Frequently asked questions
What is Home Watch?
The National Home Watch Association defines Home Watch as “a visual inspection of a home or property, looking for obvious issues.”
Are you a house sitter service?
We are not a house sitter. Our core service includes periodic visits to your home where we follow a specific and mutually agreed upon checklist. We are in your home for less than an hour per visit and take great pride in making sure your home is as you left it for your return.
What type of reporting can I expect from you?
We have a neighborhood watch program. Doesn’t that do the same thing?
Most neighborhood watch programs are passive by nature and do not provide the level of engagement with your property that Old Saybrook Home Watch provides. We will check your property’s interior and exterior in far more detail than you can expect from a neighborhood watch program.
If I need coordination with contractors doing work on my home can you help?
Old Saybrook Home Watch will provide access services and remain on-site for an hourly charge. We ask for at least a 48-hour notification to schedule the appointment.
If you find a problem what type of notification will I receive?
Old Saybrook Home Watch will email you a report upon completion of each visit to your home. Any problems identified will be accompanied by pictures and details of the problem. If we find issues that need urgent action, we will do what is required to prevent further damage and contact you immediately to discuss what occurred and consider what course of action is needed for the repair.
What is Old Saybrook Home Watch?
Old Saybrook Home Watch is a professional insured, bonded, and accredited Home Watch Service serving Old Saybrook, Westbrook, Essex, Deep River, and Chester. We check your property and identify problems or potential problems that can occur while your property is vacant. We provide a physical presence that is not available through a remote alarm monitoring service. We are your property advocate when you are away.
My alarm company provides security for my home. What value do you add?
An alarm company monitors entry into your home or a fire alarm 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 for guidance.
What are your credentials?
Old Saybrook Home Watch proudly displays the Accredited banner of the National Home Watch Association. We have been vetted and approved by this organization to ensure we are bonded and insured for your protection. We also subscribe to the NHWA’s Code of Ethics. Additionally, owner Shawn Atkinson has achieved the designation of Certified Home Watch Professional, putting him in the top tier of Home Watch businesses.
Do you provide keyholder services?
Absolutely! We can coordinate access to your property for an hourly rate. This can be used for meet and greet if you have visitors staying at hour house, delivery coordination or contractor access and waiting services. All we need is your notification of date and time and any instructions you have.
Are your services expensive?
We think our services are reasonably priced for the value we provide. When you compare the possible damage due to a leak or damage by pests or vagrants with the cost, our services are an excellent value. We will be happy to discuss our pricing for home watch services and any additional services you may require at a free consultation.
Are you a property inspector?
While we check your property, we are NOT a property inspector. Property inspectors are usually involved at the sale of a property to do a detailed inspection of the structure, plumbing, electrical and heating and air condition systems. Old Saybrook Home Watch provides a visual inspection of your vacant home or property looking for obvious issues.
Contact Old Saybrook Home Watch
Have more questions? Ready for us to provide you with the best possible Home Watch Service in the area?