If you split your year between Southwest Florida and somewhere up north, you've probably wondered what a home watch company actually does while you're gone. Home watch is best described as a visual inspection of a home or property, looking for obvious issues. It's not house sitting, and it's not a security system. It's a trained set of eyes walking through your home on a regular schedule and catching small problems before they turn into expensive ones.
Outside the home
- Walk the yard and pick up trash or storm debris
- Bring in mail and packages
- Keep an eye on landscaping
- Look over the siding, roof and gutters from the ground for obvious issues
- Check doors and windows for any sign of a break-in or vandalism
- Look for signs of pests
- Look over the pool and spa for obvious issues
- Open and close the garage doors
Inside the home
- Check temperature and humidity readings
- Look under every sink and around toilets for leaks
- Run water in all sinks, tubs and showers, and flush toilets to keep traps full
- Run the garbage disposal
- Make sure lights and fans work
- Check the breaker box for tripped breakers
- Confirm windows and doors are still locked and the security system is working
- Check appliances for power or signs of thawing
- Look for wetness, mold or mildew
Why it matters in Southwest Florida
Heat and humidity are hard on an empty house. A failed AC unit can lead to mold in a matter of days, and a slow leak under a sink can go unnoticed for months. Regular visits mean you hear about it right away, with photos, instead of finding it when you get back.
Every visit ends with a confirmation to you, so you always know your home was checked.
Every Sunshine Sentry plan includes this full checklist, and we can add items specific to your home. Request a free quote to get started.