Lake Home Watch
by McGrath Home Services
Home Watch is a scheduled visual check of your home while you're away — looking for the small problems that turn into expensive ones if no one catches them.
Built for seasonal lake homeowners, snowbirds, out-of-state families, and short-term rental owners across Southern Maine and nearby New Hampshire. After every visit you get a timestamped report with photos and notes — and a local point of contact who can actually do something about what's found.
Owner-operated. Local. Practical. Detailed updates after each visit.
In plain English: someone you trust, walking your property on a schedule, looking for trouble before it gets expensive.
Home Watch is a recurring visual inspection of an unoccupied home — inside and out — on a cadence you choose (weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly). Each visit follows a consistent checklist and ends with a written report and photos sent straight to you.
What it isn't: it's not a home inspection (those are one-time, transactional), it's not a security or alarm service, and it's not full property management. It's also not the same as asking a neighbor — neighbors mean well, but they're not running a documented process, and they're not the right person to call a plumber at 9 p.m. on a Sunday when a pipe lets go.
Why owner-operated matters: it's the same person every visit. Brendon gets to know your property, your quirks, and your priorities — and you have one direct line for questions, issues, and follow-up.
Built for the people who love their lake place — and aren't there year-round.
- Seasonal lake homeowners
- Camps and cottages
- Vacation homes
- Airbnb and short-term rental owners
- Snowbirds
- Families who live out of state
- Anyone who wants regular eyes on their property while away
A consistent, practical check — not a guessing game.
Exterior check
- Doors, windows, locks, and signs of attempted entry
- Siding, trim, and roofline from the ground
- Gutters, downspouts, decks, steps, and railings
- Foundation and grading for visible water issues
- Storm damage, fallen limbs, and yard hazards
Interior check (when access is provided)
- Obvious leaks, water stains, and ceiling spots
- HVAC running, thermostat reading, and odd smells (mildew, gas, sewer)
- Pest or rodent activity
- Tripped breakers, running toilets, and appliances left on
- Visible plumbing under sinks and around water heater
Systems spot-check
- Heat on and holding in winter
- Run faucets and flush toilets on request
- Confirm sump pump area is dry
- Generator and fuel level check when requested
Every visit
- Timestamped report with photos
- Notes on anything found, big or small
- Clear recommendation if something needs action
- Direct call or text from Brendon for urgent issues
Home Watch is not a formal home inspection, security service, or property management service. It is a scheduled visual check for obvious issues while the property is unoccupied.
Extras you can stack on, when you need them.
Available on request — not part of the standard visit unless you ask. Most can be added per-visit or as a recurring item.
Pre-storm prep & post-storm checks
Secure outdoor furniture and walk the property after weather rolls through.
Mail & package handling
Pickup, hold, or forward — so nothing piles up at the door.
Contractor & cleaner access
Let in plumbers, cleaners, deliveries, and oil/propane on your behalf.
Seasonal opening & closing
Furniture in/out, hose bibs, window coverings, and shoulder-season prep.
Light handyman work in-house
Many small fixes handled directly by McGrath instead of waiting on a separate trip.
Plants, pool levels, generator checks
Small recurring tasks added to your scheduled visit.
Have something specific in mind? Ask — if it's reasonable and local, we'll figure it out.
Maine and New Hampshire winters don't wait.
A frozen pipe caught on a Tuesday is a $200 fix. The same pipe discovered in May, after weeks of water running through the walls, is a $20,000 insurance claim — and months of cleanup. Regular eyes on the property are the cheapest insurance you can buy against the big stuff.
Storm damage, fallen limbs, roof leaks, heat failures, power outages, and unwanted access are all easier — and cheaper — to deal with when someone catches them early.
Choose a rhythm that fits your property.
Weekly Checks
The industry-recommended cadence for off-season homes — best for higher-risk seasons, winter, or short-term rental turnover.
Best option depends on property location, season, access, and risk level. Final pricing is provided after a quick consultation.
Bi-Weekly Checks
A balanced rhythm for most seasonal lake homes during shoulder seasons.
Best option depends on property location, season, access, and risk level. Final pricing is provided after a quick consultation.
Monthly Checks
A baseline check-in for lower-risk properties or shorter absences.
Best option depends on property location, season, access, and risk level. Final pricing is provided after a quick consultation.
A $50 reservation option can be used to hold a spot for winter home watch service.
Local lakes and seacoast communities.
Serving lake homes, camps, cottages, and seasonal properties throughout Southern Maine and nearby New Hampshire.
- Acton, ME
- Shapleigh, ME
- Newfields, ME
- Wakefield, NH
- Milton, NH
- Strafford, NH
- And more nearby towns
If your property is close by but not listed, reach out and we can confirm availability.
A clear, written check-in. Every time.
- Date and time of visit
- Notes from the property check
- Photos when needed
- Any visible concerns found
- Recommended next step if something needs attention
- Call or text for urgent issues
The same hands that do the repairs are the ones checking on your place.
McGrath Home Services already handles handyman work, repairs, fences, and property projects. Home Watch is a natural extension of that work: practical property care from someone who can recognize common issues and help coordinate the next step when something needs attention.
We look for obvious issues, take notes and photos, and tell you what we see — clearly and without overpromising.
Questions we hear from lake homeowners.
Is this the same as a home inspection?+
No. A home inspection is a one-time, in-depth evaluation tied to a real estate transaction. Home Watch is a recurring visual check of an unoccupied property looking for obvious issues — leaks, damage, security concerns — so they get caught early.
How is this different from having a neighbor check on the place?+
Neighbors mean well, but they're doing you a favor — not running a documented process. With Home Watch you get scheduled visits, a written report with photos every time, the same person who knows your property, and someone who can actually coordinate a plumber, contractor, or clean-up if something is wrong. No awkward asks, no missed weeks.
Is this property management?+
No. Property management typically handles tenants, rent, and full operations. Home Watch is focused on checking the property while you are away and communicating any concerns — with optional add-ons like cleaner coordination, mail handling, and seasonal opening/closing.
Do you go inside the home?+
Yes, when access is provided and the scope is agreed on ahead of time. Interior checks catch the issues exterior-only visits can't — leaks, heat failures, smells, pests, and running toilets.
Can you check after storms?+
Yes. Pre-storm prep and post-storm checks can be added to your plan or requested one-off, depending on availability.
Can you handle repairs if something is found?+
Often, yes. McGrath Home Services handles a wide range of handyman and repair work directly, so small issues found during a visit can be fixed without scheduling a separate trade. For anything outside our scope, we'll help coordinate the next step with a trusted local contractor.
Are you insured?+
Yes — McGrath Home Services carries general liability insurance. A current certificate is available on request.
How do I reserve a spot?+
Fill out the form below and we'll confirm your property location, preferred schedule, and off-season needs. Off-season slots are limited, so earlier is better.
Protect Your Lake Home While You Are Away
Whether you are gone for a few weeks or the whole winter, McGrath Home Services can help keep an eye on your property and let you know when something needs attention.
Tell us about your property.
Owner-operated by Brendon at McGrath Home Services. We'll follow up to confirm availability, schedule, and off-season needs.