​Serving All Cape May County Shore Towns

Standard Home Watch Services

Below is a basic home watch checklist that can be modified per your preferences and needs. Whether you will be away from your home for a season or a week, we will customize your visit checklist and frequency to meet your needs. 

• Exterior perimeter check
• Check for any damage or issues following a high wind or rain storm event
• Check mailbox, clear junk mail, remove fliers, newspapers or debris that may indicate home is vacant. Retrieve deliveries (UPS, FedEx, etc.)
• Interior, comprehensive room-by-room walk-through including garage and/or shed, if needed.
• Check for tripped breakers 
• Check and test Air Conditioner/Heater settings
• Visually inspect for active leaks under all sinks, around toilets, hot water heater, faucets, shower heads, washer, dishwasher and refrigerator/freezer. 
• Flush toilets & brush bowl to prevent mineral rings
• Run faucets and showers
• Replace batteries in smoke detectors and CO2 detectors with those supplied, when alerted or on a scheduled basis
• Check that all security lighting is operational and replace bulbs supplied by homeowner, when needed
• Visually inspect for evidence of insect/rodent infestation 
• Dishwasher short cycle and shut off before leaving
• Washing machine short cycle and shut off before leaving
• Check that all windows and doors are secured and for evidence of moisture
• Check that pool/spa are being maintained
• Water indoor/outdoor plants, as needed. 
• Check that counter appliances are unplugged
• Reset security alarm, if used

Optional Services  

Please feel free to ask us about other services that may be unique to your situation. If we aren't able or qualified to provide them, we will help you find someone local who is. 

• Vacation Rental Property Checker - We follow behind your cleaning service on changeover days to serve as a second set of eyes that ensure your property is exactly the way you want it to be presented to your guests when they arrive. We come prepared to do light touch-ups & the finishing touches. For your peace-of-mind, we send a notification at the completion of the visit with a date, time and location stamp along with comments and photos, as needed.      
• Key Holder Services Only - We keep a key to your home separate from name/address log. Simply notify us whenever you need us to open the door for a contractor, guest or delivery. If you like, we will stay to supervise the work or return to secure the home when they are done. We are also available to be your local alarm monitoring contact. We are fully insured and bonded to provide this service. 
• Project Supervision and Reporting - Do you want to be certain that your contracted work is being handled per your direction? We will be your eyes and ears to supervise your contracted projects and repairs while you're away and report back all progress with photos and videos, as needed. 
• Supervision of Occupied Elderly Family Member's Home - Do you have concerns that your elderly parent's home is being properly maintained and necessary repairs are being addressed? With your and your family member's prior notification, we will perform a Sandcastles Home Watch check and report the results to you. 
• Forward mail, packages or items left behind - Postage/shipping materials plus hourly rate applies
• Automobile Drive - Do you like to leave a car at your shore home? Mechanics recommend that if your car is not prepped for long- term storage, that it should be driven every week or so. far enough for the engine to get up to full operating temperature. Approximately 15 minutes of drive time will get the oils circulating around the gearbox and differentials, and keeps the brakes working correctly. It should also be moved on a regular basis to prevent flat spots on the tires. 
• Concierge Services - What would make your life easier or your stay more enjoyable? You may like to have your refrigerator and cupboards stocked with essentials just prior to your stay. Send comforters out to be cleaned and returned to the beds or prepped for storage. A platter of fresh, local fruits and cheese along with a favorite bottle of wine awaiting your arrival. Let us know what we can do to make your time at the shore stress-free.