Frequently Asked Questions

The National Home Watch Association defines home watch as 'a visual inspection of a home or property, looking for obvious issues.' As accredited members, we follow this definition and customize our approach to your home's specific needs.

No. Our core service includes periodic visits — weekly or bi-weekly — where we follow a specific, mutually agreed-upon checklist. We're in your home for less than an hour per visit and take great pride in leaving it exactly as we found it.

You'll receive a detailed report by email after every visit, including photos of any issues identified, start/stop times, and confirmation that mechanical systems are functioning properly. We use GPS-enabled reporting software for verification.

Home Watch Columbus 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.

Home Watch Columbus is an insured, bonded and accredited Home Watch Company serving Westerville, New Albany, Galena, Worthington, Dublin, Grandview and Upper Arlington, Ohio. 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 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.

Home Watch Columbus 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.

Home Watch Columbus 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.

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.

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.

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.

No. A traditional home inspection is a one-time, in-depth evaluation performed when a home is bought or sold. Home watch is different: we perform recurring comprehensive visual inspections on a set schedule, looking for obvious issues and anything that changes between visits — a burst pipe, a slow leak, a door left unlocked. Think of us as your eyes on-site between inspections.

Most homes do best with weekly visits; bi-weekly works for some. Frequency matters because small problems, a slow leak, a failed sump pump, can become major damage in just days. We'll recommend the right schedule during your complimentary consultation.