As in all aspects of their work, Richard and Julie Watkins wanted to ensure that the sign outside their new office location was just right.

These busy entrepreneurs have seen their business, Valley Home Check, go from strength to strength since moving to the Valley in 2007. Working out of their home since launching their business idea three years ago, the couple have been delighted to see their home monitoring and maintenance business bloom to the extent that they recognized the need to seek out office space in downtown Courtenay. They are very pleased to be overlooking the Mudsharks Coffee Bar courtyard at the lower end of 4th Street.

鈥淲e feel this is another step in the right direction. We are now much more visible to the general public and really feel part of the community,鈥� said Richard. 鈥淲orking from home is a great option for many businesses, especially new ventures, but as our business has grown so much, we felt the need to have a little separation from home life.鈥�

What started as a concierge service for second home owners has developed into a highly personalized service for clients living not only on the mainland, Alberta and even Europe, but also for many homeowners in the Valley who regularly take extended vacations in the winter and throughout the rest of the year.

The company is licensed under the Security Services Act of B.C. and as such, carries out not only maintenance care for homeowners but also security checks 鈥� all of which is essential to validate home insurance.

鈥淢any homeowners are unaware that their home insurance policy actually requires the home to be thoroughly checked at least once a week, if not more, while they are away. We encourage any home-owner to check with their insurance company and then make sure that a friend, family member or security firm carries out checks while they are away,鈥� added Richard.

Their respective backgrounds and experience in building construction, marketing and customer service have been invaluable to the business. Julie also worked for the British government where security clearance to a very high level was required, hence the company鈥檚 confidence in guaranteeing complete confidentiality.

鈥淚t has not been all plain sailing since the launch but we have had incredible support and advice from the business community through the local Chamber of Commerce and the Women鈥檚 Business Network, to name a few. Now this move to office premises is driving us towards our goal of becoming a known and trusted member of the community, known for exceptional service,鈥� said Julie.

For more information, visit www.valleyhomecheck.com or call 250-897-3349.

鈥� Valley Home Check Ltd.