Whether you’re a full-time Cape Cod resident or you live on the Cape during the summer, it’s essential to take steps to protect your home while you’re away. A home watch service can provide peace of mind by keeping an eye on your property and taking care of any necessary maintenance or repairs. But with so many different companies offering home watch services, how do you choose the right one for you? This blog post will outline 7 steps to help make the process easier.
1. Find a company that offers the type of service you’re looking for
Home Watch is defined as “a visual inspection of a home or property, looking for obvious issues.” According to the National Home Watch Association, home watch might be called house watch, house check, home concierge, caretaker, absentee home service, or property management. Regardless of the name, a home watch service performs scheduled inspections of unoccupied or vacant properties while the owner is away. Unlike an alarm or camera system, a home watcher can identify issues with your home that might turn into expensive disasters if not addressed promptly. For concerns you might have about your Cape Cod home, consider calling to speak with the home watch company and ask if they provide the service you seek.
2. Consider your budget
Home watch is relatively inexpensive compared to the costs of catastrophic repairs. Nevertheless, it is advisable to formulate a budget that includes home watch as a hedge against future home-related expenses. Many homeowners purchase a la carte services from a home watch company that might involve supervising entrance and exit of contractors, being present to accept delivery of valuables, and other services.
3. Check out reviews from previous customers to see if they were satisfied with the service
Testimonies from satisfied customers are often as valuable as recommendations from trusted friends and neighbors. In the 2020s, home watch clients are becoming accustomed to leaving reviews on frequently visited websites. Many home watch companies also provide lists of current clients as references. If you ask for references, it is highly recommended to call the client and ask specific questions about their experience with the home watch company.
4. Ask about warranties or guarantees offered by the company, as well as their customer service policies
Accredited home watch companies carry several types of insurance and surety bonds. Furthermore, Massachusetts is the only state in the union that grants licenses to home watch companies to further increase your confidence in their reliability and trustworthiness. It is highly recommended that you ask a potential home watch provider if they possess this license. Also, remember to ask about insurance and the limits of coverage.
5. Be sure to ask any questions before signing up, so there are no surprises after-the-fact
More information is better than less information. A good home watch provider will address all your questions before agreeing to contract with you. It is essential to ask about a la carte services that might come up during the year. For example, if you ask the company to be present when furniture is delivered, be sure to ask ahead of time about associated costs.
6. Negotiate prices if possible
Everything is negotiable, which is undoubtedly the case for home watch companies. Many companies will offer discounts for longer-term contracts; this is a mutually beneficial arrangement, particularly in communities that experience seasonal ebbs and flows. Other companies will negotiate packages of services with clients.
7. Shop around for a home watch system that suits your needs and budget
This may be the most important recommendation. There are likely several home watch companies in your area, all of whom differ concerning personality, range of services, and value. The best approach is to call as many as possible to obtain a sense of the company that will serve as your eyes and ears while you’re away. The personal touch is essential; after all, this home watch company will be there for the care and protection of your home.
If you’re looking for a home watch company, Liberty Siqueira has the solution. We offer reliable periodic monitoring of your Cape Cod property so that you can rest easy knowing your home is being watched while you’re away. Give us a call at 339-221-702 or email rob@libertysiqueira.com to learn more about our services and pricing options.