Why Partner with Great Lakes Cottage Watch?
What Can Happen, Will - Eventually
Having an Up North getaway is meant for relaxing and creating special memories with family and friends. Leaving your property unattended for a season shouldn't be a source of dread. As wonderful as Northern Michigan is, Up North living is full of unexpected perils. Severe weather, fallen trees, frozen pipes, water leaks, rodent infestation, and ice damage do occur.
Any loss of use of your property is upsetting and the repairs can be difficult to manage if you are a remote homeowner. When you partner with us, we ease that burden by being your 'boots on the ground' provider. We are here to handle your second home when you are unavailable. Recurring Inspections are key to preventing damage. If damage does occur, we can help you react quickly, decreasing the potential for catastrophic loss.
We Are Different
At Great Lakes Cottage Watch, we've designed a multifaceted approach to providing an excellent customer experience:
- Dispatching only Home Inspectors certified by InterNACHI - the largest, nationally accredited entity for home inspection
- Conducting background checks on our employees
- 20 years of combined experience in home inspections and project management
- Keeping home access methods secure
- Being insured for your protection
- Building trust and being active members of the local community
Primary Residence, Family Retreat, Lake Cottage, or Rental...
No matter what your property is used for, we can support your needs. We design custom plans for all levels of service based on requirements, number of buildings, scope of the work , and property management needs.
Our Services
Home Watch Packages
Collaboration with Local Services
Collaboration with Local Services
Prearrange monthly, bi-weekly, weekly, or on-demand property inspections. A summary and photos of conditions are provided, or video inspections can be arranged, so that you can see your property in real-time.
Collaboration with Local Services
Collaboration with Local Services
Collaboration with Local Services
While onsite, if we find that something is wrong, we will work with you to determine next steps. We can conduct small repairs or gather quotes, provide options, allow access for contractors, and keep the repairs or project on track.
Seasonal Open / Close of Home
Collaboration with Local Services
Seasonal Open / Close of Home
Open your home in the Spring and close back up of the Winter. We have standard processes to work through, or if you have specialty items that you want included we can accommodate darn near anything.
Short term vacation openings, preparations, and closings are also an option.
Essential Systems Inspections
Emergency Site Visits & On Call
Seasonal Open / Close of Home
We Monitor Interior and Exterior Components of Your Property:
- Primary & Secondary Buildings
- Heating & Electrical
- Weather Related Issues
- Moisture / Mold
- Mischievous Activity
- Safety Conditions
- Rodent & Pest Infestation
- Lighting & Timers
- Smoke & CO2 Detectors
- Vegetation Hazards
- Ice Damming
- Sewer Failures
Emergency Site Visits & On Call
Emergency Site Visits & On Call
Emergency Site Visits & On Call
We can be added to alert notifications for your professionally monitored alarm system or we can support you with:
- Security Alarm Response
- Flooding
- Temperature Adjustments
- Restoring Internet Functionality
- Appliance Failure
- Sump Pump Failure
- Storm Damage
- Vandalism / Home Invasion
- Downed Trees
(Always Call 911 First for Emergencies)
Concierge Services
Emergency Site Visits & On Call
Emergency Site Visits & On Call
Concierge Services are Included in the Premium Home Watch Package:
We Can Schedule:
- Restaurant Reservations
- Spa Reservations
- Tee Times
- Wine Tours
- Jet Ski Reservations
- Parasailing
- Boat / Pontoon Rental
- Sleigh Rides (Seasonal)
- Firewood Delivery
Additional Services
Making Up North Living Convenient.
It's our job to help your world run smoothly. In addition to our home watch & inspection service bundles, we offer additional services for when you need a little extra help.
They Include:
- Movement of boats for shrink-wrapping, maintenance, storage, or delivery to the marina
- Accept deliveries for furniture and inspect for damages
- Accept package deliveries and place indoors
- Provide access for movers and manage on-site delivery and placement of household goods
- Provide access for short term workers, installers, and cleaners
- Provide access for utility workers
- Reboot internet routers to get remote systems back online
- Contractor management
- Project management
- Gathering contractor quotes
- Light home repairs
- Estate clean-out and sale of contents
If you don't see it in this list, give us a call. We can help with almost any request or point you in the right direction if it falls outside of our expertise.
