A Home Watch checklist turns “I know what to look for” into a repeatable operating procedure.
The goal is not to create the longest checklist in your city. The goal is to create a list that:
- matches the service you sold,
- can be completed consistently,
- helps another trained team member perform the same visit,
- produces useful documentation,
- and can be customized to each property.
Start with a master template
Create one master checklist containing categories that apply to many homes. Do not build every client from an empty page.
A practical starting structure follows.
1. Arrival and exterior
Possible items:
- confirm correct property
- note unusual vehicles/people only when relevant and safe
- check driveway/walkway for obvious new issues
- observe visible roofline from ground
- exterior doors appear secure
- visible windows/screens appear intact
- signs of forced entry/vandalism
- obvious storm/wind damage
- standing water
- irrigation leak/abnormality visible during visit
- unusual landscaping condition
- packages/notices/flyers according to service
- pool/spa exterior observation if included
Do not climb roofs or enter unsafe areas just because “roof” appears on the list.
2. Entry/security procedure
Possible items:
- enter through designated access point
- disarm alarm according to instructions
- confirm door relocked after entry when procedure requires
- note any unexpected alarm/access issue
Keep actual alarm codes and sensitive access details in a secure system rather than printing them on a generic checklist.
3. Environmental conditions
Possible items:
- indoor temperature
- humidity if part of your service
- unusual odor
- obvious signs of excessive heat/cold
- unusual condensation
Use consistent measurement locations when possible so readings are comparable over time.
4. HVAC
Possible items:
- thermostat set point
- indoor temperature
- system appears to respond/run
- obvious condensate/water concern visible
- unusual noise noted without diagnosing cause
- filter observation/replacement only if included
Report facts rather than diagnosing mechanical failure unless qualified.
5. Plumbing and water
Property-specific items can include:
- under kitchen sink
- under bathroom sinks
- around toilets
- laundry supply/drain area
- water-heater area
- visible supply lines
- floor around fixtures
- signs of staining/moisture
- run fixtures/flush toilets if that is part of the agreed procedure
Know where the main water shutoff is before the client leaves.
6. Kitchen and appliances
Possible items:
- refrigerator/freezer appears powered
- abnormal temperature indicator/alarm
- visible leak beneath/around appliance
- dishwasher exterior/visible supply area
- range/oven condition according to scope
- counters/floors for unusual evidence of pests/water
Do not unplug appliances or change settings unless the property instructions say to.
7. Rooms and ceilings
For each room or zone:
- ceiling/walls: obvious new staining or damage
- windows/doors: obvious issue
- floor: obvious water or damage
- odor
- pest evidence
- property-specific equipment
A room-by-room sequence reduces skipped areas.
8. Garage / utility / special systems
Customize for:
- garage door
- electrical panel visual condition
- generator status indicators
- water softener
- sump pump indicators
- well equipment
- elevator
- wine room
- server/AV equipment
- specialty refrigeration
Only include tasks you are trained and authorized to perform.
9. Pool/spa/dock if included
Home Watch often includes visual observation rather than pool-service chemistry/maintenance.
Define the scope precisely, such as:
- water level appears within agreed range
- pump appears to be running during scheduled observation
- obvious leak/damage
- debris/abnormal color noted
If you offer technical pool service, verify licensing and insurance rules separately.
10. Departure checklist
This is one of the most important sections because operator error during departure can create a claim.
Confirm as applicable:
- thermostat returned/left at correct setting
- faucets off
- toilets not running visibly
- appliances/settings left as required
- lights set as instructed
- windows secured
- interior doors set as instructed
- exterior doors locked
- garage door closed
- alarm armed
- gate/access device secured
- keys/fob returned to controlled custody
Use the same departure sequence every time.
Use clear result states
A practical structure is:
- Pass/OK — condition observed as expected
- Issue/Fail — something needs attention
- N/A — item does not apply on this visit/property
Avoid blank fields. A blank does not tell you whether the operator forgot the item or found nothing wrong.
Require notes/photos intelligently
Do not force 100 meaningless photos just to make the report look substantial.
Require documentation when:
- an item fails
- a condition changed
- the client specifically expects proof
- a baseline comparison is useful
- an unusual reading needs context
For an issue, take:
- a context photo showing location,
- a closer photo showing the condition,
- a concise factual note.
Customize the master template for the property
During onboarding, add or remove items based on:
- home type
- climate
- pool/spa
- dock/waterfront
- generator
- well/septic
- detached structures
- number of HVAC units
- unusual plumbing zones
- smart-home systems
- owner's priorities
The property-specific checklist should be the actual working document.
Test the checklist before selling it
Run it on a real property or your own home and time it.
Ask:
- Did the order match how I physically moved through the house?
- Were any items ambiguous?
- Did I duplicate checks?
- Did I miss a major system?
- Did reporting take too long?
- Could a new employee understand the item without me standing beside them?
Revise before scaling.
Using HomeWatchTools
HomeWatchTools supports reusable checklist templates and property-specific checklists. It can also convert an existing paper/digital checklist into a digital inspection template, record notes/photos during visits, and use the completed checklist in client reporting.
The best workflow is still: define your service and checklist first, then use software to execute it consistently.
How to know this step is complete
You should have:
- one master checklist,
- a clear PASS/ISSUE/N/A convention,
- required photo/note rules,
- a departure sequence,
- and a process for customizing the checklist during onboarding.
Next step
Create the client agreement that defines the service →
Sources
- NHWA description of typical Home Watch visits: https://www.nationalhomewatchassociation.org/about-us
- Arizona Home Watch service checklist example: https://www.homeazwatch.com/our-services/
- HomeWatchTools checklist features: https://www.homewatchtools.com/
Finish this step
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Mark this guide complete when you have finished the action and saved the records you need.