Every winter, thousands of Michigan homeowners head to Florida, Arizona and the Carolinas. The house they leave behind faces freezing temperatures, lake-effect storms and power outages with nobody home. A home watch service is a set of eyes on your property while you are gone. Here is what a good one checks.
Outside the Home
- Doors, windows and garage doors are locked and undamaged
- No signs of forced entry or vandalism
- Roof edges, gutters and downspouts for ice dams and damage
- Fallen trees or limbs after storms
- Snow cleared from driveways, walks, vents and meters
- Packages, flyers and door hangers removed so the house does not look empty
Inside the Home
- Furnace running and thermostat holding the set temperature
- No leaks under sinks, around toilets, at the water heater or washer
- Sump pump working and basement dry
- Ceilings and walls free of new water stains
- No signs of mice, insects or other pests
- Faucets run and toilets flushed to keep drain traps sealed
- Refrigerator and freezer running (if left on)
- No unusual odors, mold or condensation on windows
Reporting and Response
After each visit you should receive a dated report with photos. If a problem is found, a good home watch company calls you right away and, with your approval, gets it fixed. That speed is what keeps a small leak from turning into a flooded basement.
How Often Should Someone Check?
Weekly or every-other-week visits are most common. Many homeowner insurance policies have rules for unoccupied homes, so check with your agent. Extra visits after big storms or deep freezes are a smart addition.
Home Watch in Southwest Michigan
AAA Power Washers & Deck Restorations offers home watch and snowbird house checks across Southwest Michigan, along with winterization, snow removal and spring cleanups so your home is ready when you come back.
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📞 Call or text: 269-292-2612 or email Admin@AAAPowerWashers.com