Frequently Asked Questions
What is Home Watch?
The National Home Watch Association defined Home Watch as “a visual inspection of a home or property, looking for obvious issues.” As Accredited Members of the NHWA, we abide by this definition and it’s application as we do our visits.
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 on a weekly or bi-weekly basis and take great pride in making sure your home is as you left it.
What type of reporting can I expect from you?
On Cape Home Watch will send you a detailed report by email with pictures of any problems identified upon completion of inspecting the interior and exterior of your home.
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 On Cape 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.
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 and concierge services during a free consultation.
If you find a problem what type of notification will I receive?
On Cape Home Watch will send you a report upon completion of our visit to your home. Any problems identified will be accompanied by pictures and details of the problem. If we take any immediate action to prevent further damage we will contact you immediately to discuss what occurred and consider what course of action is needed for the repair.
What is On Cape Home Watch?
On Cape Home Watch is an insured, bonded and accredited Home Watch Company serving Sandwich, Plymouth, Wareham, Mashpee, Barnstable and all areas in between. 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 can help with most requests you have by contacting us.
An 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 weather damage, broken pipes, mold, pests or vagrants nor do they run your mechanical systems to ensure proper operation. As a value-added service, we can also act as the local point of contact for your alarm company and respond as the need arises.
What are your credentials?
On Cape Home Watch proudly displays the Accredited banner of the National Home Watch Association. We have been vetted and trained by this organization to ensure that we are bonded, insured and knowledgeable for your protection. We also subscribe to the NHWA’s Code of Ethics.
If I need coordination with contractors doing work on my home can you help?
On Cape Home Watch will provide access services and remain on-site for an hourly charge. We ask for at least a 48 hours notification to schedule our personnel.
Are you a property inspector?
While we check your property, we are not what is defined as 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.
Can you help me with home maintenance services?
While we do not provide home maintenance services, we can do light repairs as well as refer you to quality contractors or vendors and coordinate access to your property.