Why should I use a Home Watch service for my Florida home?

Unoccupied Florida homes can face water leaks, AC failures, humidity and mold issues, pests, and storm damage. A professional Home Watch service helps reduce risk by identifying concerns early and documenting each visit while you are away.

What is included in a Fortis Home Watch visit?

Each visit includes a visual inspection of your home, inside and out. We check for leaks, humidity abnormalities, AC concerns, pests, storm or wind impacts, plumbing issues, and general safety items. After each visit, you receive a GPS-verified report with photos and notes.

How often should Home Watch visits be scheduled?

Visit frequency depends on your needs, insurance requirements, and HOA rules. Many homeowners choose weekly or biweekly visits. We will help you select a schedule that fits your property and travel pattern.

Are you licensed, insured, and accredited?

Yes. Fortis Home Watch is an accredited member of the National Home Watch Association (NHWA) and is insured and bonded. We follow professional standards for reporting, documentation, confidentiality, and property access.

Do you replace a licensed home inspector?

No. Home Watch is not a substitute for a licensed home inspection. Home inspectors perform detailed evaluations for real estate transactions, while Home Watch focuses on routine visual checks for obvious issues while a home is unoccupied.

How are issues or repairs handled if you find a problem?

If we find an issue, we notify you promptly with photos and details. With your approval, we can coordinate access for trusted service providers and document actions taken for your records.

HOME WATCH SERVICES:
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q: What is a Home Watch service?

Home Watch is a visual inspection of your home or property to help catch obvious issues before they become costly problems. Visits typically include interior and exterior checks for leaks, humidity concerns, pests, storm impacts, and mechanical issues, with documentation after each visit.

Serving Lakewood Ranch, Bradenton & Sarasota

Home Watch & Concierge Services

Answers to Your Most Common Home Watch & Concierge Questions.

Clarity You Can Count On.

Trust starts with clarity. These FAQs give you a straightforward look at how Fortis Home Watch protects your Lakewood Ranch, Sarasota, and Bradenton home — from accredited Home Watch practices to photo-verified reporting and responsive communication.

What is a Home Watch Service?

Home Watch is defined as a visual inspection of a home or property looking for obvious issues. A qualified home watch professional conducts interior and exterior inspections to identify potential concerns early—such as leaks, humidity or HVAC issues, pest activity, and security vulnerabilities. If a problem is found, the Home Watch provider promptly notifies the homeowner and coordinates repairs or service as needed. The goal is to detect small issues before they turn into costly damage—providing peace of mind for seasonal residents, travelers, and absentee homeowners.

Why should I use a Home Watch Service?

If you’re planning to be away from your Florida home, a professional Home Watch service is essential for protecting your property. Unattended homes are at risk for water leaks, humidity and mold issues, storm damage, and other costly maintenance problems. Insurance companies often require prompt reporting of damage—having a Home Watch service ensures issues are identified and documented quickly, keeping your coverage protected. At Fortis Home Watch, we go beyond monitoring by taking proactive steps to prevent problems before they start with our routine property checks. While friends or neighbors may look in occasionally, they can’t match the consistency, reliability, and expertise of a dedicated Home Watch professional.

What is Fortis Home Watch Lake Wood Ranch?

Fortis Home Watch is an insured, bonded, and accredited company serving Lakewood Ranch, Sarasota, and Bradenton. We provide professional home watch services designed to protect your property. Our goal is to identify issues—or potential issues—before they become costly problems. Each visit is guided by a comprehensive checklist looking for the most common issues. We can also provide added concierge items tailored to your needs.

What’s included in a Home Watch visit?

Every Home Watch visit is a visual check of your property, intended to identify obvious issues before they become serious problems. At Fortis Home Watch, our standard visit includes, but is not limited to: • Checking HVAC systems and humidity levels to reduce the chances of mold growth. • Looking for plumbing leaks, water intrusion, and moisture concerns. • Verifying doors, windows, and locks for proper security. • Observing the pool, landscaping, and exterior condition. After each visit, you’ll receive a GPS-verified, time-stamped report with photos, so you know exactly when we were there and what we observed.

How much does a Home Watch Service Cost?

Our service rates are determined by several factors, including the type and size of your property, number of bathrooms, and any unique features. Pricing also varies depending on the frequency and scope of the services requested. To provide an accurate quote, we’ll review the details of your home—typically during an on-site visit or virtual consultation. We welcome you to contact us anytime with questions or to discuss your specific needs before scheduling an appointment.

How are repairs handled?

When an issue is identified during a home visit, it will be documented in your detailed report. Minor issues, such as small leaks, may be handled directly if appropriate, or we can provide a list of our trusted, certified service providers. You advise who performs the work and make payment directly to the chosen provider. If preferred, we can coordinate access to your home and oversee the repairs to ensure they are completed properly. For any urgent matters, we will contact you promptly to review options and determine next steps. In emergency situations—such as significant water leaks, storm damage, or security concerns—we take immediate steps to prevent further damage, notify you without delay, and assist in arranging necessary repairs or professional services.

Is a contract needed for service?

For homeowners who are away only briefly, we offer single-visit and short-term inspection options that do not require an annual agreement. We do require a one-year agreement that is automatically renewed unless non-renewal is received in writing. Inspections are placed on hold during periods of occupancy. You can cancel at any time without penalties we just require that you provide us with 30 days notice. The agreement is essential so that we can plan our visits and resources appropriately.

What additional services do you offer beyond Home Watch?

In addition to our Home Watch services, Fortis Home Watch Lakewood Ranch offers a range of Concierge Services to make managing your Florida home effortless. These include keyholder access, grocery delivery and stocking, mail and package collection, vehicle care, and curbside garbage service. We can also assist with between-guest check-ins, cleaning coordination, and vendor or contractor supervision. If you need something not listed, just let us know—if we can’t handle it directly, we’ll connect you with one of our trusted local service partners.

I will be away for a short trip, how do I schedule a home watch service?

You can schedule a Home Watch visit by calling, texting, or emailing us directly—we’ll confirm your details and arrange service around your travel plans. If this is your first visit, we’ll set up a brief appointment at your home to get familiar with the property. For returning clients, we can schedule your visit right away. You can also fill out our online form if that’s more convenient.

Homeowners Association's?

Many Homeowners Associations and Condominium Associations may require absentee owners to have a designated party monitoring their property. We are glad to provide our credentials to your Association and be placed on their approved vendor list. This ensures they have our current insurance, bond, business registration, and workers’ compensation documentation on file, and it provides clarity regarding who is entering and servicing properties within the community.

If I need coordination with contractors or deliveries, can you help?

Yes, we will provide access services and remain on-site for an hourly charge. We ask for at least a 48-hour notification so we can schedule appropriately.

Are you a property inspector?

While we check your property, we are NOT a property inspector. Property inspectors are usually involved at the sale of a property to do a detailed inspection of the structure, plumbing, electrical and heating and air condition systems. Fortis Home Watch provides a visual inspection of your vacant home or property looking for obvious issues.

Request Home Watch or Concierge Service

What You Can Expect From an Accredited Home Watch Provider

Professional care, trusted experience, and verified accountability — every visit.

Accredited, Insured & Bonded – Professional standards and protection.
Veteran-Owned – Rooted in service, built on trust.
Detailed Reporting – Photos, notes, and verified home status after every visit.
Local & Responsive – Always available, never out of reach.
Dedicated to Your Peace of Mind – We handle the details so you don’t have to.

Our Commitment to Your Peace of Mind

At Fortis Home Watch, your home is treated with the same care, respect, and attention we give our own. True service means being proactive, dependable, and available when it matters most. Every visit, every report, and every interaction reflects our commitment to earning your trust — not just your business.

HOME WATCH SERVICES: FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS