What do home watch services cost?

The cost of home watch services varies based on factors such as property size, location, and the frequency of visits, typically ranging from $25 to $75 per visit. Additional services may incur extra charges.

Can a home watch company handle emergencies?

Home watch companies can effectively handle emergencies by regularly monitoring your property and responding to unexpected issues. They ensure that your home is secure and can take immediate action if any urgent situations arise.

How can I verify the credentials of a home watch professional?

To verify the credentials of a home watch professional, you should check their licensing, insurance, and references. Additionally, inquire about any relevant certifications and read online reviews to ensure they have a solid reputation in the industry.

What is a home watch service?

A home watch service is a professional service that monitors and manages a homeowner's property while they are away, ensuring its security and upkeep by conducting regular inspections and addressing any issues that may arise.

What does a home watch company do?

A home watch company provides services to monitor and manage properties, ensuring they are secure and well-maintained while homeowners are away. This includes regular inspections, handling maintenance issues, and offering peace of mind for property owners.

What services are included in home watch?

Home watch services typically include regular inspections of the property, monitoring for any signs of damage or security issues, managing mail and packages, and caring for indoor plants. Additional concierge services can also be offered as needed.

How often should home watch visits occur?

The frequency of home watch visits should be tailored to your individual needs and circumstances. Generally, visits occur weekly, but more frequent checks can be arranged for added peace of mind, especially during extended absences.

Can home watch services customize their offerings?

Home watch services can indeed customize their offerings. Premier Home Watch & Concierge tailors services to meet the specific needs and preferences of homeowners, ensuring personalized care for your property while you're away.

What technology do home watch services use?

Home watch services utilize advanced technology such as security cameras, smart home monitoring systems, and property management software. These tools enable efficient surveillance, real-time alerts, and seamless communication, ensuring your home is well-monitored while you are away.

Are background checks required for home watch staff?

Background checks for home watch staff are essential to ensure the safety and security of your property. Most reputable home watch services, including Premier Home Watch & Concierge, conduct thorough background checks on their employees to provide peace of mind to homeowners.

What emergencies do home watch services address?

Home watch services address various emergencies, including plumbing leaks, electrical issues, HVAC failures, and security breaches. Our professional team acts quickly to mitigate damage and ensure the safety and maintenance of your property while you're away.

How do I choose a reliable home watch company?

Choosing a reliable home watch company involves researching their credentials, reading client testimonials, and assessing their experience in property management. Look for companies that offer comprehensive services, clear communication, and transparent pricing to ensure your home is in trusted hands.

What insurance should home watch businesses have?

Home watch businesses should have general liability insurance, professional liability insurance, and property insurance. These cover potential damages, client claims, and any property accessed while performing services, ensuring both the business and clients are protected.

How do seasonal changes affect home watch needs?

Seasonal changes significantly affect home watch needs. In winter, properties may require more frequent inspections to ensure heating systems function properly and prevent freezing pipes, while summer may necessitate checks for storm damage and irrigation system upkeep.

What features should I expect from home watch services?

The features you should expect from home watch services include regular property inspections, emergency response capabilities, maintenance coordination, utility monitoring, and comprehensive reports detailing the status of your home to ensure peace of mind while you're away.

Are there certifications for home watch companies?

Certifications for home watch companies do exist and can vary by region. These certifications help ensure that providers meet industry standards and possess the necessary skills to effectively monitor and manage properties while homeowners are away.

What licensing is required for home watch services?

The licensing required for home watch services varies by location. Typically, a business license is necessary, and some areas might mandate specific certifications or insurance. Always check local regulations to ensure compliance.

How do home watch companies communicate with clients?

Home watch companies communicate with clients through various channels, including regular email updates, phone calls, and text messages. They often provide schedules and reports, ensuring homeowners stay informed about their property's status.

What is the primary goal of home watch services?

The primary goal of home watch services is to ensure the security and maintenance of a homeowner's property while they are away, providing peace of mind through regular inspections and management of essential tasks.

What are the reviews saying about local home watch companies?

Reviews about local home watch companies generally highlight the reliability and professionalism of their services, with many customers praising effective communication and peace of mind during their absence. Positive feedback often emphasizes attentive monitoring and prompt response to any issues.

FREQUENTLY ASKED HOME WATCH QUESTIONS

We put together a list of Frequently Asked Home Watch Questions for our visitors. These questions are designed to help you ensure that Premier Home Watch & Concierge is reliable, trustworthy, and capable of meeting your specific needs. Some of these questions may require further qualification so please do not hesitate to Contact Us with any questions you may have.

home watch questions with a person holding a chalkboard

Any home watch questions??

Our Frequently Asked Home Watch Questions

What is Home Watch?

Home Watch service performs scheduled inspections of unoccupied or vacant properties while the owner is away. The National Home Watch Association (NHWA) describes Home Watch as a visual inspection of a home or property, looking for obvious issues.

Why is Home Watch needed?

One of the most important home watch questions! There are many issues that can negatively impact your home when it is unoccupied. This includes break-ins, vandalism, A/C problems, water leaks, electrical problems, insects, mold, unsolicited flyers build up in mailbox or porch and storms. Home Watch is a professional and reliable way of checking on your house to ensure everything is operating normally. It is a recommended service to obtain peace of mind with your home while away. It is more reliable than using a trusted neighbor or relative nearby. Having a professional acting on your behalf is better option and more effective option that can save you money when issues arise.

Is Premier Home Watch & Concierge Insured?

Yes, Premier Home Watch & Concierge is insured, general and professional, and Bonded.

Why should I use Premier Home Watch & Concierge vs other companies?

We are Accredited by National Home Watch Association of America
We are Bonded and Insured
We are Certified Home Watch Professionals from the National Home Watch Association (# 10210209)
Experience with luxury residential construction projects
Experience pool construction & maintenance
Experience with computers and networks
Experience travel agents (IATA – International Association of Travel Agents)
Proven experienced risk managers
Highly experienced project managers
Experienced leadership and team builders
Professional office, organization, methods, and procedures
Real-time digital client reporting
Online client portal
Bilingual service (English and Spanish)

What is your service area?

We exclusively serve the Lakewood Ranch Florida area. We take pride in offering comprehensive home watch services to ensure the security and well-being of your property in the vibrant communities of Lakewood Ranch, Florida. See More

Who will be performing the home visits?

Our staff performing the home visits are Certified Home Watch Professionals designated by the National Home Watch Association (NHWA). They have attended formal training in best practices for the industry and have passed a final examination to become certified.

What is included in the home visit report?

The report is the summary of a home visit which includes a detailed report by area. It will list any observations and will make recommendations as needed. It will also include pictures of various areas of the house, external and internal. The GPS location of where the report is being filed is also available so that you can see we were at your property. The temperature and humidity inside the house will always be included.

How will I receive the home visit reports?

The visit report will be filed digitally and is emailed to you immediately after completion of the home visit. The report can also be found on the online client portal to be viewed or downloaded.

Is a contract needed for service?

Yes, we require a one-year agreement that is automatically renewed. You can cancel at any time without penalties we just require that you provide us with three (3) weeks’ notice. The agreement is essential so that we can plan our visits and resources appropriately.

What is the cost for your services?

The cost for our various services varies depending on the service, frequency and size of your home. We will need to review the details of your home which includes type of home (condo, apt, house), size (sq ft), number of bathrooms and additional features. Once we understand your requirements, we can provide a quote for our services. This can be done on the phone or if needed or desired can be done with a visit to your home.

What is the minimum number of visits per month?

We recommend weekly visits but will not perform less than one visit every other week. That would be at minimum two (2) visits per month. A single monthly visit would have too much time between visits and is not recommended for an unoccupied home.

Can I cut back on some inspection items to save money on visit costs?

No, we perform all the necessary tasks for a home inspection. Anything less can overlook small issues that can later become larger and more expensive problems. All the tasks we perform for a home inspection are as recommended by the National Home Watch Association (NHWA). This is one home watch question we are asked quite often.

Why is exterior and interior walk around needed?

Exterior and interior inspections can yield very different findings but together it yields a more accurate picture of the current condition of your home. There are many challenges to an unoccupied home and taking a complete look is the best defense against potential problems.

What is the biggest problem in Florida with unoccupied homes?

One of the biggest challenges to an unoccupied home in Florida is the risk of high humidity that can cause mold. Humidity is the amount of water vapor held in the air. An unoccupied home does not have windows or doors opening and closing and moving the air around. The preferred method in an unoccupied home to move air around and remove water from the air is the home’s air conditioner. If a broken air conditioner goes unchecked for long periods or goes down after a power outage due to storms, the humidity in the house can increase causing mold and substantial damages.

How are repairs handled?

When items are detected during a home visit, they will be listed in the home visit report. We will clearly identify if this is something that can wait or if immediate action is required. Our staff will also reach out to you regarding critical items so we can review the options together. If a repair is required, you can specify who should handle the repairs or we can provide suggestions based on our list of service providers. You determine who should perform the work and pay for the repairs directly to the service provider. We can assist you in working with them, providing access to the home, and overseeing the work. When all work is completed, you will be notified by our staff.

Do you visit my home after storms?

Yes, we can provide PRE and POST storm visits to ensure your home is ready for a storm or to confirm the condition of your home after a storm.

Can I request additional visits?

Yes, additional on demand visits can be scheduled. We understand that there may be something you are interested in following up based on current news or conversation with a neighbor or friend.

Do you provide Storm Shutter service?

Yes, we can assist you putting up the shutters in case of a storm. Currently we are only able to perform this service on one story homes. We can also verify that you have everything you need for the shutters by performing a review and dry-run test. You will need to have a shutter map readily available for this service.

How can I pay for your services?

1.	Pay by Check (US Banks only)
	Payable to: Premier Home Watch & Concierge
	Mail to : 9040 Town Center Parkway, Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202
2.	ACH bank payments (for US Banks only)
	Premier Home Watch will pay the ACH transaction fee.
3.	Online with Credit Card Payment (Visa, Discover, MasterCard) for US Cards only
	There will be a 3% transaction fee added to the invoice to cover bank fees.
4.	Wire Transfer – Mostly used for international payments.
	Transaction fees (Incoming International) will be added to invoice.
	Contact us for ABA Routing and account information.

Why are your fees slightly higher than other service providers?

We are firm believers in that you get what you pay for. We at Premier Home Watch & Concierge aim to compete on QUALITY not PRICE. We take pride in bringing you professional service which we feel incorporates the best-in-class service in the industry. We are Accredited NHWA members, Certified Home Watch Professionals, and Bonded & Insured. When you get quotes from others that are lower you should consider the experience and their level of commitment. Usually, the lower quotes come from neighbors or part-time home watchers who are not trained, background checked, bonded, or insured.

What does it mean to be accredited from the National Home Watch Association (NHWA)?

Accredited members of the National Home Watch Association must pass strict vetting processes that include:

Criminal background checks on all company principals
Proper insurance coverage – both general and professional liability
Proper bonding
Consumer complain checks
Truthful website and advertising content
Adherence to the NHWA’s Code of Ethics
Commitment to the NHWA’s Mission Statement

If our home watch questions about Accreditation do not provide enough information, please check our Accrediation page or send us a message here!

What are your Digital Home Watch Services?

We take pride in incorporating digital devices into our existing services. These services provide additional peace of mind by including continuous 24 hours/ 7 days a week monitoring of your home so you don’t have to. Our goal is to know the instant an issue occurs in your home and act immediately to minimize damage. The following digital monitoring services are available:

House Temperature and Humidity Monitoring
Water Detection and Monitoring (Hot water heater, A/C, Kitchen, Bathroom)

WHY SHOULD WE TURN OFF OUR WATER MAIN?

When the home is unoccupied, we recommend shutting off the main water valve for the following reasons:

Reduced risk of water damage: This is the primary reason for shutting off the water. In Florida’s humid climate, leaks can go unnoticed for extended periods in an unoccupied home, leading to extensive water damage and mold growth. Freezing temperatures during winter months also pose a risk of burst pipes if the water isn’t shut off.

Lower water bills: With no water usage, you’ll avoid unnecessary charges.

Potential insurance discounts: Some insurance companies offer discounts for proactive measures like turning off the water.

WHAT IS THE RECOMMENDED TEMPERATURE FOR MY HOME?

Here are some general guidelines from the NHWA to consider:

Winter: In areas with freezing temperatures, consider setting the thermostat between 55-60°F to prevent pipes from freezing. Some experts suggest leaving cabinets under sinks slightly open to allow warmer air to circulate around pipes.

Summer: In warmer climates, maintaining a temperature around 80-82°F can prevent pipes from freezing during unexpected cold spells. Ensure proper ventilation to prevent humidity buildup and potential mold growth.

Vacancy duration: For short absences, maintaining the usual temperature might be acceptable. But for longer vacancies, adjusting the temperature can offer benefits like reduced energy costs and minimizing the risk of water damage.

WHAT IS HIGH HUMIDITY?

Relative humidity reflects the percentage of moisture present in the air compared to the maximum it can hold at that temperature. In Florida’s warm and humid climate, even seemingly moderate levels can create problems.

Potential issues with high humidity:

Mold growth: Mold thrives in damp environments, and excessive humidity can lead to its proliferation, posing health risks and damaging your home.

Wood damage: Warping, swelling, and rot can affect wood structures and furniture.

Dust mite and allergen proliferation: High humidity fosters dust mites and other allergens, worsening allergies, and respiratory problems.

Unpleasant odors: Musty smells can develop due to trapped moisture and potential mold growth.

NHWA recommendations for Florida homes:

Maintain relative humidity between 40% and 55%: This range creates a comfortable environment while minimizing mold growth and other concerns.

Utilize dehumidifiers: During periods of high humidity, consider using dehumidifiers to control moisture levels.

Proper ventilation: Ensure adequate ventilation through open windows or exhaust fans to remove excess moisture.

Regular home checks: A home watch company can monitor humidity levels and alert you of potential issues while the house is unoccupied.

CAN YOU PROVIDE ME AN ONLINE QUOTE?

We believe in providing the most accurate and personalized service possible for our home watch clients. That’s why we don’t offer generic quotes without first meeting with you and seeing your property firsthand. While you might find estimated quotes online, they simply can’t account for the unique needs and features of your specific home.

During a free consultation, we can discuss your expectations, preferred services, and any potential concerns. Then, by touring your home together, we can assess its size, layout, security features, and potential maintenance needs. This allows us to create a tailor-made quote that accurately reflects the level of care your home deserves, ensuring you receive the best possible value and peace of mind. Based on the home watch questions we have been asked, we firmly believe this personalized approach is the most professional and responsible way to ensure your complete satisfaction.

CAN YOU HELP WITH HANDYMAN SERVICES FOR MY HOME?

Yes, we offer a range of handyman services that do not require special contractor’s license. Perfect for tackling those pesky to-do lists while you’re enjoying some sunshine or visiting your other home.

Are we missing any of your home watch questions? Click here to Contact Us and we will get you the answers to any home watch questions you may have!

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