Southwest Florida Home Watch Checklist

A good home watch plan starts before the first visit. The goal is not a technical inspection; it is a consistent visual check for obvious changes while your home is unoccupied. Use this list to organize the details you want to discuss with your home watch provider.

Share the property basics

• Property type and location in Fort Myers, Cape Coral, or Punta Gorda
• How long the home will be vacant and when you expect to return
• Your preferred contact method and the people authorized to make decisions
• Current A/C, plumbing, alarm, and utility information that helps explain normal conditions

Identify the visual checks that matter most

Every property has its own priorities. Most home watch checklists include visible interior and exterior conditions, A/C operation and interior humidity, plumbing and leak indicators, doors, windows, grounds, and signs of intrusion or pests. If your home has a feature you are especially concerned about, raise it before visits begin so it can be considered in the agreed checklist.

Plan for access and communication

Decide how keys, gate codes, alarm contacts, and vendor access will be handled. Keep the information current and discuss it directly rather than including sensitive access details in a general online inquiry. Ask how you will receive the photo report after each visit and how you will be contacted when an observation needs attention.

Think ahead to storms and your return

Southwest Florida owners may also want a plan for shutters, vendor coordination, and post-storm assessments. Those services are separate from routine home watch and should be discussed early. For more preparation ideas, review our hurricane preparation page and our guide to a smooth pre-arrival checklist.

A custom plan should reflect your home, your time away, and the level of communication you want—not a one-size-fits-all template. Learn more about our home watch services or contact us for a free consultation.