HOME WATCH CHECKLIST
Our Home Watch Visits include the following items as needed. We modify the checklist for your property and focus on your specific needs and priorities based upon your FREE In-home, telephone, or ZOOM initial consultation. We allow up to 60-minutes for each onsite Visit to your property for our base Home Watch Visit rate. We do not charge a trip fee, retainer fee, change fee, or cancelation fee. Extended Visits, After Hours Visits, Holiday Visits, and Emergent Visit fees are listed on our pricing webpage. Have questions? Visit our FAQ webpage or contact us.
EXTERIOR VISUAL INSPECTION:
LANDSCAPE:
INTERIOR:
GARAGE:
ATTIC:
REPORTS:
EXTERIOR VISUAL INSPECTION:
- Check mailbox; driveway, and front door for mail, papers, packages, door hangers.
- Forward first class mail when requested (additional postage fees and travel time may apply).
- Check sidewalk, curbs, and mailbox area for damage.
- Check that all doors, windows and screens are properly secure to minimize chance of break-ins.
- Check for evidence of water leaks or damage and check for visual signs of mold and mildew.
- Check for signs of insects and rodents.
- Check outdoor showers, faucets, and electrical outlet covers.
- Check roof, chimney, gutters, and downspouts (from the ground)
- Check for trash or recycle bins at the curb.
- Check lanai, patio, and lawn ornaments.
- Check and ensure garage door is closed and secure.
- Check for heat sources and fire loading in proximity to structure.
- Check security cameras for power.
- Check doorbell for power.
- Check front porch for debris. Sweep as needed.
- Check for post storm damage if during a scheduled Home Watch. Separate trips count as a Visit.
- Check exterior for pre-storm readiness if during a scheduled Home Watch. Separate trips count as a Visit.
LANDSCAPE:
- Check exterior lighting and fans.
- Check lawn for weeds, brown, or dead spots, and proper drainage.
- Check pruning of bushes and trees.
- Check flower beds for sufficient mulch.
- Check pool/spa area.
- Check and ensure covers for irrigation, propane, and water are intact.
- Check for heat sources and fire loading in proximity to structure.
INTERIOR:
- Open and prep home for owner or guest arrivals if during a scheduled Home Watch Visit. Separate trips count as a Visit.
- Check and close home after owner or guests depart if during a scheduled Home Watch Visit. Separate trips count as a Visit.
- Respond to Security Alarm notifications if added as a point of contact with your security alarm company if during a scheduled Home Watch Visit. Separate trips count as a Visit. Subject to availability.
- Give access to vendors, service providers, repair, delivery, installation services, guests if during a scheduled Home Watch visit. Separate trips count as a Visit.
- Wait for service providers, repair, delivery, installation services, etc. Extended Visits may incur an additional charge. See our pricing page for details.
- Check and ensure security system is functioning.
- Check and ensure exterior doors and windows are locked and secure.
- Check lights on timers are set according to property owner.
- Check all lights are working.
- Check for mold, mildew, and unusual odors.
- Check and replace light bulbs as needed (if single story, bulbs and ladder available)
- Cycle dishwasher & washing machine monthly if requested.
- Check appliances for power.
- Check and dispose of food and items that are expired in refrigerator.
- Check and ensure ice-maker is emptied and turned if when requested.
- Check that A/C is cooling and reset thermostat and humidistat settings if needed.
- Run faucets, sink disposals, and flush toilets.
- Freshen toilets as needed (if water is on and cleaning supplies are provided by owner).
- Check that main water valve is turned off/or on per client direction.
- Check electric panel for tripped breakers and make sure electric water heater breaker is turned off/or on per client direction.
- Check for signs of insects and rodents.
- Check for heat sources and fire loading in proximity.
- Check fire, smoke, CO2 detectors for power and/or low battery.
- Replace batteries if available. Single story only. Ladder must be available.
- Accept grocery deliveries at the property and stock shelves if during normally scheduled visit. We can also do grocery shopping and stock refrigerator before your arrival when requested. Separate trip counts as a Visit.
GARAGE:
- Check and ensure garage door opener and lights are working.
- Check breaker box for tripped breakers.
- Check for insect, rodent and water intrusion.
- Check power to trickle charger(s) if set up and in use.
- Check vehicle battery trickle charger set up or removal if requested.
- Check and start vehicle to reposition and avoid dead battery and flat spots on tires if requested.
- If you schedule vehicle maintenance with your dealership, we will drop off and wait for service and return your vehicle upon completion of service. Counts as a visit and may include an extended visit fee.
- Wash and vacuum the inside of your vehicle(s) and add cost to billing. May incur Extended Visit fee.
- Fuel your vehicle and add cost to billing. May incur an Extended Visit fee.
- Check for fire loading in proximity to heat sources.
- Check for mold, mildew, and unusual odors.
- Check irrigation timer has power. Adjust per property owner request.
- Check HVAC filter(s), and HVAC pan for water. Replace filter according to your preference if available and requested.
- Check and add 1/4 cup of white vinegar to air handler drain pipe once per month, if available and requested.
- Check and ensure garage door, and any windows are shut and secure.
- Check water heater setting, rust at bottom, water in pan.
- Check water purification system for power.
- Check water softener for salt level. Fill as needed if salt is available and requested.
ATTIC:
- Check for insect, rodent, and water intrusion if pull-down attic ladder is available.
- Check for heat sources and fire loading in proximity.
REPORTS:
- Home Watch Visit visual inspection report completed during each home watch inspection.
- Take photos to document issues that are found and areas of concern or priority.
- Immediate reporting to Client of any abnormalities found.
- Report and photos sent to Client after each Home Watch inspection.
- Reports and photos saved to secure account shared with Client.
- Email notification when reports and photos are ready to view in Client shared folder.
- Client access to our list of local business directory.
If you own a seasonal home, condo, vacation rental, or are simply going on an extended vacation, you can count on Martin Home Watch to monitor the health, safety, and security of your property while you're away. Our boots on the ground visual inspections, in addition to any technology you may use, ensure issues that arise are able to be mitigated in your absence.
