Frequently asked questions
Clear answers before you hand over the keys.
If your property or arrangements are unusual, talk to us. The service is designed around the home.
Is Guardemar a property management company?+
Yes — for second homes you use yourself. We look after the house while you are away: scheduled inspections, key holding, a written photo report after every visit, and coordination of the pool, garden or cleaning companies you already use. Holiday lets are a different business, and we leave them to rental managers.
What is a home watch visit?+
It is the scheduled inspection at the heart of every plan: a walk-through of the property, photographs and a written status of good, attention or urgent for each area.
How often should my property be checked?+
It depends on the home, the season and how long it stands empty. Monthly, twice-monthly and weekly plans are available, and we recommend a frequency after seeing the property.
What happens if you find a leak?+
We photograph it, tell you straight away, take the reasonable first steps you have agreed to limit the damage and, with your approval, bring in a qualified plumber.
Can you arrange a plumber or electrician?+
Yes. We coordinate licensed, qualified tradespeople — or the ones you already trust — and send you their quote before any work starts. The technical work itself is always done by them.
Can you let contractors into my property?+
Yes, with your prior authorisation. We open up, record who attended and can check and photograph the property afterwards.
How do you hold keys?+
Keys are coded rather than labelled with an address, stored securely and used only for purposes you have authorised. Every use is recorded.
Do you check pools and gardens?+
Yes, visually: water condition, equipment, irrigation and obvious problems. Pool maintenance and gardening stay with your providers, and we coordinate them.
Can you prepare the house before we arrive?+
Yes. A pre-arrival check covers ventilation, water, power, hot water, air conditioning, pool and garden, so any problem is raised while there is still time to fix it.
Do you check the house after a storm?+
Yes. CARE+ includes a visual check after severe weather, and COMPLETE gives those checks priority. We go as soon as access is safe; for CARE, a storm check can be added as an optional service.
What does the report look like?+
A digital report for every visit: date and time, the status of each area, photographs, observations and a recommended next step. You can see past reports in the client portal at any time.
Which areas do you cover?+
The Western Algarve, from Carvoeiro to Sagres, including Ferragudo, Portimão, Alvor, Lagos, Praia da Luz, Burgau, Salema and Vila do Bispo.
Do you look after apartments as well as villas?+
Yes. We look after apartments, townhouses, villas and larger estates, with or without pools and gardens.
Can you work with my existing gardener or pool company?+
Yes, and we encourage it. We coordinate access and communication with the people who already know the house.
What happens in an emergency?+
We attend to see what is happening, contact you and call the right emergency or specialist service with your authorisation. We are a small local team, so emergency attendance depends on availability rather than a 24/7 guarantee.
Is there a minimum contract term?+
Yes. Plans run on a 12-month service agreement. You can pay monthly, or annually in advance with a 10% discount. Renewal and ending terms are set out in the Service Order and General Terms.
Do you manage holiday rentals?+
No. If the home is mainly let to guests, a rental manager is the better fit. Guardemar is for homes in private use.
Who actually enters my property?+
Guardemar and anyone you have specifically authorised — for example a contractor you approved. Nobody else.
What happens if you are ill or away?+
Visits are planned in advance. If one has to move, we tell you and agree a new date, so the house is never left unchecked without you knowing.
Are you insured?+
Ask us and we will confirm Guardemar’s current liability cover in writing. Our reports do not replace your own home insurance, and Guardemar does not sell insurance or give insurance advice.
What happens if something is damaged during a visit?+
We document it, tell you immediately and review what happened. Any repair or claim then follows the service terms and the relevant insurance policy.
