A professional Home Watch visit should feel boringly repeatable.
You arrive prepared, follow the same safe sequence, complete the property-specific checklist, document deviations, secure the property, and send the report.
The goal is consistency — not wandering around the home relying on memory.
Before leaving for the property
Review:
- client/property name
- scheduled service
- prior visit report
- unresolved issues
- owner/guest occupancy status
- active vendor appointments
- special instructions
- access procedure
- weather/storm context when relevant
Confirm you have the correct key/fob/device.
Step 1: Arrival and check-in
When you arrive:
- park appropriately
- verify you are at the correct property
- record the arrival/check-in according to your process
- observe the immediate exterior before entering
If you use HomeWatchTools, the visit workflow can record time and optional GPS-assisted check-in with the scheduled property.
Do not use GPS as a substitute for the actual checklist; it is supporting documentation.
Step 2: Exterior walk
Walk the property in a consistent direction when safe and within scope.
Observe for obvious:
- forced-entry evidence
- broken windows/screens
- open doors
- visible storm/wind damage
- standing water
- irrigation leak
- major landscape abnormality
- roofline issue visible from the ground
- damaged fence/gate
- packages/notices/flyers according to service
- pool/spa concern if included
If you see a serious security concern, do not blindly enter the property. Follow your emergency protocol and call appropriate authorities when warranted.
Step 3: Enter using the documented procedure
Follow the client's access instructions exactly.
Examples:
- unlock designated door
- enter alarm code
- confirm alarm disarmed
- secure door behind you if that is the procedure
If the alarm code fails, do not improvise repeatedly until police are dispatched. Follow the false-alarm/contact procedure.
Step 4: Stop and use your senses
Before touching anything, pause.
Notice:
- unusual temperature
- high humidity/condensation
- musty or sewage odor
- natural-gas/chemical odor
- alarm beeping
- running water sound
- unusual mechanical noise
An obvious smell or sound may change the safest next action.
If you suspect a dangerous condition such as gas, fire, or active criminal entry, prioritize safety and emergency response over completing the checklist.
Step 5: Record environmental readings
If part of the service, record:
- thermostat set point
- indoor temperature
- humidity
Use the same measurement approach each visit so trends are meaningful.
Step 6: Follow the interior route
Move through the home in a defined sequence.
Example:
- Entry/living areas
- Kitchen
- Utility/laundry
- Primary bedroom/bath
- Secondary bedrooms/baths
- Specialty rooms
- Garage
Your checklist should match the route.
Step 7: Check plumbing/water areas
According to scope:
- look beneath sinks
- observe around toilets
- observe tubs/showers
- check visible water-heater area
- check laundry supply/drain area
- operate fixtures/flush toilets only if included in your procedure
If active leaking is found, follow the owner's emergency authorization.
Do not make technical repairs beyond your legal scope/competence.
Step 8: Observe HVAC
Record observable facts:
- thermostat set point
- actual temperature
- whether system appears to run/respond
- visible water/condensate concern
- abnormal sound
Avoid unqualified diagnosis.
Report:
“Interior temperature was 84°F with set point 76°F; system appeared to be running.”
not:
“Compressor is bad.”
unless you are separately qualified to make that diagnosis.
Step 9: Appliances and special systems
According to property-specific scope:
- refrigerator/freezer power/indicators
- wine cooler
- generator status indicator
- water softener
- sump pump indicators
- pool equipment visual check
- smart-home devices
Do not reset equipment simply because you can. Follow written property instructions.
Step 10: Complete every checklist item
Use clear statuses such as:
- Pass/OK
- Issue/Fail
- N/A
Do not leave blanks.
If an item cannot be checked, document why:
“Guest room inaccessible due to locked interior door; homeowner notified.”
Step 11: Document issues correctly
For each issue:
- Identify location.
- Write an objective observation.
- Take a context photo.
- Take a detail photo when useful.
- Record time.
- Follow escalation instructions.
- Record who was contacted and response.
Example:
Guest bathroom — ISSUE: Water visible on cabinet base beneath cold-water supply line. Approximately 8-inch wet area observed. Main water left on pending homeowner instruction because no active dripping was observed. Photos attached. Homeowner texted/called at 10:42 a.m.
Your actual action should follow the client's prior authorization and the urgency of the condition.
Step 12: Perform a deliberate departure check
Do not simply finish the last room and walk out.
Use a dedicated departure checklist:
- faucets off
- toilets not visibly running
- appliances/settings as required
- thermostat correct
- windows secure
- lights set as instructed
- interior doors positioned as instructed
- exterior doors locked
- garage closed
- alarm armed
- gate/lockbox secured
- key/fob controlled
The departure check protects the client from an operator-created problem.
Step 13: Complete the report promptly
The report should show:
- date/time
- property
- completed checklist
- issues
- relevant photos
- actions/communications
- next step if an issue remains open
If a serious problem exists, call/message the homeowner promptly rather than relying on them to notice an emailed PDF hours later.
HomeWatchTools can turn the completed digital checklist, notes, and photos into a branded report and maintain visit history with the client/property record.
Step 14: Carry unresolved issues forward
If the HVAC problem remains unresolved, the next visit should not begin as though nothing happened.
Track open issues until they are:
- repaired
- confirmed resolved
- accepted by homeowner
- removed from scope with documentation
Safety rules
Do not:
- enter when you believe a burglar may be inside
- climb an unsafe roof or ladder outside your defined procedure/training
- touch exposed electrical hazards
- enter flooded/contaminated areas without appropriate safety controls
- diagnose or repair regulated systems beyond your qualifications
- put yourself at risk merely to complete a checklist item
“Unable to inspect safely” is a valid documented outcome.
How to know this step is complete
A completed visit has four things:
- every required checklist item has a status,
- abnormalities are documented,
- the property is secured according to procedure,
- the client report/urgent communication is complete.
Next step
Turn the visit into a clear client report →
Sources
- NHWA Home Watch definition/typical service: https://www.nationalhomewatchassociation.org/about-us
- HomeWatchTools visit/reporting features: https://www.homewatchtools.com/
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