What exactly is home watch service?
Home Watch is a service for seasonal home owners who want to have their homes monitored while they are away. In SW Florida, an unoccupied home is highly vulnerable. Home watch provides a thorough visual check of the home inside and out. But home watch is so much more!
Florida homes especially require special care due to our high humidity and sub-tropical climate. A malfunctioning AC unit could lead to mold growth inside the home. Many people might have a false sense of security if they are relying on a wifi thermostat. While that can be a valuable tool, it can’t replace the value of regular home visits. Early detection of a leak can mean the difference between damage and disaster.
Home watch companies do way more than brush and flush toilets. We monitor things like the function of your AC and water zones, leaks, humidity levels, look for bugs, and any signs of visual damage. They are likely to have tools with them to check suspicious problems like moisture, humidity issues, and a powerful flashlight. A trained professional will also be sure to be bonded and insured. Beware of a hobby home watcher or a well-intending neighbor!
While there is not state licensing system yet for home watch, a professionally trained home watch company will have completed a training program like the Home Watch Academy. To be a credentialed reporter through the International Home Watch Alliance you must pass their criteria, a test, plus a background check along with proof of proper insurance and a bond.
Many home watch providers will also offer concierge services- key-in services to other service providers while you are away. Beware of companies that get kick backs from their vendors. They can let in cleaning services and other vendors performing repairs.
Check with your insurance agent. Some policies will offer a discount for seasonal homes using home watch services. Some policies also carry limitation clauses that will exclude coverage for humidity driven mold, or exclusion of coverage if damage is not reported within 14 days. This may dictate how often you need to have home watch service. Most professional companies are going to recommend weekly or three times a month at the most to stay within that 14 day window.
Now how is that different than house sitting?
A house sitter will stay at your property while you are gone and live there sleeping and eating at your property and also have access to using bathrooms and other amenities.
If you are in need of home watch services and don’t know where to start, contact me for a free guide by the International Home Watch Alliance to guide you through the interview process.