Home Inspector vs. Home Watch: What’s the Difference (and Which Do You Need?)

When neighbors say “Oh, we had a home inspection before we bought,” they’re talking about something very different from home watch. One is a one‑time evaluation during a real‑estate transaction. The other is a recurring visual check of an unoccupied home to catch problems early — especially during coastal Maine winters.

By The Home Watch Guy, Southern Maine — York • Ogunquit • Wells • Kittery

9/24/20252 min read

Split image showing home inspector with clipboard vs. home watch professional monitoring a cozy Main

Home Inspector vs. Home Watch: What’s the Difference

The 30‑Second Answer

Home Inspector → Hired when buying/selling. Uses tools, tests systems, and produces a detailed one‑time report of defects and safety issues.
Home Watch Professional → Hired while you’re away. Performs scheduled non‑invasive visual checks, documents conditions with timestamped photos, coordinates vendors, and alerts you to issues.

My promise: “Peace of Mind While You’re Away.” I bring 35+ years of remodeling and handyman experience to spot issues early and get the right pro on site fast.

What a Home Inspector Does (in Brief)

Typically part of a real‑estate transaction.
Follows industry standards (e.g., ASHI/InterNACHI) to evaluate the home’s major systems.
Identifies defects and safety concerns and provides a written report.
One‑time snapshot of condition — useful when buying or selling.

What a Home Watch Professional Does (That Inspectors Don’t)

Scheduled visual checks while you’re away: interior, exterior, mechanical spaces.
Look for leaks, heat or power loss, humidity problems, pests, storm damage, vandalism, and signs the property appears vacant.
Storm readiness & post‑storm visits — big in coastal Maine.
Vendor coordination (plumbers, HVAC, roofers, cleaners) and access for deliveries or service.
Timestamped photo reports so you always know what’s happening.
Not a security firm, contractor, or code inspector; we observe, document, and coordinate.

Why This Matters More in Coastal Maine

Nor’easters, ice, and extended cold create risks that build quietly:

Frozen pipes and ice dams after power or heat loss.
Wind‑driven rain and salt‑air corrosion.
Branches and outdoor items becoming projectiles.
Mail/parcel buildup signalling an empty home.

Regular eyes on the property catch issues fast — before a small drip becomes a ceiling collapse.

Practical Considerations

Insurance & Documentation

Some insurers expect reasonable precautions for vacant/seasonal homes and may ask how often the property is checked. Keeping dated reports and photos can help show that you’re taking proper care. Always confirm your policy’s requirements and recommended visit frequency.

When You Might Need Both

Buying a seasonal home? Get a home inspection first. After closing, set up home watch for while you’re away.
Major renovation finishing up? Inspector or municipal inspector closes permits; home watch monitors the home until you return.

FAQs (People Also Ask)

Is home watch the same as a home inspection?

A home inspection is a one-time evaluation during a real estate purchase or sale. Home watch is ongoing visual checks of your property while it’s vacant or seasonal to spot problems early.

Does home watch replace an alarm system?

No. Alarms alert you to sudden events like break-ins, while home watch professionals catch slower issues such as leaks, heating loss, pests, or storm damage — and provide in-person follow-up.

How often should my vacant home be checked?

Weekly or bi-weekly checks in winter are common in Southern Maine. Regular visits reduce risks like frozen pipes and storm damage, and many insurers require documentation of these visits.

Do you turn water off?

Many seasonal owners shut off the main water supply and winterize. Others keep heat on with smart monitoring. A home watch professional can coordinate the right approach with licensed vendors.

Ready to stop worrying about what you can’t see from away?

👉 Schedule a Home Watch Visit — Serving York, Ogunquit, Wells, Kittery & nearby coastal Maine communities.

📷 Request a sample report (with photos)
✅ Get my Pre-Departure Checklist (free download)
🌪️ Ask about storm-only coverage for high-wind events

Peace of Mind While You’re Away.