Service rates tend to be tailored on a case by case basis because of the variety of service options available and because your home and needs are unique to you. After our initial meetings to discuss your requirements, you will be provided with a quote for services. Most services can be quoted up-front, with the exception of snow clearing and external plant watering which are charged on your final invoice depending on the amount of snow or rainfall.
Basic ServiceRegular Home Visits
Mail & Parcel Pickup Heating, Curtains and Lights Garbage, Recycling and Compost Car Starts Frequent Updates Emergency Contact |
Other ServicesPet Care & Cuddles
Plant Watering Yard Maintenance Pool Maintenance Snow Removal (Walkways and Steps) Homecoming Groceries Light Home Maintenance |
Basic Service Rate
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The time spent at your home for the Basic Service will be approximately 15-20 minutes, with a rate dependent on your location shown on the map (travel included).
GREEN ZONE : $22 PER VISIT ORANGE ZONE : $30 PER VISIT RED ZONE : $40 PER VISIT (+ HST) If you are outside of the red zone, please get in touch. Additional properties & same day visits discounted 10%. |
Should you be so inclined, you can determine exactly what zone you're located in by entering your home address (as the Ending Address) into this website and measuring the straight line distance. The green zone is 0km - 3.25km, the orange zone is 3.25km - 6.5km, and the red zone is 6.5km - 9.75km. That was fun, eh? Did I mention I'm an engineer?
Ontario Public Holidays are charged at double rate
Free cancellation at any time before you go away
Free cancellation at any time before you go away
Key Return
There are three options when it comes to returning your keys at the end of the service period.
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Option 1
We agree on a location at your home where I can leave the keys at the end of the service period |
Option 2
You pick up your keys from me once you return to Ottawa on an agreed upon date and time |
Option 3
If you are outside of the green zone, I return the keys to you at your home for a fee (typically $5 under one visit) |
There is also the option of leaving your keys for me to manage ready for your next trip away at no additional charge (they are kept labelled in a lock box).
A Couple of Quick Examples
Simple Example
You live in the green zone, plan to be away for a three day weekend, have no complex tasks (perhaps a couple of plants to water) and require a visit every day to one property. You will pick up the keys from me on your way through.
The total for the week would be three days at the regular rate for the green zone:
3 days x $22 = $66 + HST
More Complex Example
You live in the orange zone, plan to be away for a week from June 26 - July 3 (8 days) and require a visit every day to two properties. You would like the keys dropped off to your home once you have returned.
The total for the week would be seven days at the regular rate for the orange zone, and one day (Canada Day) at the holiday double rate, with the regular rate being $28 per visit for the first property and $25.20 for the second (10% discount). The key return fee would be $23.
[7 days @ ($28 + $25.20)] + [1 day @ ($56+ $50.40)] + $23 = $501.80 + HST
You live in the green zone, plan to be away for a three day weekend, have no complex tasks (perhaps a couple of plants to water) and require a visit every day to one property. You will pick up the keys from me on your way through.
The total for the week would be three days at the regular rate for the green zone:
3 days x $22 = $66 + HST
More Complex Example
You live in the orange zone, plan to be away for a week from June 26 - July 3 (8 days) and require a visit every day to two properties. You would like the keys dropped off to your home once you have returned.
The total for the week would be seven days at the regular rate for the orange zone, and one day (Canada Day) at the holiday double rate, with the regular rate being $28 per visit for the first property and $25.20 for the second (10% discount). The key return fee would be $23.
[7 days @ ($28 + $25.20)] + [1 day @ ($56+ $50.40)] + $23 = $501.80 + HST
Other Service Rates
For other services that are not covered in the Basic Service, rates will be dependent on factors unique to you, the customer. Therefore, let me know which services are needed and I will provide you a quote after our initial free consultation. See How It Works for more details on the quoting process. In general, if the required services can be completed within the 15 - 20 minutes allotted time for the Basic Service, expect to add $5 per service. Otherwise, a rate of $60 per hour can be used for estimating purposes. So if it takes you around 10 minutes to clear your walkway of snow and then grit, you would pay an additional $6 (billed on your final invoice).
Travel Rates
Until the invention of zero-cost teleportation, travel is unfortunately a necessary part of my quote to you. The travel fee is included in the rates above for the green, orange and red zones. This includes time, fuel and vehicle wear and tear.
Outside of the red zone, travel will be charged at $0.75 per km round trip
Outside of the red zone, travel will be charged at $0.75 per km round trip
Payment Terms
Payment terms are 50% of the initial quote due 2 days prior to the first date you go away, with the balance to be paid within 30 days of your return. Payment can be made in three convenient ways:
- e-transfer to info@housesittingottawa.ca
- cheque made payable to William Humphries, or
- cash
Zero Days Cancellation Policy
There's nothing worse than paying for services you no longer need. It's understood that last minute cancellations are a part of life, and if that happens you will receive a full refund of any monies paid up to and including your day of departure. Additionally, should you have to return early, you will receive a full refund for any services not yet performed. No questions asked.