Home Watch Glossary
Use Our Home Watch Glossary to Understand Terms Unique To The Home Watch Industry
*Definitions are as defined by the National Home Watch Association (NHWA)
Accredited Member*
Home Watch providers that have been vetted by the National Home Watch Association (NHWA) for proper insurance and bonding coverage, consumer complaints, and truthful website content. All company principals must pass a criminal background check and must agree to follow the Mission Statement and uphold the Code of Ethics of the NHWA.
Certified Home Watch Professional*
A Home Watch Professional that has successfully completed an accredited training curriculum by the National Home Watch Association (NHWA) recognized throughout the United States and Canada.
Client*
Individual, entity or responsible party to whom the Home Watch company is accountable.
Client Portal
Online website that centralizes information and communication between clients and service providers.
Dehumidifier
Is an electrical device that reduces and maintains humidity levels in the air. People use these appliances to eliminate musty odors and to prevent the growth of mildew. This appliance works by extracting water from the air.
Emergency Situation*
Classification of an observed item during a home visit. A situation requiring immediate attention in order to prevent additional damage/risk to the property, typically determined by the Home Watch Inspector/Reporter or requested by the client.
Further Evaluation *
Classification of an observed item during a home visit. A recommendation made to the client by the Home Watch Inspector/Reporter that an analysis by a qualified tradesman, service technician, or industry professional should be arranged.
Home*
A dwelling that may be a single-family home, condominium, townhouse, apartment, villa, mobile home, cabin, or cottage.
Home Watch*
Home Watch service performs scheduled inspections of unoccupied or vacant properties while the owner is away. The National Home Watch Association describes Home Watch as a visual inspection of a home or property, looking for obvious issues.
HomeWatchIT
Online custom software used to handle all aspects of Home Watch services.
Home Watch Inspection/Check*
A visual inspection of a home or property looking for obvious issues.
Home Watch Provider*
A company that provides Home Watch services.
Home Watch Inspector/Reporter*
A person who performs a Home Watch Inspection/Home check.
Hurricane Season
In Florida, the hurricane season runs from June 1st through November 30th.
Hygrometer
Checks relative humidity and temperature in a home.
Informational Only
Classification of an observed item during a home visit. It will not require further action and is provided only for informational purposes.
Infrared Laser Thermometer
Device that detects temperature of objects, not air temperature.
Mold
A type of fungus that grows in a moist environment and needs organic material to establish themselves and thrive. Roof and foundation leaks, high interior humidity, overflowing toilets, sinks or washing machines and more severe forms of flooding are common sources of moisture and are what causes mold in a house.
Pinless Moisture Meter
Device to check for possible moisture in an object or behind walls.
Readily Accessible*
Any area of the home or property that is available for visual inspection, without requiring the moving of personal property or causing any unsafe situation that may arise and involve risk to the Home Watch Inspector/Reporter.
Report*
A compilation of findings, observations, and photos of the home at the time of the Home Watch inspection/check, which is sent to the client for review.
Shutter Service
The installation of hurricane shutters on a house prior to a pending storm.
Shutter Dry Run
A scheduled rehearsal of shutter installation that is performed prior to hurricane season. Typically includes organizing and identifying all shutters available for a home.
Tropical Storm / Hurricane Watch
An announcement that tropical storm / hurricane conditions are possible within the specified area. Watches are issues 48 hours in advance of the anticipated onset of tropical-storm-force winds.
Tropical Storm / Hurricane Warning
An announcement that tropical storm / hurricane conditions are expected within the specified area. Warnings are issued 36 hours in advance of the anticipated onset of tropical-storm-force winds.
Unsafe*
A condition of the home or property deemed unsafe by the Home Watch Inspector/Reporter. Conditions may include animals, insects, mold, structural damage, water, gas, fire, storm damage, criminal activity, squatters, etc.
If you find a term relating to Home Watch that does not appear in this Home Watch Glossary, and you would like a further explanation, please Contact Us with your question.