for your personal
use. - Product Specialists. This is for your business needs. We contract professional Spokespeople for Tradeshow and Autoshow
related events on a national and regional level. Product Specialist travel throughout the country promoting a broad range of
products.
Is Elite Notions considered a security service?
You could say that we provide you with security that someone is actually seeing your home, visiting your home inside and out to make
sure things are still as you left them. We make routine visits to help you detect any issues that may arise during your absence. Elite
Notions is not a managed security company that offers alarm systems or 24 hour patrol services.
Why would I need a house sitter?
For those homeowners that have investment properties, having a house sitter is great. Typically these homes sit for few months out of the
year vacant and the homeowner lives relatively too far to drive. Having someone check on things while you're away gives you updates on
your home without you having to worry if a tree fell on your home or if its been burglarized. Having a house sitter stop by for a visit while
you're out of town for a few days is a great idea as well. Watering plants, setting out trash, rotating lights are just some things that not only
help you but help deter break-ins.
Should I keep my thermostat on a certain temperature while I'm away rather than off?
During the humid summer months temperatures will cause all sorts of unwanted issues. Walls and ceilings can start to sweat, cabinets
can warp, mold and mildew can start to develop in corners and around windows and doors. Odors are susceptible to humidity as well.
You want to make sure you keep your thermostat on during the winter and summer months. Try to keep your settings at no more than 82
degrees on auto cool and during winter months above 60 degrees.
During the winter months, shouldn't I lower my temperature in my home to save energy?
Your pipes could freeze. When you lower your thermostat and the temperatures outside are in the teens or lower, you place your heating
system into a "dormant" like stage. Your heat will not kick in until the interior temperature has dropped to your setback temp. If your home
is very well insulated, this could take many hours for your temperature inside to drop causing the not-so-insulated pipes to freeze.
Here are some things to remember:
- When it is extremely cold outside, 20 degrees or less, always keep your thermostat above 60 degrees.
- Never lower your thermostat more than 5 degrees for more than a four-hour period if the outside temperature drops below 20
degrees. - If you plan to leave your home for any given amount of time, shut off the water at the main water valve and bleed your faucets.
- If you know you have a history of frozen pipes, do not lower your thermostat until you can have your pipes properly insulated.
A vacant home is an invite for pest and rodent infestation.
Rodents only need a crack the size of a pencil to enter your home and here they can live freely for months without the homeowner ever
knowing. Making sure that the yards are kept tidy can help reduce rodent infestation. If the yard is overgrown with weeds and debris,
rodents will find it conducive to habitation. They are always looking for a quiet place to nest and always searching for food.
Should I leave my appliances running?
Stoves, Dishwashers, microwaves...yes. Refrigerators and freezer should be shut off unless you have a vacation rental and it is frequently
occupied. If you know that you will not be back for more than 3 weeks or longer, disconnect these appliances. You want to throw out any
food that spoils. Most sauces will be fine to leave. However, you should place a box of baking soda inside to help eliminate any odors. If
you decide to leave your refrigerator running, make sure to shut off your ice maker by lifting the ice lever. In the event that you have a power
outage you may want to freeze some zip loc bags full of water or gallon jugs to help keep your freezer items protected until the power is
returned.
I've been told that I should turn off my hot water heater. Is this true?
While some may disagree, turning off your hot water heater at the fuse box is a good idea. It usually takes less than an hour to reheat.
Is it necessary for me to shut off the main water valve?
Shutting off your main water supply is a great way to keep pipes from freezing during the winter months. Make sure to bleed the lines.
Why do you flush the toilets, run the faucets, washing machine and garbage disposal?
In some areas the water may leave a hard to remove deposit ring around your toilet. Your faucets, washing machine and garbage
disposal are run basically for the same reason. Calcium starts to form which could cause a lot of problems down the road and by
flushing these pipes, not only does it push out the sediment of calcium, but it will help to eliminate odors that start to build in your pipes
from your septic tanks and sewage lines. Same applies to the washer. Stagnant water could discolor your next washing. If there is an
unusual odor coming from your disposal, we usually drop 1/2 of a lemon to freshen the blades and drain.
Do you provide any lawn care or pool services?
If there is an unusual amount of debris such as fallen tree limbs and storm debris, trash, etc., Elite Notions will remove this minimal
debris upon our visit. We will also fill your pool if we notice it is unusually low. However, no lawn care services or pool services are
provided by Elite Notions. Arrangements can be made to have service started at your residence at your request.
Can you provide any other home maintenance services such as repairs or house cleaning?
Elite Notions does not provide the repair service ourselves, however, we do have qualified repairmen that we can contract for you. All
repair men are bonded and insured and hired on your approval. We can supervise the job for you while they are at your property. Elite
Notions does not provide house cleaning services, however, the only way that we may offer the service is if your home is an investment
property and you have an emergency situation where tenants are arriving in a few days and your home needs to be cleaned and ready for
them. If you need routine service we can arrange the service for you.
Can Elite Notions prepare my home for a hurricane or hurricane proof my home?
Elite Notions cannot guarantee that your home will not be damaged during a hurricane, however we can take the standard precautions
recommended. We will prepare your home for a hurricane by:
- bringing in all loose items such as outdoor furniture, plants, trash cans, grills, (anything that can be reasonably lifted and brought
in doors) - windows - close your hurricane shutters if they are accordion style, roll shutters or motorized. If you do not have them and would
like them, we could recommend a company for you and see the job through for you. Taping your windows only keeps the glass
from flying around the interior of your home, so we do not tape windows. We can also recommend a handyman to board your
window for you if blinds are not feasible at this time. This procedure as well as the blind preparation needs to be performed prior
to a hurricane alert. This is because the plywood has to fit the windows and it has to be firmly attached to the windows. Experts
recommend using 3/4 inch plywood and drilling screw holes 18 inches apart all around it. - contacting hurricane service companies at your request and seeing the job through.
If my home is broken into while I'm away, will Elite Notions be responsible for any damage or missing items?
Again, Elite Notions is not a monitored security service. Elite Notions makes visits to your home to keep you aware of any known issues in
which we hope there are none. Elite Notions will not be held responsible for any damage to your home due to weather, break in's,
vandalism and so forth. The homeowner agrees that Elite Notions does not make unscheduled visits even in the event of a hurricane.
The homeowner must contact Elite Notions to schedule a visit.
As a personal assistant can you do things such as balance my checkbook?
This is just a great example of how Elite Notions does not offer these type services. This is something we feel is too personal.
Suggesting Realtors, Health Insurance companies, mortgage lenders are some of the personal things we may help with when you ask
for assistance. However, personal financial assistance it not provided by Elite Notions. We may suggest and accountant for you and
make those arrangements for you.
What type of services do you offer as a personal assistant?
The sky is the limit...almost. The client usually creates the project for us. We do have limitations so inquire with your request. Please visit
the personal assistant page to get an idea of what we offer. Don't hold us just to these requests. We offer way more that what you find
here.
How do you charge for these projects?
We have day rates which usually cover most projects. Each job is different and could be more than what's posted. The average day rate is
$300. The rate will never be any less than this, however, could go up. If you are needing Elite Notions to be a personal assistant, that is
present with you and handling your daily obstacles, the rate starts at $400/day and all day rates are based on 8 hours. This rate does
NOT include mileage. An additional $0.58/mile will be added to the final invoice.
A concierge for your business and residential needs