Hi, I’m Dave Fox. For over 15 years, Foxy Gardens has been looking after lawns and gardens around Cambridge. Every fall, some of my customers head south for the winter and ask me the same question: “Could you keep an eye on the place while we’re gone?”
So now I offer home watch services for snowbirds in Cambridge, Ontario: regular house checks with photos for anyone heading south for the winter or away for a while.
My approach is simple. I look, I report, and I never try to fix anything. If something looks wrong, you’ll know about it right away, with photos.
Why a Home Check Matters in a Cambridge Winter
An empty house in January can attract trouble. Storms knock down branches, snow piles up against doors, raccoons find their way into soffits, and a porch full of flyers tells everyone driving by that nobody’s home.
Regular checks keep the place looking lived-in and catch problems early, before a small issue becomes a spring disaster.
A Custom Home Watch Package to Suit Your Comfort Level
Every snowbird is different. Some people just want to know the house is still standing. Others want someone walking every corner of the property. So rather than a one-size-fits-all plan, I put together a custom home watch package based on what you’re comfortable with.
That could look like:
- A quick drive-by: I swing past, make sure everything looks normal, and send you a photo of the house
- A full walkaround: I walk the whole perimeter, check doors and windows, look for storm damage, ice build-up or signs of a break-in, and photograph anything worth a second look
- Mail and porch pickup: I bring in flyers, packages and mail so the place looks lived-in
- Storm checks: an extra visit after a big snowfall or windstorm
- Welcome-home prep: a final check right before you get back
We’ll sit down before you leave, pick what makes sense for your home, and set a schedule. Whatever you choose, you get timestamped photos texted to you after every visit.
What About Inside the House?
I check homes from the outside. That works well for storm damage, security and keeping the place looking lived-in, but no one can spot a leaky pipe from the driveway.
If you’re away for weeks at a time, I recommend adding a couple of inexpensive gadgets before you leave:
- A Wi-Fi thermostat, so you can see from your phone that the heat is on
- Water leak sensors by the water heater, washing machine and sinks, which alert your phone the moment they get wet
Between those gadgets watching the inside and me watching the outside, your home is well covered.
A note on insurance: some home insurance policies have specific requirements when a house is empty for a long time. Check with your insurance company before you leave so you know what they expect.
What I Don’t Do
I’m a checker, not a repairman. I won’t climb on roofs, fix things or tinker with anything. If I spot a problem, I’ll call you right away, send photos, and contact whoever you’ve listed, like a family member, neighbour or contractor. You stay in charge of every decision.
Pricing
- $50 per visit, built around your custom package
- Photos texted to you after every visit
Extra visits, storm checks, meeting a contractor, or anything else you need can be added. Just ask and we’ll work out a fair price.
Cash or e-transfer, no tax added.
How It Works
- Call or text me at (519) 208-8680 before you leave.
- We meet at your place and put together your custom package: what you’d like checked, how often, and who to call if something comes up.
- I visit on schedule, walk the same route every time, and text you photos after each check.
- You enjoy your winter. When you’re home, we’re done.
Why Hire a Local Gardener to Watch Your Home?
I notice things. Fifteen years of walking around Cambridge properties teaches you what looks normal and what doesn’t.
I’m reliable. My lawn customers know I show up when I say I will.
I’m local. I live here, I know these neighbourhoods, and I’m never far away.
I’m upfront. One flat price per visit, a clear list of what I do, and photo proof every time.
I keep it simple. No big security company or call centre. You deal with me directly.
Serving Cambridge and Nearby
Home watch services for snowbirds are available in Galt, Preston, Hespeler, Blair, Fiddlesfield, Branchton Park and the rest of Cambridge, plus nearby parts of Kitchener and North Dumfries.
Home Watch FAQs
How often should my home be checked?
Weekly is the most common. Check whether your insurance has any requirements, and let me know what schedule works for you.
Do you need a key?
No. My home checks are done from the outside.
Do you keep photos of my home?
No. Photos from each visit are sent straight to you, and you keep them.
What happens if you spot a problem?
I take photos, call you right away, and contact your emergency contacts if needed. I don’t make repairs.
Can you do other jobs while you’re there?
Often, yes. I can haul away junk before you leave, wrap your shrubs for winter, or tidy up the yard before you’re back.
Heading South This Winter?
Set up your custom home watch package before you leave, and enjoy the sunshine knowing someone local is keeping an eye on things at home.
Call or text Dave: (519) 208-8680
