A home watch visit is an in-person inspection of your home, inside and out, while you’re away. In Florida, visits usually happen weekly. The home watch professional checks for leaks, humidity and mold, AC problems, pests, storm damage, and signs of entry, then sends you a report with photos and coordinates repairs if something needs attention.
Here’s a room-by-room look at what a thorough home watch visit should cover. Use it to compare providers or as a checklist for whoever looks after your home.
Exterior Checklist
- Doors, windows, and locks are secure, with no signs of forced entry
- Roofline, soffits, and gutters show no visible damage or debris buildup
- Yard, landscaping, and irrigation look healthy, with no broken sprinkler heads or standing water
- Pool water level, clarity, and equipment are working normally
- Lanai and screen enclosure are intact
- AC condenser is running and clear of debris
- Exterior lights and timers are working
- Packages, flyers, and door hangers are removed so the home doesn’t look empty
- Nothing that could trigger an HOA notice, like overgrown grass or a trash can left out
Interior Checklist
Air Conditioning and Humidity
- Thermostat is set correctly and the AC is cooling
- Indoor humidity is at or below 60 percent
- Air handler and drain pan are dry, and the condensate line is draining
- AC filter is clean, or noted for replacement
Kitchen
- Faucets run normally, with no leaks under the sink
- Refrigerator and freezer are holding temperature
- Ice maker and dishwasher show no leaks
- No signs of ants, roaches, or rodents
Bathrooms
- Run each faucet and shower and flush every toilet to keep drain traps full
- Check around toilets, tubs, and vanities for leaks
- Look for mold or mildew on grout, ceilings, and caulk
Laundry Room and Water Heater
- Washer hoses and connections are dry
- Water heater shows no leaks or corrosion
- Dryer vent area is clear
Living Areas and Bedrooms
- Ceilings and walls show no new stains or spots
- Windows and sliding doors are locked, with no condensation or leaks
- No musty odors, which can be an early sign of mold
Systems and Safety
- No tripped breakers in the electrical panel
- Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors aren’t chirping for new batteries
- Garage shows no water, pests, or open doors
- Vehicles started, if that’s part of your plan
After Every Visit
- Report with photos: You should get a written summary with time-stamped photos.
- Immediate alerts: If something is wrong, you should hear about it right away, not in the next weekly report.
- Repair coordination: With your approval, your provider should send a trusted vendor and follow up until the job is done.
Extra Checks After Storms and Before You Arrive
After a hurricane or major storm, a home watch provider should check the home as soon as it’s safe, looking for roof and window damage, water intrusion, downed trees, and power outages, and take photos for insurance. Before you arrive, they can arrange cleaning, fresh linens, and groceries, and set the AC to a comfortable temperature.
How Often Should Home Watch Visits Happen?
In Florida, weekly visits are the standard most second-home owners choose, especially from late spring through fall. According to the EPA, mold can begin to grow within 24 to 48 hours after water damage, so the sooner a problem is caught, the smaller the repair.
Wondering what this costs? Read How Much Does Home Watch Cost in Central Florida? and How to Prevent Mold in an Empty Florida Home.
Weekly Home Watch in West Orange County
Homes & Living Collective provides weekly home watch visits with photo reports for vacation and second homes in Winter Garden, Windermere, Montverde, Dr. Phillips, and nearby communities. Learn more about our Vacation Home Management services or schedule a free consultation.
Keep reading: Florida Vacation Home Maintenance: A Season-by-Season Guide, How to Manage a Florida Vacation Home from Afar, and Home Watch vs. Property Management.
Home Watch Checklist FAQs
Most visits take about 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the size of the home and features like a pool.
Weekly visits are the most common choice in Florida, especially in summer, when heat and humidity make AC failures and leaks more urgent.
Home watch is an inspection service, not a cleaning service. Many providers can schedule and oversee cleanings, especially before you arrive.
You should be contacted right away. With your approval, the home watch provider sends a trusted vendor and follows up until the repair is complete.
Many do. A home watch visit often includes checking the pool’s water level, clarity, and equipment. Regular pool cleaning is usually handled by a pool service.
About the Author
Nicole Mickle is the founder of Homes & Living Collective. With more than 20 years in the real estate industry, including work as a mortgage broker, loan officer, transaction coordinator, and founder of a mobile notary closing company, she helps homeowners in Winter Garden, Windermere, Montverde, Dr. Phillips, and nearby communities keep their homes cared for, whether they live here full time or visit a few times a year.
