FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS If you have a question that isn't answered below or would like more information, give us a call at 978-760-2435 or send an email. |
WHAT IS HOME WATCH SERVICE?
DCN's Home Watch Service offers a tailored solution to protect your property during your absence. We are your eyes and ears while you are away from home. We perform a scheduled visual inspection, using a thorough 21-point checklist to detect and resolve potential issues. Following each visit, we promptly send you a detailed text or email report, guaranteeing your peace of mind.
WHY DO I NEED A HOME WATCH SERVICE?
Leaving your home unattended exposes it to various risks, including break-ins, water leaks, frozen pipes, electrical problems, insects, and storms. Our professional Home Watch Service offers a reliable solution. Even if you have a neighbor or relative offering to watch your home, our licensed, insured, and bonded team ensures a higher level of security and effectiveness.
WHY IS DCN THE PERFECT COMPANY TO WATCH MY HOME WHILE I'M AWAY?
DCN stands out as a licensed Watch Guard Patrol service, vetted by the Massachusetts State Police, License # LW0517A. Our background-checked and insured team provides a level of professionalism and security that surpasses non-licensed alternatives, ensuring your home is in capable hands.
WHY NOT JUST ASK MY NEIGHBOR, REALTIVE, OR HANDYMAN TO WATCH MY HOUSE?
While many choose to rely on neighbors or relatives to pick up mail, packages, and newspapers, this may still leave visible signs of your absence. While this approach can suffice for brief trips, it might strain relationships during longer absences. On the other hand, hiring a handyman, general contractor, or an unlicensed home watch company for periodic checks can provide added expertise in identifying issues. However, relying on services from a non-licensed provider could result not only in subpar oversight but also potentially jeopardize your home insurance coverage, especially if issues are mishandled or misidentified. DCN is a licensed professional company that offers a more comprehensive and secure alternative, avoiding potential complications and ensuring your home is properly cared for in your absence.
IS DCN PROPERTY MANAGEMENT LICENSED AND INSURED?
Yes, DCN Property Management is fully insured, bonded, and licensed by the State Police of Massachusetts for Watch Guard Patrol. License # LW0517A.
HOW MUCH DOES YOUR HOME WATCH SERVICE COST?
Our fees are reasonable and depend on factors such as the size of your home, the duration of your absence, and the frequency of Home Watch checks. We provide a free estimate and evaluation of your property. Tasks beyond our 21-point checklist are billed at an hourly rate.
WHAT ADDITIONAL TASKS CAN DCN UNDERTAKE BEYOND THE STANDARD 21-POINT HOUSE CHECKLIST IN OUR HOME WATCH SERVICE CONTRACT?
DCN is equipped to address a diverse range of needs, encompassing tasks we can directly execute and others we can supervise and manage in collaboration with licensed professionals. These supplementary services are subject to hourly rates and encompass activities such as meeting with a contractor, snow removal from walkways, salting, minor landscaping, and stocking your refrigerator for your return home. Incurred expenses on your behalf, including groceries and drug store purchases, will be billed as reimbursement costs. Our commitment is to streamline your life by accommodating unique requests whenever feasible.
WHAT TOWNS DO YOU SERVICE?
We service homes in Acton, Boxborough, Carlisle, Concord, Lincoln, Littleton, Sudbury, and Westford. If your residence lies outside these areas, kindly reach out to inquire about our availability in other locations.
WHAT ARE EXAMPLES OF PROBLEMS YOU'VE FOUND WHILE WATCHING SOMEONES HOME?
Common issues we've encountered while watching someone's home include storm damage such as downed limbs or power outages. We've provided assistance when a client's heat stopped working during the winter months and have dealt with frozen pipes. Our team has replaced batteries in thermostats, lights, and smoke detectors. Additionally, we've addressed situations where woodpeckers and squirrels caused damage to the exterior of a home. We've even had to handle the presence of a garden snake that found its way into a basement.
CAN YOU HELP WITH SNOW REMOVAL?
We are happy to assist with snow removal services for walkways and, in some cases, small driveways. However, for larger driveways requiring a plow, we do not provide that service. Our focus is on ensuring the safety and accessibility of your immediate pathways, allowing you peace of mind during winter weather. Please note, this is an additional service and will be billed hourly.
CAN YOU BUY A FEW FOOD ITEMS FOR MY RETURN HOME?
We are delighted to assist with stocking your refrigerator for your return home! Just provide us with your shopping list, and we will handle the shopping and unloading for you. Please note that this is an additional service billed hourly, and the cost of the items purchased will be invoiced for reimbursement.
CAN YOU FEED MY CAT?
In most cases, yes. If you have pets staying home while you are traveling, we're happy to discuss their requirements and how we can accommodate your beloved companions. Please note, this is an additional service billed hourly.
CAN YOU GET MY MAIL AND SEND IT TO ME?
Yes, we offer a mail and package forwarding service. We can collect your mail and packages and forward them to you at the address you provide. Please note that this is an additional service billed at an hourly rate. The cost for postage will be invoiced to you for reimbursement.
WHAT ARE YOUR HOME CONCIERGE SERVCIES?
Home Concierge services vary but the most common requests are stocking the refrigerator prior to your return, collecting and forwarding packages, shoveling walkways, meeting a service person, changing lightbulbs or batteries, and accepting deliveries. We've had unique requests like catching a garden snake and mailing a forgotten left shoe! If there is something you need, just ask! We'll most likely be able to take care of it!
HOW MUCH DO HOME CONCIERGE SERVICES COST?
Our rates are highly competitive and are tailored to each individual request, taking into account whether it's part of an active Home Watch contract or a one-time service. Simply let us know your needs, and we'll provide you with a personalized quote for the task at hand.
DO I NEED TO BE IN A HOME WATCH CONTRACT TO USE YOUR HOME CONCIERGE SERVICES?
Absolutely not! You do not need to be in a Home Watch contract to access our Home Concierge services. We are here to assist you whether it's for a one-time task or ongoing support. However, we do appreciate a reasonable notice for scheduling purposes. Simply let us know your needs, and we'll ensure your home is taken care of to your satisfaction.
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