Housekeeper/Housesitter

[fido]

i'm looking to have a property refurbished in the near future but i will be stuck at work or travelling abroad so can't keep an eye on the builders for most of the time. someone has suggested that i get an experienced housesitter to stay around whilst i'm away .. so how much will this cost (no pesky kids or pets to worry about) and has anyone experience any problems that i should be wary of?