Frequently Asked Questions
Q
Why do I need to pay someone for Home Watch Services when my neighbor is willing to check on things while I am away?
A
Having a neighbor or relative stop in periodically as a favor to check your home may initially seem like a good idea. However, when an issue arises or you need someone to take swift action on your behalf, your property can quickly become an imposition to whoever is watching over it. Not to mention, Can you expect them to visit on a regular schedule? Will they document each visit? What if damage occurs on their watch? Remember undetected water, or mold damage can cost tens of thousands of dollars to remediate.
Q
What do you check during a home visit?
A
At each visit, we cycle the water which includes flushing toilets, running water in sinks, tubs, and showers, to keep the drain traps wet so there are no smells or drain flies, checking for visible leaks, run the dishwasher and washing machine regularly. We use our flashlight to look at ceilings, visible walls, and baseboards for signs of water or other damage. We check under every sink looking for leaks and insect infestation. We are trained to identify irregularities and to catch a damaging situation in the early stages.
Q
How often do you visit?
A
Home visits are offered on a weekly, bi-monthly, and tri-monthly basis. We can also customize a schedule that fits your needs.
Q
What is your service area?
A
We serve Anne Arundel County and the surrounding areas, including but not limited to Annapolis, Arnold, Eastport, Edgewater, Severna Park, Severn, Cape St. Claire, Stevensville, Crofton, and Bowie. Annapolis Home Concierge specializes in single-family homes, estates, and condominium properties.
Q
What do you do if you find a problem during your visit?
A
Although we cannot always prevent problems from happening, we consider it our job to recognize damage before it becomes a bigger problem. We are vigilant and look for obvious issues that may not show up in the standard audit report. 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.
Q
How will I know when you will visit my home?
A
You will receive a detailed electronic report with GPS coordinates indicating when we arrive and depart your property. Our technology uses real-time GPS coordinates to pinpoint your home location and electronically record our presence. Annapolis Home Concierge uses the latest cloud-based reporting technology and home watch software in the industry. All photos taken are date & time stamped and included in the report that is sent to you as a PDF at the conclusion of our visit.
Q
What does your service cost?
A
Service fees vary on several factors including the type of property, square footage, and the number of visits per month. We conduct a FREE onsite visit and evaluation of your property and provide a quote customized to your specific needs. Click here to get your free quote.
Q
Are you a house sitter?
A
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.
Q
An alarm company provides security for my home. What value do you add??
A
An alarm company monitors entry into your home or a fire alarm. They do not monitor potential problems that can occur due to weather damage, broken pipes, mold, pests, or squatters nor do they run your mechanical systems to ensure proper operation. As a value-added service, we can also act as the point of contact for your alarm company and respond as the need arises.
Q
If I need coordination with contractors doing work on my home, can you help?
A
Annapolis Home Concierge will provide access services and remain on-site for an hourly charge. We ask for at least 48 hours of notification to schedule our personnel.
Q
Are you a property inspector?
A
While we check your property, we are not what is defined as a property inspector. Property inspectors are usually involved in the sale of a property to do a detailed inspection of the structure, plumbing, electrical and heating, and air conditioning systems.
Q
Do you offer Key Holder Services?
A
Yes. We can coordinate access to your property for vendors, contractors, and service technicians. Key holder service does not include Home Watch Checks and is charged at an hourly rate. For scheduling purposes, we ask for as early as possible notification of the date and time and any instructions you have.
Q
How do conduct your reports?
A
Using a smartphone we perform inspections while onsite at the client’s location. Once completed we email the report, as a PDF, directly from our device in real-time. In addition, we store all reports in the cloud. This flexible reporting system allows us to add notes and pictures directly to the report. Each report includes the GPS location and is time-stamped. We can customize templates to suit individual customer requirements, i.e. – add pool care, car driving, etc., so it is not one size fits all.
Click here to see how we conduct & deliver reports.
Have additional questions?