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How We Monitor and Protect Unoccupied Homes

Home Watch Chicago provides structured oversight visits designed to identify visible concerns early, document property conditions, and coordinate access for service professionals when needed.

Professional Standards

Home Watch Chicago operates as a licensed business and maintains appropriate professional insurance coverage for home watch and residential oversight services.

Our role is focused on observation, monitoring, documentation, and coordination — not repairs, construction, or property management.

Oversight visits follow a structured protocol, and all observations are documented and reported so homeowners remain informed while their property is unoccupied.

Who We Are

 

Professional Oversight for Vacant Homes and Residential Estates


Home Watch Chicago is a professional residential and estate asset oversight firm serving absentee and second-home property owners throughout Chicagoland.


We conduct scheduled, checklist-based visits designed to monitor the general condition of unoccupied properties and identify visible irregularities before they escalate into costly issues.


Our approach is structured, methodical, and consistent. Each property is treated as a managed asset requiring attention, documentation, and professional oversight.


We are not a concierge service.

We are not a property management company.


Our role is disciplined oversight focused on risk awareness, accountability, and clear communication.

How We Operate

• Scheduled, checklist-driven oversight visits

• Systematic interior and exterior visual observations

• Early identification of visible concerns

• Thorough visit documentation

• Prompt client notification when irregularities are observed


Every visit follows a defined protocol.

Every observation is documented.

Every property is monitored with professional diligence.


Our objective is to reduce risk exposure through consistent, structured oversight while your property remains unoccupied.


Structured oversight is the foundation of every Home Watch Chicago visit.

Who We Service

We provide oversight services for:


• Absentee homeowners

• Second-home owners

• Estate property owners

• Condominium owners with unoccupied residences


Our clients value disciplined oversight, discretion, and clear reporting while their property remains unoccupied.

Where We Service

Home Watch Chicago provides residential property oversight services throughout Chicago and select North Shore communities.


Our service areas include many city neighborhoods as well as surrounding communities where absentee homeowners maintain second residences or seasonal properties.


Explore Our Service Areas →

https://homewatchchicago.com/service-areas

What We Do Not Provide

To maintain clarity of scope and professional standards, Home Watch Chicago does not provide:


• Property management services

• Tenant management or leasing services

• Construction supervision

• Repair or handyman services

• Snow removal or landscaping services

• Emergency remediation beyond observation and notification

• Mechanical servicing of vehicles or appliances

• Insurance claim representation


When maintenance or specialized services are required, the homeowner is notified so the appropriate licensed professional can be engaged.

Trusted by Chicago Professionals, Executives & Professional Athletes

 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐


“We were extremely satisfied with the services of Home Watch Chicago. We relocated from Chicago to Boston, however we were not able to sell our Chicago condo for almost a year. Home Watch Chicago took care of our property the entire time it was on the market. With a dual-career family and twin babies on the way, we could not have gotten through that year without them. We highly recommend their services to anyone who needs their assets cared for while they are away.”

— Brandon Schruggs

Attorney, WilmerHale


⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐


“Home Watch Chicago provides us with peace of mind that when we are away, our home is safe, secure and well maintained.”


Sarah and Kerry Wood

Chicago Cubs

 

 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐


“We have been using Home Watch Chicago for years while traveling. They give us complete peace of mind knowing our home is cared for.”

— Gene & Sharon Whitehorn


Read More Client reviews

Exterior & Grounds Oversight

Vendor Access & Service Coordination

Exterior & Grounds Oversight

During each scheduled visit, the exterior perimeter of the property is visually reviewed to identify observable irregularities or developing concerns.


Exterior oversight may include:


• Full walk-around of the property perimeter

• Observation of doors, windows, and access points for visible signs of tampering

• Review for visible storm damage or weather-related deterioration

• Visual assessment for signs of rodent or insect activity around the structure

• Confirmation that contracted exterior vendors are performing as scheduled

• Collection of mail, packages, and printed materials; items secured inside the residence

• Mail and package forwarding upon request

• Verification of exterior lighting function and reporting of outages

• Ground-level visual review of gutters, downspouts, and rooflines

• Inspection of garages, detached structures, and accessible yard areas

• Seasonal pre-storm and post-storm exterior walk-throughs


Motorized vehicles may be started upon written client authorization. Vehicles are not driven or mechanically evaluated.


All observations are documented and any visible concerns are prompreported.

Interior Property Oversight

Vendor Access & Service Coordination

Exterior & Grounds Oversight

During each scheduled visit, interior conditions and major household systems are visually reviewed to identify observable irregularities and reduce the risk of undetected damage while the property remains unoccupied.


Interior oversight may include:


• Visual review for signs of plumbing issues, moisture concerns, or water intrusion

• Observation of interior environmental conditions and temperature settings

• Running faucets and flushing plumbing fixtures periodically to maintain system flow

• Adjustment of thermostat or climate settings upon client request

• Replacement of HVAC filters at scheduled intervals

• Replacement of standard light bulbs as needed

• Replacement of common household batteries (remotes, smoke detectors, alarm keypads)

• Watering of indoor plants as authorized

For security and occupancy deterrence purposes:

• Adjustment of window treatments

• Rotation or modification of lighting patterns

All observations are documented and any visible irregularities are reported promptly.

Vendor Access & Service Coordination

Vendor Access & Service Coordination

Vendor Access & Service Coordination

When maintenance or service work is required, Home Watch Chicago can coordinate property access for trusted service professionals and confirm that scheduled work has taken place.


Coordination may include:


• Seasonal snow removal services

• Lawn and landscape care providers

• Housekeeping services

• Window cleaning services

• HVAC inspections and servicing

• Licensed maintenance or repair contractors

Home Watch Chicago does not perform these services directly. We coordinate access, confirm vendor arrival, and document activity so homeowners remain informed while away.


Disciplined Oversight for Unoccupied Homes

 

Providing Professional Home Watch Oversight Since 2008

HOME WATCH CHICAGO

Chicago,Il.

Request a Home Watch Consultation

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