Do you offer freeze alarms?
We do. As I understand it, some companies have a set up and monitoring fee. Typically, we’ll buy a unit or the home owner will have one sent. From there it’s a simple set up and there is no monthly fee for waiting on the phone to ring. Solid units range from $ 99.00 to $ 250.00 and it is something that should be considered.

Do you have yard signs?
These can be made available though I’ve never been a fan. The misconception here is that a sign intimates that the house is armed. In turn, its best use is that of an advertising tool for the home watch company. In turn, it’s a clear indication that the house is most likely unoccupied. We take a pro-active approach to lending passersby the opposite perspective. By default, no fee storm follow ups put tracks in the snow. Other measures might include pulling fuel delivery tickets or services leaflets from the door, coordinating landscape debris cleanup efforts and the like.

Do you check homes in the summer?
Yes. We are a year-round full-time service. A good number of our customers that don’t rent their homes in the summer months either suspend service or use the bi-weekly or one-a-week option and suspend service whenever they plan on visiting. We have some folks that maintain a two-a-week schedule year round and simply call whenever they wish to suspend service. It’s your home so why shouldn’t the service be on your terms? For our renters, we are just as flexible. While we offer change over checks for renters, those who do not wish to exercise this option rest assured that we’re only a phone call away should guests or their real estate companies encounter any issues.

Are there discounts or bonuses for home owner’s insurance if I use a home watch company?
I’ve been asked this question a number of times and each time I find a new insurance agent hoping to tell me yes as it would serve as a great marketing tool. I advise people to confirm with their provider as I’ve been consistently told that a hard wire security system [ADT, Protection One, etc.] is the only preventative measure an owner can take in order to realize an insurance discount. As I understand it, the level of savings increases based on the levels of protection i.e. break-in, break-in plus fire, etc.

What is the minimum duration?
There are no minimum durations or fixed schedules. We have several year round residents that use us annually for one or two weeks during vacations. Approximately one third of our base uses annual service and calls to suspend checks whenever the property is to be occupied. As for the balance, no two schedules are alike. Each customer bases each month on frequency of occupancy, perceived weather conditions or whether or not the house is drained to name just a few influencing factors.

Do you document visits?
We do. With each monthly invoice, customers receive a statement consisting of the exact dates and times of each inspection. In addition, notable activity to include vendor visits, storm checks or requested response is indicated.

Does my contract automatically renew?
We don’t issue contracts or sell packages. We begin each customer relationship with a comprehensive service agreement. This straight-forward two page agreement that consists of your preferred, if any, vendors, contact information and the initial service schedule you design. Unless or until you alter or terminate your schedule, your service will continue annually. Each monthly statement reflects the owner’s current service schedule. More often than not, new customers are contacted prior to the reoccurring startup date in order to confirm. Each customer’s current schedule is also included in the monthly billing.

Do you make additional checks after storms?
Regardless of scheduled visits each home is inspected following adverse weather conditions. In cases of sustained power outages, it is not uncommon to check homes three or four times in a 12 hour period. This service is inclusive with any active schedule and is not subject to additional cost unless or until time and material is deemed necessary to remedy a storm related incident.

What do you consider a storm to be?
The common misconception is that an above average amount of snowfall is a notable storm. During the winter months, where freeze ups are a constant threat, power outage is the primary concern. In turn, we’ve drained more than our fair share of homes in the middle of the night. Power failures are most often brought on by heavy wind, freezing rain or wet snow. Beyond power outages, our general criteria for storm checks consist of snowfall in excess of 8,” and/or wind gusts exceeding 50mph. Again, storms and subsequent conditions are extremely subjective and any abnormal conditions are taken very seriously.

How can I find out information about my home after a storm?
We realize that the notion no news is good news lends little relief. As you may imagine, phone lines tie up rather quickly during and after a storm. In addition, customer call backs as well as subcontractor efforts often prolong the wait for others. Nauset Management gives customers access to on-line information which helps curb some of these anxieties. Beyond realizing whether the home has been checked or has a status pending, customers will receive important updated information such as current and projected storm conditions, damage reports per property and power conditions as they exist on the ground verses how they’re conveyed in Boston. While we certainly don’t consider customers as just another number, a unique identification number is issued to each homeowner in order to safe guard his or her name and address.

Do you provide service beyond Orleans and Eastham?
No. Reasonable rates and the highest quality of service is a direct result of our restricted area and customer volume. By operating in a smaller, denser range, we aren’t nearly as spread out as some companies that stretch service across a number of towns if not the Cape in its entirety. From a service perspective, storm conditions, and particularly power outages during a period of freezing temperatures, make the distance between towns feel like commuting between states. This broad net approach stretches staff and sub contract support well beyond efficiency and customer expectations. While select companies have the ability to pool resources from various sub-groups or a principal company, the primary issue at hand is being spread thin when specific and immediate resolution is required. This is a rare instance where many hands don’t necessarily make light work.

We’re planning on being on the Cape for a wedding this Fall and currently have house checks scheduled. Will someone still come by?
No. Customers that plan on occupying the house during an otherwise scheduled inspection cycle will realize a prorated deduction from their monthly bill if we receive advanced notice. Again, given our restricted service area, on request, we’ll gladly stop in to turn up the heat and snap on a few lights.

We have a plumber we’ve used for years. Can we still use him or do we need to go through Nauset Management?
Our goal is to meet the needs of our customers without exception. While we stand by our vast group of tradesmen, we’ve met many proven talents through our customer base; some of which we use to this day. More often than not, our subcontractors end up creating direct and lasting relationships with our customers. The trade off is simply priority attention. Our service agreement provides space for customers to list any number preferred vendors. In the event of a service need, both the customer and preferred vendor are contacted. If immediate attention is required and the primary contacts cannot be reached, we will utilize one of our vendors.

We need to have a Fair Plan inspection. Can you take care of this?
We encourage customers to have inspectors, vendors or delivery companies to contact us directly so that we may schedule entry. More often than not, these brief visits are coordinated with a scheduled inspection thus waiving the requested visit fee.

How long have you been in business?
Like many, my home watch business started as a favor to a construction customer and spread through word-of-mouth starting in 1998. I’m proud to say that my customer base has been built from the ground up through honest and diligent service and subsequently word-of-mouth exposure.

How do I get started?
Our business starts and ends at the home. Call today and schedule a no obligation conversation.