Frequently Asked Questions

How can you not have one?

So many things can happen to your home when you’re away: break-ins, water leaks, electrical problems, insects, mold, storms… the list goes on.   And preventive measures, such as storm preparation and proactive maintenance, can usually prevent many of these situations from arising at all.   Even if you have a neighbor or relative you trust nearby, a professional looking after your property is a more effective—and safer—option.

Also, home watch service scheduled checks not only help maintain many home warranties you may have in place, but also meet any insurance requirements that a property be either occupied or regularly checked—with our online reporting system providing both proof of visits and records of what was checked, along with any findings. 

With our professional training and experience, there are almost no situations we can’t handle with a calculated response. If it’s an non-emergency, we’ll handle it in the fastest, safest, and most cost-effective way.

If it’s an emergency, we’ll contact you immediately to discuss the situation and our recommended course of action, and get it taken care of for you.

Home Watch STL is not a security service—however, we provide a visible presence in your empty home, which can act as a crime deterrent.

And we answer alarm calls as well as make ourselves familiar to local law enforcement.

Even a small amount of water can quickly grow to produce a substantial amount of damage. Wood, plaster, and drywall can be ruined, and resulting mold and mildew can be costly to remediate. So the sooner problems are discovered, the less damage there is to deal with.

Most clients opt for a weekly visit. Some choose bi-weekly, while others even request daily visits for the time they’re on vacation. It really all depends on how much risk you’re comfortable with. But remember, overall, the longer the time between home checks, the greater the potential for a small issue to grow into big problem..

Instead of long-term contracts, HomeWatch STL works using price-per-visit service agreements. We bill bi-weekly, and depending on arrangements, monthly.

We do request a 7-day notice if you wish to cancel the agreement or a single visit—this way, we can both continue servicing your property and avoid over-billing.

Terri was educated, trained and accredited by the Home Watch Academy, followed by certification through the International Home Watch Alliance.

The International Home Watch Alliance (IHWA) has established and maintains the highest set of standards and ethics for all Home Watch companies. Members are carefully screened, with references checked and insurance, bonding, and licenses all verified. Each member agrees to abide by the IHWA‘s Code of Ethics and Standards.

The criteria are so stringent that most Home Watch companies don’t qualify—membership in the IHWA indicates a high level of professionalism, commitment, and integrity.

Membership in the IHWA can be verified by visiting IHWAlliance.org and graduation from the Home Watch Academy at HomeWatchAcademy.com.