Welcome to Evergreen Local

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do homewatch services cost in Illinois?

We don't publish our fees on our website because we've found that every client's situation is unique. Your home, your needs, and the level of service you require are different from the next family's—and we believe your pricing should reflect that personalized approach.

During our initial conversation, we'll discuss:

• How often you'd like us to visit your home

• The specific services you need (mail collection, vehicle maintenance, coordinating contractors, etc.)

• The duration of your absence

• Any special requests or unique circumstances

We'll then provide you with a customized quote that makes sense for your situation. For long-term clients (multiple months or years), we're happy to offer discounted rates.

Ready for a personalized quote? Contact us at (630) 277-9052 or info@theevergreenlocal.com

What is the difference between house sitting and homewatch?

While the terms are sometimes used interchangeably, there are important distinctions:

House Sitting typically involves someone staying in your home for the duration of your absence—essentially living there temporarily. A house sitter might sleep in your home, use your amenities, and provide a continuous presence. This is common for shorter vacations (1-2 weeks) or when you have pets that need daily care.

Homewatch is a professional service where trained specialists make regular scheduled visits to your property while it remains unoccupied. Rather than living in your home, we conduct thorough inspections, perform specific tasks, and then secure the property until the next visit. Homewatch is ideal for:

• Extended absences (months or years)

• Snowbirds spending winters in warmer climates

• Families relocating abroad for work

• Secondary homes or vacation properties

• Families transitioning a loved one to assisted living

At Evergreen Local, we specialize in professional homewatch services—we don't live in your home, but we treat it with the same care and attention as if it were our own family member's property.

Do I need homewatch if I have a security system?

Yes—and here's why: While security systems are excellent tools for detecting break-ins, they can't prevent the dozens of other issues that can damage an unattended home.

What security systems CAN'T do:

• Detect a slowly leaking pipe before it causes thousands in water damage

• Notice that your HVAC system has stopped working in the middle of winter (risking frozen pipes)

• Remove advertising flyers and packages from your porch that signal no one is home

• Identify roof damage after a storm

• Start your vehicles to keep them in running condition

• Forward important tax documents that can't be mailed to your vacation address

• Check that your sump pump is working after heavy rains

• Clear debris from your driveway after windstorms

• Coordinate emergency repairs when something goes wrong

Think of it this way: A security system is like a smoke detector—it alerts you to a problem, but it can't put out the fire. Homewatch services prevent problems before they escalate and handle issues immediately when they arise.

The best protection is combining both: a security system for intrusion detection and professional homewatch for comprehensive property care and maintenance oversight.

How often should someone check my home while I'm away?

The ideal frequency depends on several factors: the length of your absence, the season, your home's age and condition, and your comfort level. At Evergreen Local, we offer flexible visit schedules to match your needs:

Weekly Visits (Most Common) Recommended for most long-term absences, especially during Illinois winters. Weekly checks allow us to catch and address problems quickly—whether it's a package delivery, a minor leak, or storm damage.

Bi-Weekly Visits (Every Other Week) Suitable for newer homes, shorter absences (1-2 months), or during mild weather seasons when risks are lower.

Monthly Visits Occasionally requested for secondary homes that are professionally maintained, though we generally recommend more frequent visits for optimal protection.

Ad Hoc Security Checks In addition to your regular scheduled visits, we can perform random security drive-bys during off-hours—late evening, early morning, or even the middle of the night. These unscheduled checks ensure your home appears occupied and help us verify everything remains secure. This unpredictability is an added security layer that potential intruders can't anticipate.

Our Recommendation: For most clients, weekly or semi-monthly visits combined with occasional off-hour drive-bys provide the best balance of comprehensive care and peace of mind.

During your consultation, we'll discuss your specific situation and recommend a visit schedule that makes sense for your home and budget.

Have more questions? We're here to help! Contact Evergreen Local at (630) 277-9052 or info@theevergreenlocal.com.