Timeframes and Timestamps
When it comes to protecting their homes while they’re away, “homeowners don’t necessarily want to rely on friends or relatives,” says former police officer Rick Milsom, founder of PEI Home Check. That’s partly because no one wants to saddle loved ones with an unexpected emergency. But emergencies aside, “housesitting” is still a time commitment. Even well-intentioned loved ones may rush the odd visit. And if a housesitter misses problems requiring immediate attention, Milsom points out, homeowners may face financial consequences. Still, travellers can’t just lock their doors, drive away, and tune out. “Home insurance policies require that an empty home be checked,” explains Milsom. A neighbour casually peeking in may not qualify. “Homeowners risk having their insurance claim denied if they can’t prove anyone was there.”
Timeframes are flexible at PEI Home Check. “Clients can plan their holidays months in advance, and secure my services,” Milsom explains. “But I can also help if there’s a last-minute emergency.” Visits are documented both on paper, and digitally, via timestamped photos. “If there are issues down the road with an insurance claim, homeowners can produce those photos to the insurance company as proof of visit.”
PEI Home Check provides the following services:
Scheduled home visits. Flexible schedules are finalized with homeowners’ input and approval. Timestamped photographs for insurance purposes, optionally emailed to homeowners via TimeStamps app technology. Interior/exterior damage monitoring and management — minimizing risks presented by extreme temperatures and weather.
Emergency Monitoring
In all cases, Milsom says, “I’ll visit the house and do a walkthrough with the homeowner, prior to their trip.” He and the client will agree on emergency contacts and protocols, allowing Milsom “to act on your behalf if and when something occurs.” Once the client departs, PEI Home Check will monitor for everything from broken windows to burst pipes to sewage backup.
The Service
PEI Home Check eases clients’ travel- induced anxieties through its flagship service--monitoring temporarily vacant residences according to a homeowner- chosen schedule. Milsom personally conducts each visit “to help minimize any damages that may occur,” he explains, “so that a minor problem doesn’t become a major problem.” To the best of Milsom’s knowledge, PEI Home Check’s services are unique on the Island. “It’s a great service for both short- term travellers and snowbirds, who may be away for months at a time.” He expects PEI Home Check to grow busier as cold weather rolls in; however, “it’s not seasonal. I’m here year-round.”
Security checks to deter break-ins and vandalism.
Maintenance Management
PEI Home Check also performs maintenance tasks, such as collecting mail from the front entrance to ensure a home appears occupied, or caring for plants, small pets, and cats. (In fact, difficulty finding a cat-sitter led Milsom to create PEI Home Check in the first place.) In PEI Home Check, Greater Charlottetown residents have gained an ideal neighbor, conscientious caretaker, and eagle-eyed security guard, rolled into one. This may well be Island homeowners’ first opportunity to enlist the services of a professional protector.
Mail pick-up to minimize signs of vacancy.
Pet care for cats and other small pets.
Plant care and watering.
PEI Home Check 902.388.1263
info@peihomecheck.ca www.peihomecheck.ca
Watch our video
www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=1&v=6obkrbha1iQ
FALL 2018 www.pei-living.ca
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