Are you insured?
In my opinion, the most important question! Reliable House Sitting Ottawa has liability insurance coverage up to two million dollars. As Canadians, we are fortunate not to live in a compensation culture filled with “vexatious and frivolous” litigation, and as a happy go lucky bunch, we understand that generally if we break it, we pay for it. House sitting is largely built on that level of trust; however, since accidents do happen from time to time, it is important that both parties are protected from financial hardship when there is a disagreement and a settlement ensues.
What if my trip gets cancelled?
Trip cancellations (for any reason) are annoying, but paying for a service that you haven't received is even more so. That's why you will receive a full refund of any payment made for cancellation of services up to and including the day of your departure. In addition, if you should have to curtail your trip, you will receive a full refund for any remaining days of uncompleted service, no questions asked.
Why do you need precise, written instructions for tasks like pool maintenance?
This is primarily to protect me, and also to ensure things are done exactly as you want them to be done. I will follow your instructions to the letter when more complex tasks such as pool maintenance, pet care or cleaning are involved; otherwise, if I was to get creative and something went awry, it would be perfectly reasonable for you to hold me accountable when it could have easily been avoided. Obviously in an emergency situation, I will take all actions necessary to ensure the safety of your property, and we should discuss what those actions might be prior to you leaving.
A signed agreement seems a bit formal. Do we really need one?
Communication is absolutely essential throughout the house-sitting process. Many problems that occur are due to a lack of communication, such as the homeowner forgetting to mention that a relative will also have access to the home, or the house sitter forgetting to ask what happens in the event of an emergency. A written agreement developed by both parties helps to solidify that communication, demonstrates that we both understand each other's needs and clarifies each other's duties and responsibilities.
A key return fee? Are you joking?
Yes, this seems a bit tight I admit, but travel is often the major part of the cost for a job, so retuning the key is basically akin to another visit to your home, and gas ain't cheap. If you live in the green zone, there is no charge, and for those outside the green zone there are two other options available - you pick the key up yourself, or I leave the key in a secret location at your home (or with a neighbour). Another possible option is to post it through the letterbox, if you have one.
In my opinion, the most important question! Reliable House Sitting Ottawa has liability insurance coverage up to two million dollars. As Canadians, we are fortunate not to live in a compensation culture filled with “vexatious and frivolous” litigation, and as a happy go lucky bunch, we understand that generally if we break it, we pay for it. House sitting is largely built on that level of trust; however, since accidents do happen from time to time, it is important that both parties are protected from financial hardship when there is a disagreement and a settlement ensues.
What if my trip gets cancelled?
Trip cancellations (for any reason) are annoying, but paying for a service that you haven't received is even more so. That's why you will receive a full refund of any payment made for cancellation of services up to and including the day of your departure. In addition, if you should have to curtail your trip, you will receive a full refund for any remaining days of uncompleted service, no questions asked.
Why do you need precise, written instructions for tasks like pool maintenance?
This is primarily to protect me, and also to ensure things are done exactly as you want them to be done. I will follow your instructions to the letter when more complex tasks such as pool maintenance, pet care or cleaning are involved; otherwise, if I was to get creative and something went awry, it would be perfectly reasonable for you to hold me accountable when it could have easily been avoided. Obviously in an emergency situation, I will take all actions necessary to ensure the safety of your property, and we should discuss what those actions might be prior to you leaving.
A signed agreement seems a bit formal. Do we really need one?
Communication is absolutely essential throughout the house-sitting process. Many problems that occur are due to a lack of communication, such as the homeowner forgetting to mention that a relative will also have access to the home, or the house sitter forgetting to ask what happens in the event of an emergency. A written agreement developed by both parties helps to solidify that communication, demonstrates that we both understand each other's needs and clarifies each other's duties and responsibilities.
A key return fee? Are you joking?
Yes, this seems a bit tight I admit, but travel is often the major part of the cost for a job, so retuning the key is basically akin to another visit to your home, and gas ain't cheap. If you live in the green zone, there is no charge, and for those outside the green zone there are two other options available - you pick the key up yourself, or I leave the key in a secret location at your home (or with a neighbour). Another possible option is to post it through the letterbox, if you have one.