For your convenience, House Watchers provides answers to several new clients’ most frequently asked questions. If you have a question that isn’t answered here, or if you’d like to speak with a House Watchers representative about your unique watch inspection or concierge needs, please call 508-472-7926 or visit our “Contact Us” page and send us a note.
What is a Home Watch service?
A Home Watch service operates as your eyes and ears while you are away from home. The service is designed to give you peace of mind while you are away from your home. Your home watch staff will conduct routine or scheduled (usually weekly) visual inspections looking for any obvious issues or problems.
Why do I need a Home watch service?
A better question is, how can you not have one? So many things can happen to your home in your absence: break-ins, water leaks, frozen pipes, electrical problems, insects, mold, and storms, to name a few. Conversely, preventive measures such as storm preparation and proactive maintenance should prevent many situations from arising. Even if you have a trusted neighbor or relative nearby, having a professional who is insured, licensed, bonded and accredited acting on your behalf is a much more reliable and effective option.
My alarm company provides security for my home. What value do you add?
An alarm company monitors entry into your home or fire alarms but they do not monitor potential problems that can occur due to broken pipes, mold, pests or vagrants. We identify those problems or the possibility of their occurrence and notify you to offer guidance and recommendations
How does a Home Watch company qualify to become a member of the National Home Watch Association?
Most Home Watch companies do not qualify for membership in the National Home Watch Association. Members have been carefully screened. References have been checked and insurance, bonding, and licenses (if applicable) have been verified. In addition, a background check has been completed on each member and they have agreed to abide by a Code of Ethics and a set of standards. Membership in the NHWA can be verified by visiting the NHWA Accredited Member Locations Page at www.nationalhomewatchassociation.org or by contacting the NHWA today at 853-357-6660.
How do I know I can trust you inside my home?
The House Watchers are insured, bonded, licensed, and accredited. In Massachusetts, Home Watch Companies are required to be licensed by the commonwealth as outlined in Massachusetts General Law Chapter 147 Section 23. All representatives are thoroughly screened and vetted. The process is managed by the Massachusetts State Police and includes a background check, personal interviews ,and reference checks.
What type of reporting can I expect from you?
After each visit The House Watchers will send you a detailed report by email. Any problems identified will be accompanied by pictures and details of the problem. If we take any immediate action to prevent further damage, we will contact you immediately to discuss what occurred and consider what course of action is needed for the repair. We use HomeWatchIT for our inspection and reporting system.
If, during a watch inspection a problem is discovered requiring repair services, do you hire your own contractors?
No. We always document and photograph any problems or issues that are discovered during a watch inspection, including descriptions and the photos featured in an inspection report that is emailed to the client following an inspection. If a situation is deemed to require the immediate attention of a skilled contractor, we call the client or their designated contact person. We then determine if the client has a preferred contractor they want to engage to resolve the problem. If not, we recommend a contractor from our screened network. In almost all instances, we will request that the contractor bill the client directly. And, of course, we provide a contractor access & supervision service, managing the repair process by scheduling and meeting the contractor at the property, providing an onsite presence during the repair, and locking up and securing things after their departure.
What House Watchers are not?
We are not a property management company nor are we a licensed home inspection service for the purpose of buying or selling a property. We are also not “house sitters” and do not live in your house, or pet sit, but will water your indoor plants. We are not a licensed construction general contractor. We are not here to find, buy or sell homes. We provide “home watch” services only.
What are the fees associated with home watching and personal concierge service?
Fees vary by size of residence, frequency of visits, and other unique requirements. Additional personal concierge services are charged by service & will vary depending on the service required. Payment for concierge services will be agreed upon prior to any service. Contact us to arrange for a meeting and receive a free estimate by clicking here.
If I need coordination with contractors doing work on my home, can you help?
The House Watchers can provide access for contractors and remain on-site. Hourly rates will apply and are specified in our service agreement.