The home watch inspection checklist that catches problems early
A consistent checklist makes your service repeatable and your reports trustworthy. Start with this room-by-room template and adapt it to each property.
Published March 9, 2026 · Last updated August 22, 2026
Run the same checklist every time. Nothing else drives professional, consistent home watch as much. It stops checkpoints from getting skipped, keeps your reports uniform across properties, and gives you a defensible record of what you checked. The water checkpoints earn their place: Insurance Information Institute data shows water damage and freezing accounted for 22.6% of U.S. homeowners insurance claims in 2023, averaging about $15,400 per claim over 2019–2023. In an empty home those problems run unnoticed unless someone is checking. Use the template below as a baseline and tailor it per home. A property with a pool, dock, or generator needs extra checkpoints.
For client work, the checklist should live inside your home watch inspection software, not in a document you duplicate before every visit. The right property template should open on your phone, keep photos attached to the checkpoint they document, and leave a dated record you can find later.
Exterior
- Walk the perimeter. Look for storm damage, fallen branches, or debris.
- Confirm doors, windows, and the garage are secure and undamaged.
- Look for signs of attempted entry or vandalism.
- Scan the roof line and gutters from the ground for obvious issues.
- Inspect landscaping, irrigation, and pool/spa equipment if present.
Interior, general
- Look and smell for water intrusion, mold, or a musty odor.
- Check ceilings, walls, and under sinks for leaks or staining.
- Scan for pests or rodent activity.
- Confirm no unusual sounds, alarms, or warning lights.
Plumbing & water
- Run faucets briefly and check for leaks under fixtures.
- Inspect the water heater for corrosion or pooling.
- Check toilets for running or leaking. Flush to keep traps full.
- Confirm the main shutoff status matches the owner's instructions.
HVAC & electrical
- Confirm the thermostat sits at the agreed setting and the system is running.
- Verify the AC/heat is holding a safe temperature and humidity.
- Check the electrical panel for tripped breakers.
- Confirm the refrigerator/freezer are running if left on.
Security & finishing the visit
- Arm the alarm system per the owner's instructions on your way out.
- Re-lock every door and window you opened.
- Collect mail/packages if that's part of your service.
- Photograph anything notable and finish the report.
Frequently asked questions
What should a home watch inspection include?
A thorough visit covers the exterior and perimeter, interior signs of water or pests, plumbing, HVAC and electrical, and security. You confirm the home is secure and free of obvious problems, with photos documenting the condition.
How often should home watch visits happen?
Weekly or biweekly is common for vacant and seasonal homes. The right cadence depends on the property, the owner's insurance requirements, and risk factors like climate. Agree the schedule with the owner up front.
Sources
- Insurance Information Institute — Facts + Statistics: Homeowners and renters insurance — water damage and freezing claim share (22.6% in 2023) and average claim severity ($15,400, 2019–2023), ISO/Verisk data.
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