Last updated: October 2026
What is a pre-arrival check on a second home?
A pre-arrival check means we open your second home before you land, look over the rooms, water, HVAC and grounds, and send a photo-documented report of what we found. We observe and notify. If something needs repair, we coordinate an owner-approved professional.
The point is simple. You should not be the first person to find a problem.
Why does a closed house need a look before anyone walks in?
A house that has sat shut for a season can hide small problems. A slow drip under a kitchen sink or behind a refrigerator shows up only as staining or damp cabinet board after weeks.
In Rancho Santa Fe and Fairbanks Ranch the property is also a large lot. Irrigation, landscaping and a gated drive all sit between the street and the front door, so the visit starts at the gate and not at the house.
Along the coast in Del Mar and Solana Beach, salt air is hard on exterior fixtures, door hardware and HVAC condensers while a home sits closed. We look at those first.
What does the walkthrough include?
Britt Galland does each visit himself. The checklist is built for the individual house, and a typical arrival visit covers the following.
- Exterior: gate operation, entry doors, visible condition of the grounds and the pool area, and any debris after a Santa Ana wind event.
- Interior: HVAC running, faucets, refrigerator, electrical panel, and the usual leak spots under sinks and at the water heater.
- Report: dated photos of each area so you have a record of the condition on the day.
Visits are visual only. We do not repair, test or certify anything.
What happens if something looks wrong?
You hear about it. We describe what we saw, attach the photos, and wait for your word.
If you want a qualified professional called in, we help coordinate that and meet them on site. We do not authorize repairs, hire vendors or spend money on your behalf without your approval.
How does this fit with departure checks?
The same walkthrough works in reverse after you leave. We confirm the house was closed up properly and note anything left on or open. Both are described on our pre-arrival and departure page, and the broader visit is covered under home watch visits.
If we looked after your house in Rancho Santa Fe or the coast, a Google review that names the service and your neighborhood helps other owners.
Home Watch is a visual property observation and reporting service. It is not a substitute for licensed security, contracting, inspection, or emergency services.