Understand the Home Watch Difference
More than a security check - Home Watch is a visual inspection of your home's key systems by trained professionals while you're away
What is Home Watch?
Across Canada, Home Watch is known by many names: house watch, cottage checks, home concierge, caretaker, absentee home service, property watch, and more. Regardless of the name, Home Watch is a professional service that performs scheduled inspections of unoccupied or seasonal homes while the owner is away.
The Canadian Home Watch Group (CHWG) defines Home Watch as “a visual inspection of a home or property, looking for obvious issues.”
When a Home Watch professional discovers a problem, they immediately notify the homeowner. The homeowner then decides how they’d like to proceed, whether that means scheduling repairs, arranging maintenance, or simply monitoring the situation.
By collecting flyers and mail, creating an occupied presence, and providing regular reports, Home Watch adds an extra layer of security and peace of mind—especially valuable for snowbirds, cottage owners, and frequent travellers.
What a Home Watch Visit Typically Includes:
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
Ensuring doors, windows, and access points are secure
Watching for signs of forced entry or unauthorized access
Mail/package collection and other homeowner-requested tasks
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Detailed home check report
Roof damage detected
Pest Activity
What Happens After a Visit?
Accredited professionals provide a detailed report to the homeowner, often with photos, timestamps, and notes. If anything is found, the report will highlight the concern so that the homeowner can take timely action or coordinate next steps with their local contacts or service providers.
What Happens After a Visit?
Accredited professionals provide a detailed report to the homeowner, often with photos, timestamps, and notes. If anything is found, the report will highlight the concern so that the homeowner can take timely action or coordinate next steps with their local contacts or service providers.
How CHWG-Accredited Home Watch Differs From Other Services
Feature | NHWA-Accredited Provider | Non-Accredited Company | Security Company |
|---|---|---|---|
Peace of Mind Communication | ✔️Photo-documented reports and direct homeowner contact | ⚠️ Inconsistent updates | ⚠️ Alerts for emergencies only |
Trained in Home Watch Protocols | ✔️Follows NHWA standards and training | ❌ No standardized training | ❌Trained in security, not home maintenance |
Home System Monitoring | ✔️ Checks HVAC, plumbing, electrical, and appliance function | ⚠️ Varies by provider; often not included | ❌ Not within their service scope |
Scheduled Visual Inspections | ✔️ Routine interior & exterior checks with detailed reports | ⚠️May offer limited or inconsistent checks | ❌ Typically external perimeter checks only |
Customizable Service Options | ✔️ Flexible visits & homeowner-directed task lists | ⚠️ Often lacks customization | ❌ Fixed patrol routes or response protocols |
Accreditation & Vetting | ✔️ Verified through insurance, background check, and ethics compliance | ❌ No formal review or oversight | ❌ Licensed for security, not Home Watch |
Industry Support & Ethics Code | ✔️ Bound by NHWA’s Code of Ethics and peer network | ❌ No affiliation with national standards | ❌ Governed by security regulations only |
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.
Where peace of mind meets professional standards.
Why Choose a CHWG-Accredited Provider
Verified & Insured Professionals
Every CHWG-accredited business in Canada has passed background checks, carries active liability insurance, and meets strict eligibility requirements—so you always know who’s entering your home or cottage.
A Canadian Code of Ethics You Can Trust
CHWG members operate under a formal Code of Ethics built on transparency, integrity, and accountability—core values we require of all accredited providers.
Clear, Documented Visit Reports
After each visit, you’ll receive a detailed written report—often supported by photos—that shows exactly what was observed. This way, you’re always informed, in control, and confident that your property is being cared for to Canadian standards.
What Homeowners Are Saying
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Resources & Seasonal Tips
Plan Ahead With NHWA Guides
Contact NHWA
Have questions about finding a service or understanding your options? We’re here to help.
How to Get Started
New to Home Watch? Here’s everything you need to know to make your first hire.
Why Accreditation Matters
Discover how NHWA accreditation ensures professionalism, ethics, and peace of mind.
Homeowner Tips & Guides
Explore seasonal checklists, vacation prep tips, and advice for absentee homeowners.
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Find a Local Provider
Search our national directory to connect with a verified NHWA-accredited business near you.
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What Is Home Watch?
Learn how a Home Watch service works and what it means to hire an accredited professional.
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What is a Home Watch service?A Home Watch service is designed to give you peace of mind while you are away from your home. The official definition of Home Watch is “A visual inspection of a home or property, looking for obvious issues.” So, your home is being inspected by professionals looking for potential problems. Most companies will design a checklist based on your individual needs and concerns. If a situation does arise, you will be notified so the problem can be dealt with in an efficient and cost-effective manner. For more information, visit our What is Home Watch? page.
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Why do I need a Home Watch service?Actually, the question is, how can you not have one? So many things can happen to your home in your absence: break-ins, water leaks, electrical problems, insects, mold, and storms, to name a few. Conversely, preventive measures such as storm preparation and proactive maintenance should prevent many situations from arising. Even if you have a trusted neighbor or relative nearby, having a professional acting on your behalf is a much better and more effective option.
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What if I have a situation at my home?The Home Watch professional’s experience and judgment will allow them to handle any situation with a calculated response. If the situation is an emergency, it will be handled in the fastest, safest, and most cost-effective way. In a non-emergency situation, you will be contacted to discuss and implement a course of action.
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Is a Home Watch service a security service?Not as a rule; however, having a visible presence in your empty home may act as a crime deterrent. Most Home Watch companies answer alarm calls and are familiar to local law enforcement.
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How does a Home Watch company qualify to become an Accredited Member of the National Home Watch Association?Not all companies qualify for membership in the National Home Watch Association. Our members have been carefully screened. References have been checked, and insurance, bonding and licenses (if applicable) have been verified. Each member has agreed to abide by our Code of Ethics and set of standards. Membership in the NHWA can be verified by visiting our NHWA Accredited Member Locations Page or by contacting the NHWA today.
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What other services does a Home Watch company offer?Each company is unique. Most offer a variety of services, such as lawn care, concierge, handyman–even pool services. If they don’t provide it, they can certainly arrange for any service that you might need, using their knowledge of local contractors.
