Selecting the Right Home Watch Company for your Investment:
- jaydunlevy
- Mar 31
- 3 min read
A good home watch company in Florida should act as your eyes, ears, and first responder when you’re away. Because homes can sit empty for weeks or months (snowbirds, seasonal residents, travelers), the service should focus on preventing small problems from becoming expensive disasters like mold, rodent infestations, leaks, or break-ins.
Below is a practical guide to what they should include and the warning signs to watch for when hiring one.
Services a Good Home Watch Company Should Include
1. Regular Scheduled Property Inspections
Weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly (not recommended in high-humidity climates) visits, depending on your needs.
Exterior and interior walkthroughs every visit.
Custom inspection checklist for your home.
Typical inspections include:
Exterior checks
Walk entire property perimeter
Check doors, windows, and locks
Inspect roof, gutters, and drainage
Look for vandalism or suspicious activity
Check pool/spa condition and water level
Inspect landscaping and irrigation
Bring in mail and packages
Interior checks
Check for plumbing leaks under sinks
Run faucets, showers, and flush toilets
Inspect ceilings and walls for water stains
Check A/C operation and thermostat
Inspect appliances and refrigerator
Check electrical panel for tripped breakers
Look for pests, mold, or humidity issues
These tasks help prevent problems like water leaks, mold, pest infestations, or appliance failure while you’re away.
2. Detailed Visit Reports
A professional service should send:
Time-stamped inspection reports
Photos or videos
GPS confirmation of visit
Immediate notification if something is wrong
This documentation also helps with insurance claims if damage occurs.
3. Emergency Response
If something goes wrong, they should:
Contact you immediately
Shut off water or electricity if necessary
Coordinate emergency repairs (with your approval)
Meet contractors or service technicians
Many companies also manage vendors (plumbers, HVAC, pool, etc.) on your behalf.
4. Storm & Hurricane Preparation (important in Florida)
A strong company may offer:
Storm shutter installation
Patio furniture securing
Post-storm inspections
Debris checks and damage reports
This is especially important for Florida properties.
5. Concierge or Maintenance Services
Optional but common add-ons:
Start vehicles occasionally
Check boat or golf cart
Change A/C filters
Water plants
Coordinate cleaning before your return
Meet deliveries or furniture shipments
Red Flags When Hiring a Home Watch Company
1. No Insurance or Bonding
This is one of the biggest red flags.
You should ask for proof of:
General liability insurance
Dishonesty Bonding
Key Security
Workers compensation (if employees)
If something happens at your home, you could be liable if they are not insured for their injuries as well as damage to your property.
2. No Written Checklist or Procedures
Professional companies have:
A standardized inspection checklist
Documented processes
Digital reporting
If they say they just “look around,” that’s not enough.
3. No Background Checks on Employees
Your home is unlocked while they are inside.
Reputable companies:
Background check employees
Follow professional standards
Often belong to the National Home Watch Association (NHWA).
4. No Documentation of Visits
If they cannot provide:
Photos
Time stamps
Reports
There’s no proof they actually visited your home.
5. Too Cheap
Extremely low prices can mean:
They rush visits, (success-based on quantity, not Quality)
Skip inspections
Visit less frequently than promised
A proper inspection usually takes 30–60 minutes , depending on house size.
6. No Local Connections
Always ask for:
Local Chamber affiliations- Shows commitment to the community
Business is Properly Registered- (as per local statutes)
Experience with Florida homes is important due to humidity, mold, pests, and storm damage risks.
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