What’s the Difference Between a Security System and a Home Watch Service?

Written by Erik Windrow

What’s the Difference Between a Security System and a Home Watch Service?

What’s the Difference Between a Security System and a Home Watch Service?
And Why They’re Not Interchangeable for Beach Homeowners

When you own a second home in a beach town like Rehoboth Beach, Bethany Beach, or Ocean City, it’s natural to want reassurance that your property is safe while you’re away. Many homeowners think a traditional security system is enough—but the reality is, it only solves part of the problem.

At WatchTower Home Services, we often hear the question: “If I have a camera system or alarm, do I really need a home watch service?”
The answer? Yes—because they serve two very different purposes.

Here’s how to think about it:



What a Security System Does

A security system is designed to detect and alert.
It might include:
  • Door and window sensors

  • Motion detectors

  • Security cameras

  • Alarms or alerts to your phone or monitoring company

What it’s good for:
Security systems are effective at scaring off intruders and notifying you of break-ins or movement.

What it won’t do:

  • Tell you if a pipe bursts behind the wall

  • Notice a roof leak slowly growing after a storm

  • Detect pest infestations in your attic

  • Confirm whether your HVAC system is still working

  • Reset a tripped breaker

  • Remove storm debris blocking your crawl space vents



What a Home Watch Service Does

A professional home watch service—like WatchTower—offers in-person inspections and proactive care for unoccupied homes. Think of it as a local partner who physically checks on your property and looks for anything out of place or potentially damaging.

We check for things like:

  • Water damage or leaks

  • Mold or mildew due to humidity

  • Storm-related damage

  • HVAC and plumbing issues

  • Signs of pests or rodents

  • Signs of unauthorized entry

  • Any abnormal changes from the last visit

If we find a problem, we don’t just send you an alert—we handle it. That could mean coordinating repairs, documenting issues with photos, and acting quickly before minor problems become major disasters.



The WatchTower Advantage for Coastal Homeowners

Beach homes face unique environmental challenges—salt air, high humidity, seasonal storms, and long stretches of vacancy. These conditions can create slow, hidden damage that a security camera simply won’t catch.

With WatchTower Home Services, you get peace of mind knowing that:

  • Your home is physically checked on a routine basis

  • You’ll receive visual documentation of each visit

  • You have a trusted local contact if anything goes wrong

  • You’re protecting the long-term value of your property



The Bottom Line

Security systems are great—but they’re reactive.
Home watch services are proactive.

And when it comes to protecting your investment in a beach home, being proactive makes all the difference.

If your second home is in Rehoboth Beach, Dewey Beach, Fenwick Island, Lewes, Bethany Beach, Ocean City, or nearby, WatchTower is here to help. We serve as your eyes, ears, and boots on the ground—so you can relax, knowing your home is in good hands even when you're not around.


Ready to learn more about our home watch services?
Contact us today to schedule a consultation or ask any questions about how we can support your coastal home year-round.

Published: May 09, 2025

Let's Talk

Contact us today to request a quote for our home watch services.

Contact Us