We often talk to homeowners who aren’t sure what the difference is between a house sitter and Home Watch. When you are going to leave your home for an extended period of time, you should definitely know your options so that you can make the best decision for your situation.

Home Watch has been known by many names: house check, home checks, home checking, house checkers, property watch, property manager, absentee home service, house watching services, residential house visits, property management, vacant home watch service, unoccupied home watch service, or snowbird home watch services. Regardless of the name, home watch provides a vital service on a regular schedule while the home owner or resident is away.

Home Watch is a professional service that schedules regular visits to your property while you are away and will send you a report on the status of your home. A home watch professional is insured and vetted. They are trained to locate, and report issues they observe at your home. Some of the common issues we may find are rodents, leaking pipes, furnace malfunctions, open windows and doors, and weather damage. We will report minor issues before they cause major damage.

If an issue is found, Ottawa Home Watch will document it with photos and immediately report it to the owner. We can work on your behalf with local contractors, if needed, to resolve the issue.

House sitters will generally live in your house while you are away. Although inexpensive, they lack the necessary experience or training, licensing or insurance in the case of loss or damage while they are there. They are usually not a business and do not carry any insurance. They can also be unreliable and untrustworthy. How do you really know that they are caring for your home, aren’t going through your belongings, or are even present when you expect them to be? With a house sitter there is also no regular reporting of your home’s condition.

Give yourself Peace of Mind. Hire a professional home watch company.