When you’re preparing to leave your home unattended for a period of time in Rochester, NY, you might be wondering whether to hire a home watch service or a house sitter. Although these terms are sometimes used interchangeably, they represent two very different types of services—each with its own scope, purpose, and benefits.

At Home Watch USA, proudly serving Rochester and the surrounding communities, we specialize in professional home watch services designed to help protect your property through thorough visual inspections and preventative care. To help you make the right choice, here’s a clear breakdown of home watch vs house sitting, and what each service offers.

What Is House Sitting?

House sitting usually involves a person staying inside your home while you’re away. A house sitter’s responsibilities often include:

• Living in your home temporarily

• Collecting mail and packages

• Watering plants

• Feeding pets

• Handling basic household chores

• Sometimes acting as a social presence to deter burglars

House sitting is often an informal arrangement and may or may not be performed by licensed professionals. House sitters primarily focus on occupying the home and providing basic care, rather than conducting detailed inspections or maintenance.

What Is a Home Watch Service?

A home watch service is a professional service involving scheduled visual inspections of your home’s interior and exterior. The goal is to spot obvious issues early—such as water leaks, storm damage, pest infestations, or signs of forced entry—before they turn into costly problems.

Home watch services typically include:

• Regular, documented home inspections

• Checking HVAC systems, plumbing, and appliances

• Verifying security systems are operational (but not monitoring alarms)

• Inspecting for damage caused by weather or wear

• Coordinating repairs with trusted contractors

• Providing detailed digital reports after every visit

Unlike house sitting, a home watch service does not involve living in your home. Instead, trained professionals visit your property on a schedule that fits your needs.

Key Differences: Home Watch vs House Sitting

Why Choose a Professional Home Watch Service in Rochester, NY?

At Home Watch USA, our team is certified, insured, bonded, and background-checked, with experience in military and law enforcement. We specialize in visual inspections looking for obvious issues to identify problems before they escalate, giving you peace of mind.

Choosing a home watch service is especially important if you own a second home, vacation property, or are a snowbird spending months away from Rochester. A house sitter may provide companionship and basic upkeep, but only a home watch professional offers structured preventative care and thorough property inspections.

When Is House Sitting the Right Choice?

If your main concerns are:

• Having someone present in your home 24/7

• Caring for pets or plants

• Keeping your home feeling “lived in” on a daily basis

Then hiring a house sitter might be suitable. But keep in mind that house sitters typically do not have the training or insurance to conduct detailed home inspections.

Conclusion

Home watch services and house sitting both provide valuable support for homeowners in Rochester, NY, but they serve different needs. If your priority is protecting your property through professional, certified, and thorough visual inspections, an accredited home watch company like Home Watch USA is the right choice.

If you want someone living in your home for pet care or companionship, a house sitter might meet your needs.

For the best of both worlds, many homeowners use both services, depending on their property and personal circumstances.

Ready to Help Protect Your Rochester Home?

Contact Home Watch USA today to learn more about our certified home watch services, customized for your unique needs.

Phone: 585-704-8324
Email: Info@HomeWatchUSA.com
Website: www.HomeWatchUSA.com

Home Watch USA — Professional, Certified, Trusted Home Watch Services in Rochester, NY