Why Professional Home Watch Matters - and Why it Costs More
- Feb 20
- 4 min read
By Jack Luber, Founder & Executive Director, NHWA
Home Watch remains an unregulated and unrecognized service across the U.S. and Canada. Because the industry is not recognized by the North American Industrial Classification System (NAICS), there is no official classification code, no regulatory oversight, and no standardized requirements for who can call themselves a Home Watch provider. Yet millions of seasonal and part‑time residents leave their homes vacant for extended periods—often without realizing the risks. These unoccupied and vacant homes represent trillions of dollars of vulnerable properties waiting for something bad to happen.
🏚️ Risks That Come with Leaving a Home Unoccupied
Insurance companies often classify homes left vacant for 30 days or more as higher‑risk properties. In many Canadian provinces, winter policies may even deny claims if the home is not checked at required intervals – some as often as a few times a week.
Common risks include:
• Water damage from leaks or frozen pipes
• Mold and humidity issues
• Pest infestations
• Break‑ins or vandalism
• HVAC or mechanical failures
These risks make regular home checks essential—but choosing the wrong person can create even bigger problems.
Why Friends and Neighbors Aren’t a Reliable Solution
Many homeowners rely on neighbors or friends because they trust them. But trust alone doesn’t create accountability.
Problems might arise when:
• They travel, get sick, or forget
• They don’t know what to look for during a proper Home Watch visit
• They feel uncomfortable reporting issues
• You have no recourse if they miss something
If a friend makes a mistake that leads to damage, are you going to confront them? Sue them? End the friendship? They were doing you a favor, so probably not.
🚫 The Growing Problem of Un- or Underinsured “Home Watch” Providers
Because Home Watch is unregulated, anyone can claim to be a Home Watch company—and many do.
The biggest danger is insurance. Many providers are:
• Uninsured
• Underinsured
• Insured under the wrong type of policy
Common misclassified policies include:
• Dog walking
• Janitorial services
• House‑sitting
• Miscellaneous services
• Security patrols
None of these policies protect the homeowner or the provider when performing true Home Watch duties. Bonding and criminal background checks are also frequently missing. Without them, homeowners have no assurance that the person entering their home is vetted, trustworthy, or financially accountable. If something goes wrong, you may have no protection at all.
The Three Pillars of Professional Home Watch
Professional Home Watch is built on three essential pillars. Without all three, homeowners are exposed to unnecessary risk.
Trust
A professional Home Watch provider must be someone you can trust with:
• Your keys • Your alarm and camera codes
• Your personal property
• Access to your home when you’re not there
Trust is earned through professionalism, consistency, and accountability, not casual arrangements or side gigs.
Communication
Clear, timely communication is the backbone of effective Home Watch.
A professional company provides:
• Detailed visit reports
• Photos and documentation
• Immediate alerts when issues arise
• Reliable scheduling and follow‑through
You should never be left wondering whether someone actually checked your home.
Privacy/Confidentiality
Your home contains sensitive information, valuables, and personal data. A professional Home Watch provider must protect:
• Your identity
• Your alarm codes
• Your keys
• Your home access information
• Any personal details observed during visits
Privacy is a non‑negotiable pillar of professional service.
🛡️ Why Standards and Accreditation Matter
When the National Home Watch Association (NHWA) was founded in 2009, the goal was to bring standards, professionalism, and accountability to an unregulated industry.
NHWA accreditation requires:
• Insurance specifically covering Home Watch services
• Background checks
• Proven visit procedures
• Secure key and data handling
• Professional reporting tools
• Compliance with local business requirements
Trust is earned through professionalism, consistency, and accountability, not casual arrangements or side gigs.
💵 Why Professional Home Watch Costs More
A legitimate Home Watch company invests in:
• Proper insurances – including General and Professional Liability, Workers' Compensation (If required.)
• Background checks
• Professional reporting software
• Licensing and tax compliance
• Ongoing training and accreditation
• Adequate time spent at each property
Low‑cost providers often:
• Operate as a side gig
• Lack proper insurance
• Skip background checks
• Spend minimal time at the home
• Provide no documentation or accountability
• Insurance specifically covering Home Watch services
• Background checks
• Proven visit procedures
• Secure key and data handling
• Professional reporting tools
• Compliance with local business requirements
During the NHWA vetting process, many companies claiming to be insured were found to be uninsured or underinsured, or insured under policies that would never protect a homeowner.
Recently extreme weather has exposed how unreliable these informal providers can be. Many homeowners paid for “service” from people who weren’t even in town when disaster struck. These “companies” are accountable to no one.
🔑 The Real Value of Hiring an NHWA‑Accredited Professional
When you hire an NHWA Accredited Home Watch company, you pay for:
• Expertise
• Accountability
• Insurance protection
• Professionalism
• Trust, communication, and privacy
• Consistency and credibility year after year
Your home is a major investment. Protecting it shouldn’t cost less than a round of golf or dinner at a chain restaurant. Don’t gamble with your property. Improve your odds. Hire an NHWA accredited professional. We are worth the money.
