How CHWG Began
In Canada, the need for reliable Home Watch services grew quickly—driven by snowbirds, seasonal residents, and recreational property owners. But the industry lacked consistency, oversight, and even a clear definition of what “Home Watch” meant. Too often, homeowners placed their trust in businesses with no formal training, no insurance requirements, and no national standards.
The Canadian Home Watch Group (CHWG) was founded to change that.
Our mission from the start was clear:
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Establish Canadian standards for professionalism and service
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Protect homeowners through accreditation, vetting, and ethics
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Support Canadian Home Watch business owners with training, resources, and a national voice
Before CHWG, businesses operated under many different names—cottage checks, property watch, house monitoring—with no regulation or shared expectations. While many acted in good faith, even a single bad experience could undermine public trust in the entire industry.
CHWG brought structure, trust, and accountability to Home Watch in Canada.
We created the country’s first formal accreditation program designed for Home Watch providers. We introduced a Canadian Code of Ethics, mandatory background and business vetting, and the CHWP™ certification to train professionals on how to responsibly care for a client’s home in their absence.
Today, CHWG is proud to be the Canadian standard for both homeowners and business owners. What began as an effort to bring consistency to a scattered industry has grown into a nationally respected, Canadian-owned, internationally connected organization driving excellence in Home Watch.
What is Home Watch?
Home Watch is known by many names: house watch, house check, home concierge, caretaker, absentee home service, property watch, and so on. Regardless of the name, a Home Watch service performs scheduled inspections of unoccupied or vacant properties while the owner is away. The National Home Watch Association describes Home Watch as “a visual inspection of a home or property, looking for obvious issues.”
Should the inspector find an issue or potential problem, they will immediately notify the homeowner. From there, the homeowner will instruct the Home Watch service as to how they want to proceed. By removing junk mail and flyers and creating a presence in the home, Home Watch adds a level of security to the vacant home. Home Watch is the line of communication to the homeowner that provides peace of mind during their absence.
What a Home Watch Visit Typically Include a basic check of:
A walkthrough of the interior and exterior
Visual checks for signs of water leaks, mold, storm damage, or pest activity
Confirmation that HVAC systems, appliances, and plumbing are functioning as expected
Lookout for signs of forced entry or unauthorized access
Check that doors, windows, and key systems are secure
Mail/package collection or other homeowner-requested tasks
Our Membership Standards
All NHWA-accredited members listed on this website have passed a rigorous vetting process, which includes:
✅ Criminal background checks on all company principals
✅ General and professional liability insurance
✅ Proper bonding
✅ Consumer complaint review
✅ Honest and accurate advertising
✅ Commitment to our Code of Ethics
✅ Agreement with our Mission Statement
This ensures every member operates with the highest level of trust and professionalism.
What Does a Home Watch Professional Do?
A trained set of eyes on your home — when you can’t be.
Home Watch is the practice of scheduled, in-person visits to unoccupied properties. Whether you’re away for the season, on an extended trip, or managing a second home, an accredited Home Watch professional helps spot issues before they become costly problems — and keeps you in the loop every step of the way.
Core Services Include:
Routine Visual Inspections
Professionals conduct thorough walkthroughs of both the interior and exterior of the home. These visits are designed to identify clear signs of water intrusion, pest activity, mold, or damage — with a focus on trained observation, not guesswork.
System & Condition Reviews
Most inspections include a basic check of plumbing, HVAC, and electrical systems. The goal is to ensure everything remains functional, stable, and undisturbed during the home’s vacancy.
Photo Reports & Real-Time Updates
If anything appears out of place, the Home Watch provider notifies the homeowner immediately. You’ll receive documentation — often with photos — so you can decide how to proceed, wherever you are.
Visual Presence That Deters Risk
Removing flyers, collecting mail, and showing periodic activity around the home helps prevent the look of vacancy — reducing the risk of being targeted for theft, vandalism, or unnoticed damage.
Many people confuse accreditation with certification — but they’re not the same.
Accreditation vs. Certification: What’s the Difference?
CHWG Accreditation (For Businesses)
Accreditation is earned by companies that meet CHWG’s strict requirements. It’s a full vetting process that establishes a business as professional, trustworthy, and accountable.
To become accredited, a business must:
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Pass a criminal background check on all company principals
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Undergo consumer affairs and BBB inquiries
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Verify all required business licenses at the provincial, municipal, or local level
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Provide proof of ongoing liability insurance and bonding
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Adhere to CHWG best practices and Code of Ethics
Accredited businesses are reviewed annually to maintain their status, ensuring standards are always upheld.
CHWP: Certified Home Watch Professional (For Individuals)
Certification is earned by people—principals or employees—who complete training and prove their expertise in Home Watch.
To become a Certified Home Watch Professional (CHWP):
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The individual must work for or own a CHWG-accredited company
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Meet hands-on experience requirements
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Complete CHWG’s core and regional training curriculum
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Pass the official CHWG certification exam
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Recertify every 2 years with continuing education and a renewal exam
Accreditation = Business credibility.
Certification = Personal expertise.
Why CHWG Accreditation Matters
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Accredited businesses follow strict Canadian ethics and vetting standards
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All members are fully insured, bonded, and background checked
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Ongoing education and CHWP™ certification programs
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Transparent communication with detailed home visit reporting
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Trusted national recognition with a strong local presence
