Prepare your property for the season ahead.
Winter-readiness and storm checks, plus optional sensor setup assistance, for second homes, cottages and properties left vacant through Nova Scotia weather.
Winter-Readiness Check
Included when relevant in the Comprehensive Home Check · $102 CAD per visitVisual winter-readiness observations, included when relevant to the agreed Comprehensive visit:
- Follow the homeowner’s written winter plan.
- Record agreed thermostat and temperature readings against the homeowner’s target.
- Note available sensor alerts and visible heating/power warnings.
- Look for visible leaks, moisture and exposed-pipe insulation concerns.
- Record visible water-system/shutoff status only as specified in the written plan.
- Observe accessible basement/utility areas for moisture and visible cold-weather concerns.
- Look for condensation, frost, visible gaps or signs of draughts.
- Observe snow/ice conditions affecting access, steps and drainage from ground level.
- Note visible hose connections, exterior tap damage and drainage concerns where included.
- Report exceptions and concerns requiring homeowner or trade attention.
These are visual checks, not technical winterisation. Plumbing winterisation, heating maintenance, repairs and specialist work are separately arranged with appropriate trades. Winter-readiness checks do not certify complete winterisation, drained plumbing or insurance compliance.
Pre- and Post-Storm Checks
Included when relevant in the Comprehensive Home Check · $102 CAD per visitPre-storm observations
When scheduled before conditions become unsafe:
- Record agreed exterior baseline photographs.
- Observe loose outdoor items, debris, drainage, doors/windows and visible tree hazards.
- Record available monitor readings or alerts.
- Report concerns against the homeowner’s agreed storm plan.
Observing loose items is part of the check; safely moving them, where agreed, is a practical task charged as Concierge Services.
Post-storm observations
When safe and accessible:
- Assess whether access and entry are safe before proceeding.
- Look for visible fallen branches, debris, exterior damage, gutter/downspout changes, pooling water and flood marks.
- Observe visible power/heating indicators and available monitor readings.
- Where safe and authorised, check agreed interior areas for water entry, broken glass, new damage and temperature concerns.
- Photograph findings, update previous issues and report inaccessible areas.
Storm checks do not certify structural safety or guarantee that all damage has been found. Unsafe or inaccessible areas are reported as not checked.
Service limits: All checks are visual, non-invasive observations within the agreed scope and safe access. Equipment indicators do not confirm that a system is working correctly. We do not climb onto roofs, use ladders, open electrical panels, test pumps, reset breakers or carry out technical assessments. Adjustments, equipment operation and practical tasks require separate agreement and authorisation.
Govee temperature & humidity device supply and setup
Setup assistance: Concierge Services · $50 CAD / hour, billed in 30-minute increments; devices charged separatelyHomeowners receive and manage alerts in their own Govee app; ARPC does not provide continuous staffed monitoring. Sensors depend on functioning equipment, power and connectivity. They report temperature and humidity; they do not confirm that a heating system is operating. Response visits require a separate agreed booking.
Travel: No travel charge within 12 km driving distance of Annapolis Royal town centre. Farther away, we charge $0.90 CAD per kilometre of return driving distance beyond the first 24 km, once per attendance. Travel charges are confirmed before service (see examples). HST: HST is not currently charged.
Seasonal Care questions
Who is Seasonal Care for?
Owners of second homes, cottages and properties left vacant through Nova Scotia weather.
When are storm checks done?
Pre-storm checks are scheduled before conditions become unsafe; post-storm checks take place when it is safe and access allows, subject to weather and availability. Urgent visits outside normal working hours are $100 CAD per hour, best-efforts, and not a guaranteed 24-hour emergency service.
Are winter and storm checks charged hourly?
No. Winter-readiness and storm checks are included when relevant during a Comprehensive Home Check. Additional visits are separate bookings, with the appropriate home-check scope and price agreed beforehand. Any applicable travel charge is additional.
Does winter readiness include plumbing winterisation?
No. It is a visual check based on your written winter plan. Plumbing winterisation, heating maintenance, repairs and specialist work are separately arranged with appropriate trades.
Do sensors replace visits?
No. Govee alerts go to your own app; ARPC does not provide continuous staffed monitoring. Response visits require a separate agreed booking.
The communication with Kerrie was exemplary.
ARPC provided a detailed report, with photographs, on the external and interior inspections.