Frequently Asked Questions
What is Home Watch?
Home Watch is “the visual inspection of a vacant home or property looking for obvious issues.” We conduct regularly scheduled inspections, on behalf of the homeowner, of second, seasonal or vacant homes to ensure the home’s continued value, proper maintenance, and safety. These inspections include a check of the entire property including the yard and outside structures, the exterior of the home, and the interior including all appliances and mechanical systems, lakefront, docks and boats/PWCs. We use a comprehensive checklist tailored to your property and needs.
Are you a home inspector or property manager?
We are not a licensed home inspector. One-time home inspections conducted by state-licensed Inspectors that are usually conducted as part of the real estate sales process. Our services are also distinct from companies in the Property Management business which are focused on the marketing and rental of vacation homes. Our services complement but do not compete with Home Inspection and Property Management companies.
Do you service my area?
We are focused on Oconee, Pickens and Anderson counties in the upstate of South Carolina. We specifically focus on the lake communities around Lake Keowee and northern Lake Hartwell. We serve other areas on a case-by-case basis.
What type of reporting can I expect from you?
Keowee Home Services will send you a detailed electronic report by email with a description and annotated pictures of any problems identified. We use a leading-edge IT solution tailored to the Home Watch industry that documents each and every time we visit your home regardless of the reason. A full history of reports is maintained and can be accessed at any time. In addition, all sensitive information regarding you and your property, such as alarm codes and contact information, are maintained in highly-secure systems and are never written on paper.
When are home inspections conducted?
We conduct home inspections and most other services Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. We also provide emergency services 24/7. If you are at your home when an inspection is scheduled, we can reschedule or conduct our inspection with little or no impact to you.
An alarm company provides security for my home. What value do you add?
Do you provide keyholder services?
Absolutely! We can coordinate access to your property for any situation. All we need is your notification of date and time and any instructions you have. We are insured specifically for keyholder services and have processes in place to ensure the security and anonymity of your keys.
Can you coordinate with contractors doing work on my home?
We can provide property access for your contractors and will remain on-site to close up and arm your alarm system. We ask for at least a 48 hours notification to schedule our personnel.
If you find a problem, what type of notification will I receive?
We will send you a report upon completion of each visit to your home. Any problems identified will be accompanied by pictures and details of the problem. If we take any immediate action to prevent further damage, we will contact you immediately to discuss what occurred and discuss what course of action is needed for the repair. For normal maintenance issues, we can recommend local contractors, coordinate bids / proposals and act as a liaison between you and the contractor.
What is Keowee Home Services?
Keowee Home Services is a professional, insured and bonded Home Watch business serving the lake communities around Lake Keowee and northern Lake Hartwell. We check your property and identify problems or potential problems that can occur while you are away. We are your local eyes, ears, arms and legs. We provide a physical presence that is not available through other service providers. We also provide handyman and concierge services.
Are you a house sitter?
We do not provide house sitter services. House sitters are typically not qualified or prepared to look after the maintenance of your property in your absence. Employing house sitters can also limit your own access to the property.
Are your services expensive?
How are you different from other Home Watch businesses in the area?
We are a professional Home Watch business that is licensed, insured and bonded specifically for Home Watch services through an insurance carrier that understands the Home Watch business. We are a real business focused on delivering value and superior customer service. We are not a one-man company or a sideline service of a construction business that cannot provide the service you need when you need it – 24/7, 365 days-a-year.
How do I contact you?
We can be reached during normal business hours by calling 864-372-6608 or emailing info@keoweehomeservices.com. If we are out of the office, we will return your call or email as soon as possible. In case of an emergency, you may text us with your name, telephone number and a brief message to 864-372-6608 at any time. We will respond immediately to emergencies.
We have a neighborhood watch program or local security. Doesn’t that do the same thing?
Neighborhood watch and security patrols are passive by nature and do not provide the level of engagement with your property that we provide. Local security, including gated access, will eliminate many instances of break-in or vandalism which is good. Our services complement your local security patrol or neighborhood watch programs.
Can you start and drive my cars?
Keowee Home Services will start, run and drive your car with your authorization. A motor vehicle waiver is required for us to provide this service.
Can you start and run my boat and PWC?
Keowee Home Services will start and run your boat and/or PWC with your authorization. A boat/PWC waiver is required for us to provide this service. We are unable, however, to drive your boat or PWC for insurance reasons.
Can you help me with home maintenance services?
What if I have other questions?
Please don’t hesitate to reach out via our Contact Us page on this site or via telephone at 864-372-6608. We are happy to answer questions at any time.