Check interior moisture and leaks
Home watch in Surfside Beach, SC checks accessible interior areas for visible moisture, leaks, stains, and musty odors.
The provider can check beneath sinks, around toilets, near appliances, and below visible ceiling or roof penetrations.
The EPA advises drying wet or damp materials within 24 to 48 hours to prevent mold growth. Source: EPA mold and moisture guide (opens in a new tab)
Agree on whom the provider should contact when a visit finds water or a musty odor.
Review HVAC and humidity settings
Home watch in Surfside Beach, SC compares visible HVAC controls and humidity readings with the owner's agreed settings.
Ask the provider to note the thermostat mode, temperature, humidity reading, and visible HVAC alerts.
Set response instructions for a loss of power, an unexpected reading, or a system alert.
Look for pests and access problems
Home watch in Surfside Beach, SC looks for visible pest signs and changes at the property's doors and windows.
The provider can note droppings, nests, damage, or insects in the agreed areas without moving walls, flooring, or stored items.
Ask the provider to check that accessible exterior doors and windows remain closed and show no visible forced-entry damage.
Walk the exterior
Home watch in Surfside Beach, SC checks agreed exterior areas for visible damage, drainage problems, and storm debris.
The visit can cover siding, soffits, ground-level roof views, fences, outdoor equipment, and debris near drains or entrances.
State which areas the provider can access safely and whether a named storm should trigger a separate visit.
Choose a visit frequency
Home watch in Surfside Beach, SC follows a schedule based on the property, travel dates, and the owner's policy terms.
Triple-I says most homeowners policies limit or exclude coverage after a property remains unoccupied for 30 to 60 consecutive days. Source: Triple-I vacancy insurance guide (opens in a new tab)
Policy terms differ, so ask your insurer how it defines vacant and unoccupied homes before choosing a schedule.
A home-watch visit does not change policy terms or guarantee coverage.
Get a written visit report
Home watch in Surfside Beach, SC records the agreed checks so the absent owner can review each visit.
Ask for a dated report that lists the visit time, completed checks, readings, visible concerns, and follow-up actions.
Request clear photos of the agreed areas and close-up photos of any concern.
Keep the reports with provider messages, repair records, and insurer instructions.
Request a home-watch schedule
Home watch in Surfside Beach, SC starts with the property address, travel dates, access instructions, and requested checks.
Share emergency contacts, approved repair contacts, insurer instructions, and the preferred report format.
Guides for home watch
Hurricane-season home checks in Surfside Beach, SC
Review hurricane-season home checks for a Surfside Beach property before an owner leaves town.
Town rules
Hurricane and evacuation rules
Prepare to follow evacuation orders that state and local authorities announce by zone.
Short-term rental rules
Confirm where the town permits rentals shorter than 30 days.