What is on a home watch checklist?

A home watch checklist typically includes interior and exterior visual inspections, plumbing, HVAC, appliances, doors, windows, security, lighting, and any items customized for your home.

Is every checklist the same?

No. A professional checklist is customized for your home type, systems, season, and priorities. A pool home, historic home, and condo will have very different checklists.

Does the checklist include roof inspections?

Home watch includes ground-level roofline observations, such as missing shingles, damaged gutters, or fallen limbs. It does not include climbing onto the roof.

Will the checklist cover my pool or irrigation?

Yes, if you request it. The inspector will observe the pool, spa, or irrigation system for obvious issues, but home watch does not perform maintenance or repairs.

Do I receive a copy of the checklist?

Yes. After every visit, you receive a completed checklist with photos, notes, and time-stamped documentation of what was inspected.

Can I add custom items?

Absolutely. Every checklist should be tailored to your home. You can add items like wine cellar checks, art collection monitoring, smart home verification, or specific vendor access instructions.

Home Watch Checklist: What a Professional Inspection Actually Covers

Every checklist is custom

A professional home watch checklist is not a generic one-size-fits-all form. It is tailored to your home, your systems, your season, and your priorities. After a walk-through, the provider builds a checklist that reflects what matters most for your property.

For example, a home with a pool will have different items than a downtown condo. A historic home will include more checks for older systems. A rural estate may focus on drainage, septic, and exterior access.

Interior inspection items

Interior checks typically cover doors and windows for security and seals; plumbing fixtures for leaks; water heater and HVAC for operation; appliances for unusual signs; ceilings, walls, and floors for water stains or cracks; and signs of pest activity. The inspector may also run water, flush toilets, and operate lights as part of the plan.

Exterior inspection items

Exterior checks include the roofline visible from the ground, gutters, downspouts, siding, paint, windows, doors, landscaping, irrigation, drainage, and any storm damage. The inspector also looks for signs of forced entry, vandalism, or unauthorized access.

Systems and mechanicals

Home watch inspectors do not repair systems, but they observe whether they appear to be operating normally. This includes heating and cooling systems, water heaters, electrical panels, garage doors, sump pumps, and security systems. Any obvious concerns are documented and reported.

Security and evidence

Security checks verify locks, alarms, cameras, and lighting. The inspector uses GPS-verified arrival times and time-stamped photos to create a clear record of the visit. This documentation is useful for insurance, peace of mind, and dispute resolution.

Review your checklist before the first visit

Before service begins, review the checklist with your provider. Add any special concerns, such as a wine cellar, art collection, smart home devices, or a specific vendor access routine. A good checklist evolves with your home and your needs.