The purpose of Home Watch is to substantially reduce the likelihood of severe or even minor damage to your home. There have been numerous examples of substantial damage done to homes simply because something broke and there was no one in the home for long periods of time to see the tell tale warning signs of a problem in advance and correct it before it damages your home and destroys irreplaceable personal effects such as souvenirs, letters, books and photographs.

The program consists of regular and detailed inspections of your home in your absence. Browse through the following Home Watch FAQs to see how it works:

• What is checked?
• When is the inspection done?
• How frequent are the inspections?
• How is it verified?
• Are these regular patrol officers doing these inspections?
• How much does it cost?
• Is this service run by our Association?
• How do I pay for this service?
• What type of guarantee do you offer?
• How trustworthy are your employees? After all, I'm letting them into my home unescorted.
• How do I get more information or sign up?

What is checked?

1. The entire inside of your home including;

A. A walk through of every room to inspect for any visible damages or unusual conditions.
B. A temperature reading in every room.
C. An inspection of your hot water heater, dishwasher, air conditioner, washing machine, all sinks, toilet bowls and bath tubs for any visible leaks.
D. A check of your thermostat to verify the correct reading.
E. An inspection of all windows and doors.
F. A test of your smoke alarms in every room.

2. The exterior of your home including;

A. All decks including light fixtures.
B. Front stairs including light fixtures
C. Your Garage
D. Your vehicle if you have left one on the premises.

When is the inspection done?

From Monday to Friday during the hours of 8 AM to 4 PM.

How frequent are the inspections?

Once per week is the standard but you may have as few or as many as you feel are necessary.

How is it verified?

1. If you have an active telephone in your home, we will dial any number you give to us and report that we are in the unit and have completed the inspection. You will then have a documented record on your phone bill with the exact time and date we were in your home. Additionally, we will complete our inspection form, which outlines all of the items we inspected and leave it on the kitchen countertop. It will contain the date and time of the inspection.

2. If you do not have an active telephone in your home, we will complete and sign an inspection form, which outlines all of the items that we inspected and leave it on the kitchen countertop. It will contain the date and time of our inspection. Additionally, we will mail a copy of the inspection form to your residence on the next business day.

Are these regular patrol officers doing these inspections?

No. We have deliberately set up a different shift (8 AM to 4 PM) from our regular patrol shifts (7 AM to 3 PM) to distinguish between the two groups and each “Home Watch” guard will receive special training for these inspections. Additionally, each inspector will wear a special “Home Watch” identification badge to distinguish him/her from the regular security guards.

How much does it cost?

Twenty-five dollars ($25.00) per inspection.

Is this service run by our Association?

No, it is a private service contracted between you as a homeowner and Comet Security. The Association has allowed us to offer this service to you but they have no financial involvement nor responsibility for it.

How do I pay for this service?

We will bill you at the end of each month and payment will be due within 15 days.

What type of guarantee do you offer?

Since our services are for observation and reporting only, it is impossible for us to guarantee the safety or condition of your home. It really is no different than you performing your own inspection and, after not observing any unusual conditions, an event occurs the next day. Anything can happen at any time but our service will increase the chances of a problem being observed before it creates damage to your home.

How trustworthy are your employees? After all, I'm letting them into my home unescorted.

All of our employees, including the principals of the firm, have under gone a complete criminal background check, including fingerprints and have been drug tested. Each of us wears an identification badge with our photo and our fingerprint illustrating that we have successfully met these requirements. Each employee has had an initial evaluation period of 90 days, which includes extensive training for their duties.

The firm itself is a private investigation company, licensed by the State of New Jersey. We have workmen's compensation coverage and liability insurance. The staff has a generous benefit program designed to attract and keep the best employees. One of the principals of the firm, Joseph Scaniello, is a former Chief of Police.

How do I get more information or sign up?

Contact Joseph Scaniello at (973) 827-9088 or e-mail us...