Protecting Your Property When You’re Not Around
“Your home should be the antidote to stress, not the cause of it.”
Peter Walsh
What is “HomeWatch”?
There are many reasons a home would be vacant. Usually, it’s a second/vacation home that’s used only a few months per year.
Often, it’s because the home is, or was, for sale and is in the midst of a change of ownership. It can be vacant for months while up for sale or prior to a new homeowner moving in. In the Black Hills, the presence of Ellsworth Air Force Base has generated an abundance of vacant homes due to deployments and transfers.
An unoccupied home is a vulnerable home, and it’s important to stack the deck in your favor. The more preventative measures taken to prep your home for when you’re away, the less chance there is for something to go wrong.
Along with preparation, it’s important to have a game plan for when you’re away. A crucial part of that game plan is to have an RPMC HomeWatch professional conduct regular visits to your unoccupied or vacant home and provide you with a report of their findings each visit.
Each homeowner and property is different, with different needs and requirements. We’ll tailor a plan that meets those needs and your budget. We’ll then provide a report (with photos) after each visit, ensuring you feel secure in the safety and integrity of your property.
Services
Basic Service Package Includes
Verify that all doors and windows are properly secure to minimize the chance of break-ins.
Check for evidence of water leaks or damage and check for visual signs of mold and mildew.
Visual inspection for signs of insects and or rodents.
Air conditioning and heater checked for proper settings and operation
Check for signs of obvious water leaks from interior sources (i.e. hot water heater, interior plumbing)
Check for signs of obvious water leaks from exterior sources (i.e. cracked walls, window seals, sewer backup)
Check that the main water valve is turned off after each inspection (unless otherwise requested by the client).
Check the electric panel for tripped breakers and make sure the electric water heater breaker is turned off.
Visual inspection throughout the property, including decks and garage.
Walk the exterior perimeter of single-family homes to check fence condition, screening, signs of vandalism, etc.
All smoke detectors will be checked for proper operation
Check the refrigerator for proper operation (if left on) or mildew accumulation (if turned off)
All rooms are inspected for evidence of roof leaks, including door and window frames
Check all lights are working and adjust lighting as per the owner’s request.
Unless otherwise requested, all faucets will be turned on to run water through sinks, tub/showers, and flush toilets to prevent dried gaskets and traps
Fuel level in tanks will be inspected
The exterior will be inspected for snow and lawn care, gutter system, house and septic vents, and drainage problems
Remove all unwanted flyers/newspapers
HomeWatch Inspection Report completed during each HomeWatch inspection.
Immediate reporting to the client of any abnormalities found.
Basic Service Package Includes
Verify that all doors and windows are properly secure to minimize the chance of break-ins.
Check for evidence of water leaks or damage and check for visual signs of mold and mildew.
Visual inspection for signs of insects and or rodents.
Air conditioning and heater checked for proper settings and operation
Check for signs of obvious water leaks from interior sources (i.e. hot water heater, interior plumbing)
Check for signs of obvious water leaks from exterior sources (i.e. cracked walls, window seals, sewer backup)
Check that the main water valve is turned off after each inspection (unless otherwise requested by the client).
Check the electric panel for tripped breakers and make sure the electric water heater breaker is turned off.
Visual inspection throughout the property, including decks and garage.
Walk the exterior perimeter of single-family homes to check fence condition, screening, signs of vandalism, etc.
All smoke detectors will be checked for proper operation
Check the refrigerator for proper operation (if left on) or mildew accumulation (if turned off)
All rooms are inspected for evidence of roof leaks, including door and window frames
Check all lights are working and adjust lighting as per the owner’s request.
Unless otherwise requested, all faucets will be turned on to run water through sinks, tub/showers, and flush toilets to prevent dried gaskets and traps
Fuel level in tanks will be inspected
The exterior will be inspected for snow and lawn care, gutter system, house and septic vents, and drainage problems
Remove all unwanted flyers/newspapers
HomeWatch Inspection Report completed during each HomeWatch inspection.
Immediate reporting to the client of any abnormalities found.
Additional and/or Ala Carte Services
Administrative, Concierge, and Maintenance Services:
Open and Prep Home for the Owner, Guest Arrivals, or Season
Close Down Home After the Owner or Guest Departs for the Season
Coordinate Repair or Maintenance Services
Give Access (to Vendors/Service Providers)
Waiting Services (for Service, Repair, Delivery, Installation, etc.)
Package Pick-Up and Bring In (Bring In Packages Delivered to Property)
Mail Forwarding
Trash and Recycling Bins Service (Place Bins Out to Curb for Pick Up or Bring Bins In)
Pre-Storm Preparation Assistance
Post-Storm Inspections
Auto Care (Vehicle Battery Maintainer Set Up and Removal, Take the Vehicle To Be Washed/Cleaned, etc.)
Grocery Shopping and Stocking
Administrative, Concierge, and Maintenance Services:
Open and Prep Home for the Owner, Guest Arrivals, or Season
Close Down Home After the Owner or Guest Departs for the Season
Coordinate Repair or Maintenance Services
Give Access (to Vendors/Service Providers)
Waiting Services (for Service, Repair, Delivery, Installation, etc.)
Package Pick-Up and Bring In (Bring In Packages Delivered to Property)
Mail Forwarding
Trash and Recycling Bins Service (Place Bins Out to Curb for Pick Up or Bring Bins In)
Pre-Storm Preparation Assistance
Post-Storm Inspections
Auto Care (Vehicle Battery Maintainer Set Up and Removal, Take the Vehicle To Be Washed/Cleaned, etc.)
Grocery Shopping and Stocking
Other services are available as needed.
We can assist you with coordinating services from licensed professionals for: