You've probably heard of "Murphy's Law," the superstitious belief that when something can go wrong, it will. You may even have some unfortunate stories about times when you have been the victim of that tricky prankster Murphy. Whether you believe in this bad-luck myth or not, you have to admit that bad things sometimes happen to good people.
Even the most prepared individual cannot account for the weather, other people, and plain bad luck. Having a Home Watch Professional looking after your property cannot stop bad things from happening—but they can be the boots on the ground that keep lousy luck from turning into a disaster.
So, if you have a property on the Big Island, and you are wondering, "What could go wrong?" Read on to learn more about how Murphy's Law can affect your property—and how a Home Watch Reporter can help you protect your dream home.
Hurricanes and Tropical Storms
While hurricanes aren't as common in Hawaii as they are in the southern contiguous United States, they do still hit land from time to time. However, landfall isn't required for tropical storms to do damage. Heavy rains and stronger than normal winds can cause damage to your house, lanai, or yard.
Having someone check on your house isn't necessarily enough to ensure everything is okay. You need someone trained to spot potential problems before they get expensive—such as loose shingles or other areas where water can get in.
Vandalism or Theft
Crime in Hawaii, in general, is higher than the national average; but if you look at crime trends, the Big Island comes in as a safer bet than the others. However, property crime is still 20% higher than on the mainland. Having a regular presence at your Big Island home can help to deter these crimes.
Savvy thieves don't just pick a house and crash in; they take the time to scout out the easiest opportunities. Regular visits from your Home Watch Reporter will keep your mail collected—and add a presence to your property.
If your home ends up the target of property crime, having someone there who can coordinate repairs on your behalf becomes incredibly helpful. You want to know someone is controlling access to your property—and making sure the job is done right.
Aging Appliances
- Water heaters can leak.
- Humidistats can stop working.
Controlling the amount of moisture in your Kona home is crucial to keeping issues such as mold at bay. It is smart to have someone check for water issues throughout your home on a regular schedule.
Pests
Beyond being unsightly, pests can do a lot of damage in a very short time. Eradicating a small infestation is a lot easier—and less expensive—than one that has taken root. Certain pests prefer vacant properties, so regular inspections not only detect; they can help deter.
Bad Luck
Sometimes bad luck and a little forgetfulness can be the reason for a "Murphy visit."
- Forgetting to turn off the water supply
- Leaving the thermostat set just how you like it
- Leaving the coffee pot on.
Even if you have a list and you've checked it twice, a phone call during your close-down process could be enough for you to forget that "one little thing" that could go wrong. The good news is a trustworthy—and local—home watch company in Kona will be happy to check these issues for you.
Choosing the Right Home Watch Partner
If you are considering working with a home watch partner, what should you look for? How do you know you can trust them to do a better job than your neighbor?
- Check References: A reputable home watch company in Kona should be happy to provide you with references from satisfied clients.
- Look for International Home Watch Alliance (IHWA) accreditation: This shows your Kona home watch company is committed to a higher level of excellence in service.
- Ask for a sample report: What will your home watch company look for? How will you receive the information? Compare these to choose the company with the level of service that is most likely to protect your home.
- Compare extra services: Some home watch companies in Kona are happy to get your home ready for your arrival and close it up after you leave, so you do not have to worry about that extra work taking away from your time on the Big Island.
- Check insurance: You want a company that is insured to protect you from liability claims if there is an injury on your property.
Choosing a company to look after your Hawaii home is a big decision—but one that will help you rest easier, knowing you will not be an easy target for "Murphy."
Hawaiian Dream Home Watch is the partner you've been looking for when seeking a reliable
Kona home watch company. We are IHWA accredited home watch professionals. Whether you want one visit per year or complete concierge services, we have options for you! Contact us for more information.
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