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Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to the questions we hear most from homeowners and trade partners across Charlottesville and Central Virginia.

For Homeowners

Membership & Service Questions

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What is Alcove and what do you actually do?

Alcove is a home maintenance management service. We assign your home a designated Home Concierge who handles vendor coordination, preventative maintenance scheduling, and ongoing oversight — so you don’t have to. We don’t replace your contractors. We replace the stress of managing them.

What does the monthly membership fee cover?

Your membership covers all of Alcove’s management services — your designated Home Concierge, scheduling, vendor coordination, inspections, reporting, and platform access. It does not cover vendor labor or materials. Those are always separate, quoted in advance, and require your explicit approval before any work begins.

How is Alcove different from a property manager?

Property managers handle rental properties and tenants. Alcove focuses entirely on your home’s physical operations — maintenance, vendors, and preventative care. We serve owner-occupied primary residences, second homes, and complex properties. There are no tenants involved.

Are there setup or onboarding fees?

No. There are no setup fees, onboarding charges, or hidden costs. Your membership begins with a Home Health Assessment and Maintenance Roadmap — both included in your monthly fee — and continues from there.

What is the contract term?

Memberships begin with a 12-month initial term, then renew annually. You can cancel with 30 days’ written notice after the initial term. We structure it this way because real home management compounds in value over time — your Home Concierge builds deep knowledge of your property that improves outcomes year after year.

Can I use my own contractors and vendors?

On our Estate tier, you can bring your own preferred vendors and we’ll coordinate with them directly. On Essentials and Complete, we work with our vetted Preferred Partner network. If you have a trusted specialist for a specific trade, reach out and we’re happy to discuss accommodations.

What happens in a home emergency?

On Complete and Estate memberships, you have access to 24/7 emergency intake. Contact your Home Concierge any time and we’ll coordinate an immediate response — whether that’s a burst pipe, HVAC failure, or anything else that can’t wait. On Essentials, urgent situations are addressed within one business day.

Which membership plan is right for me?

Most homeowners start with Complete — it covers the majority of home needs year-round with 24/7 emergency access and bi-annual inspections. Essentials suits straightforward primary residences with newer systems. Estate is designed for larger, more complex properties or homeowners who want the highest level of hands-on management. We’re happy to recommend the right fit during your consultation.

How do I get started?

Fill out the consultation request form on our For Homeowners page. We’ll reach out within one business day to learn more about your home and walk you through which membership tier makes sense. No commitment required to have that conversation.

For Partners

Partner Program Questions

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Is there a cost to join the Preferred Partner Network?

No. There is no fee to apply or to join. Alcove earns its margin through the homeowner membership, not through the vendor network. You invoice Alcove at your standard rates and we pay within 15 business days.

What trades and specialties are you looking for?

We work with a wide range of trades including HVAC, plumbing, electrical, general contracting, landscaping, roofing, painting, pest control, and cleaning services. What matters most is reliability, quality work, and clear communication — not the specific trade.

How much work can I expect?

Volume depends on your trade and homeowner needs in your area. Partners typically receive recurring work rather than one-off jobs — our homeowners are on annual memberships, so their homes require ongoing seasonal maintenance, inspections, and repairs throughout the year. The relationship is designed to be consistent, not sporadic.

Do I deal directly with the homeowner?

Primarily, no. Alcove’s Home Concierge handles all scheduling, scoping, and homeowner communication. You’ll receive a detailed job briefing before every visit, and the Home Concierge remains reachable throughout the job. You spend your time on the work, not on client management.

What if scope changes during a job?

Contact the Home Concierge before proceeding with any work outside the original scope. We’ll get homeowner approval quickly — typically within the hour. This protects you from disputes and ensures you’re appropriately compensated for additional work.

What happens after I apply?

We review your application and respond within 3 business days. If there’s a fit, we’ll schedule a brief introductory call to discuss your trade, service area, and how the partnership works. From there, onboarding is straightforward — we verify licensing and insurance, execute a simple partner agreement, and you’re in the network.

General

About Alcove

Where does Alcove operate?

We currently serve Charlottesville, Crozet, Keswick, Ivy, Orange, and surrounding areas in Central Virginia. If you’re unsure whether your property is within our service area, reach out and we’ll let you know.

What types of homes do you work with?

We work with primary residences, second homes, vacation properties, and complex estates across Central Virginia. Whether your home is 1,500 sq ft or 8,000 sq ft, we provide oversight tailored to your specific needs and membership tier.

Does Alcove do the physical work?

No. Alcove is a management and coordination service. We work with a vetted network of licensed, insured trade professionals who perform the physical work. Our role is to manage the entire process — scoping, scheduling, oversight, and follow-up — so you don’t have to.

Still have a question?

We’re happy to help. Reach out directly at info@getalcovehome.com or call (434) 443-8485 and we’ll get back to you within one business day.

Still Have Questions?

Reach out and we’ll get back to you within one business day.

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