Houses need work even when nobody is living in them. The pool equipment fails, the HVAC company needs access for a service visit, a plumber must replace a valve, the pest company comes every month, and a leaking roof needs a tarp. If you are in Ohio, none of this can happen without someone there to let them in. Contractor and vendor access is the home watch service that solves that problem, and for absentee owners it is often the most practical benefit of all.
What the service involves
- Key holding. The provider keeps a key or lockbox code and a record of who has access.
- Meeting vendors. The provider opens the house, stays while work is done, and locks up when it is finished.
- Reporting. You get a note and photos of the finished work, so you can see the job was completed.
- Scheduling. Some providers coordinate dates between you and a vendor you have chosen.
- Referrals. Some maintain a list of vendors, though you decide whom to hire.
Who typically needs access
- Pool service and pool repair crews
- HVAC technicians doing seasonal maintenance or repairs
- Plumbers, electricians and appliance repair technicians
- Pest control and lawn care companies
- Painters, floor installers and other remodeling contractors
- Roofers, screen repair crews and shutter companies
- Cleaning companies and delivery services
- Insurance adjusters after a claim
How access usually works
Most Naples homes use one of three methods: a keypad on the garage, a lockbox on the door, or a physical key held by the provider. Gated and golf communities add another step: your name, and often your provider's, must be on the guest list or the vendor must be registered with the gate. Some communities have rules on contractor hours or documents. Condominiums may require insurance certificates before a contractor can enter. Check your association's rules and give your provider the details.
Questions to settle before you hand over a key
- Who is authorized to approve access, and how do they confirm it with you?
- What happens if a vendor arrives unannounced?
- How are keys and lockbox codes stored, and who else knows them?
- Will the provider stay for the whole visit, and will they photograph the work area before and after?
- Does the provider carry liability insurance, and does it cover time spent with vendors?
- What is the spending limit for emergency repairs, and who decides?
Protecting your home and your trust
Giving someone a key is a real act of trust. A professional provider should be able to explain how they store keys and codes, who has access to them and how they track entries. Many use a log of every visit, with date and time, and many take photos at entry and exit. If a provider is vague about this, move on.
Home watch providers also differ from property managers, who handle rentals, collect rent and hire vendors under a management agreement. A home watch provider who meets vendors is acting as your access person, not as your contractor, and they will not generally direct the work or approve payment on your behalf.
Emergency access
Some problems cannot wait for a scheduled visit: an active leak, a failed air conditioner in August, a break-in or storm damage. Ask whether the provider has an emergency number, whether there is an after-hours fee and what happens if they are unavailable. Many owners also give a neighbor or relative a second set of keys as a backup.
What drives the cost
Providers commonly charge per vendor visit, sometimes by the hour, sometimes with a minimum. Some include a few vendor visits in a monthly plan. Waiting for a contractor who is late can add time, so ask whether there is a waiting fee, and ask for the vendor's time window in advance.
Frequently asked questions
Will the provider choose the contractor for me?
Usually no. You choose and approve the vendor. The provider lets them in and reports what they see.
What if a vendor shows up that I have not approved?
A careful provider will not let an unapproved person in without confirming with you first. Agree on this rule in advance.
Can the provider meet an insurance adjuster?
Many will, if you authorize it. Tell them in writing who to expect and what documents to ask for.
Areas served
Naples, Old Naples, Park Shore, Moorings, Coquina Sands, Port Royal, Pelican Bay, Grey Oaks, Mediterra, Quail West, Talis Park, Tiburon. Home watch in Bonita Springs | Home watch in Estero | Home watch in Marco Island