Home Watch vs. House Sitting: What’s the Difference?

Are you wondering which approach best protects your home while you’re away?
Here’s a clear breakdown of home watch versus house sitting—so you can choose the service that fits your needs and your peace of mind.

🏡 What is Home Watch?

Home watch is a professional, periodic inspection of your unoccupied property. A licensed, insured provider visits on a regular schedule (weekly, bi-weekly, etc.) to check for leaks, security breaches, HVAC issues, pest signs, and more. They document each visit with detailed reports and photos, and coordinate urgent repairs immediately.

🛋️ What is House Sitting?

House sitting typically involves someone living in your home while you’re away. They handle daily tasks like feeding pets, watering plants, collecting mail, and keeping the property occupied. House sitters may be friends, neighbors, or hired individuals—some informal, some paid.

🔍 Key Differences at a Glance

Feature	Home Watch	House Sitting
Occupancy	Periodic visits only	Live-in presence
Expertise & Training	Professional inspection, licensed, bonded	Not necessarily trained or certified
Insurance	Typically insured and bonded	Often uninsured; homeowner may bear risk
Privacy & Security	No one lives in your home	Someone resides in your space
Cost	Flat fees, generally more affordable	Higher cost due to live-in requirement
Wear & Tear	Minimal impact on utilities or usage	Possible increased utility usage or wear

✅ When to Choose Home Watch

• You need consistent, scheduled inspections

• You want professional reports and swift action on issues

• You prefer accountability through insurance and standards

• You want minimal impact on your home environment or utilities

🐾 When House Sitting Makes Sense

• You have pets or plants that need constant daily care

• You desire the security of a lived-in appearance

• You don’t mind someone living in your home

• You’re okay with potentially higher costs and utility use

🗣️ Choosing Wisely: Ask These Questions

Before hiring either service, ask:

1. Home Watch providers

   • How often do you visit?

   • Are you licensed, bonded, and insured?

   • Do you provide detailed reports with photos?

   • How do you handle emergencies or repairs?

2. House Sitters

   • Will you live in the home full-time?

   • How will personal liability or accidents be handled?

   • Can you provide references or background checks?

   • How do you respect homeowner privacy and property usage?

Final Takeaway

Home watch is a proactive, professional service designed to protect your property through regular inspections—great for second homes, seasonal residents, or long-term absences. House sitting offers the comfort of live-in care, ideal for pet owners or short trips, but involves more personal presence and potentially higher risk and cost.

👍 Next Steps

1. Clarify your primary needs: pets vs. inspections?

2. Compare licensed home watch providers vs. vetted house sitters

3. Review contracts, insurance, and reporting capabilities

4. Choose the service that aligns with your property and travel plans

Have questions or ready to schedule a home watch consultation? Contact us today or call 904‑855‑7933.