What does it cost?
Please go to the Resources tab and click on the Home Watch Interview Guide. On page 14, the Guide provides you information about what services to expect and what professional home watch providers charge for their services. Or call us for a free home watch evaluation at 442-216-9049.
What is your service area?
How do I know when you visit my home?
Our technology uses GPS coordinates to pinpoint your home location and electronically record our presence. This information is recorded in a report that you receive about your property visit. Digital time-stamped images are included in your report.
Are you licensed, insured and bonded?
The state of Florida does NOT require that home watch professionals hold a license. However, we are Florida Licensed Community Association Managers. In addition, we are Members of the International Home Watch Alliance and are both Certified Home Watch Reporters, trained by the professional organization the Home Watch Academy.
Carefree Home Watch carries a GENERAL LIABILITY POLICY in the amount of $1,000,000/$2,000,000 aggregate, and Professional and Pollution Liability. We also carry a Surety Bond in the amount of $10,000. Every client receives a copy of our Certificate of Insurance upon request.
How do you handle problems that arise during your visit?
Our first priority is safety followed by identifying the problem and minimizing any further damage as a result. We will first attempt to consult with you, the home owner. If we are unable to contact you directly we will attempt to consult with your designee and if we are unable to contact either of you we will take the appropriate action to minimize the problem. We maintain a network of vendors that we may call upon to assist us in finding a timely and cost effective solution to your problem. A full assessment report will be provided to you as well. Should an outside vendor be required to come to the property a Carefree Home Watch representative will make sure that they have access to the property and that the property is secured upon departure.
What else do you check during a home visit?
Carefree Home Watch prepares a property observation report that may include special items requested by each homeowner during each visit. We are always vigilant and looking for obvious issues and concerns that may not be included in the standard observation report. If we observe something out of the ordinary we make an evaluation of the issues and determine the level of urgency that it should require.
How often do you visit?
We always recommend weekly visits. A vacant home is a vulnerable home! Too many things can and do go wrong while you are away. We will accept Bi-Weekly assignments, but, nothing less for a regularly scheduled visit. We do offer a Getaway Plan for permanent residents that have short (minimum two weeks)/long term (maximum 90 days) vacation plans, or a need to be away with a sick family member/friend or other short term requirements.
What do I need to worry about when my home is vacant or unoccupied?
The biggest concern for owners in Southwest Florida is water intrusion and high humidity.
Maintaining humidity levels between 45-55% is ideal. Your Carefree Home Watch professional checks the general operation of the air conditioner and uses a hygrometer and laser thermometer to verify readings.
Carefree Home Watch checks walls, ceilings, baseboards, windows, under sinks, and anywhere else moisture might collect.
Why do I need to pay someone to watch my property when my neighbor is willing to check on things while I am away?
You do not have to, unless you want the Peace of Mind knowing that your home is being looked after by a Trained, Certified, Insured and Bonded Professional. Here’s the question that you have to ask yourself? Am I willing to ask my friend, neighbor or relative to pay for damages, IF they are negligent in their home watch duties? The average cost to remediate and repair small damage is as low as $500 to $6,000 on average-but the price can go up into the tens of thousands of dollars if the problem is severe.
