Renovation Security Tips and Tricks
Renovation Security Tips and Tricks
When walking an abandoned property… o Be aware of your surroundings o Announce yourself loudly before entering o Open door, leave the door open and enter the home if it is safe o ALWAYS WATCH YOUR FOOTING – PARTICULARLY ON STAIRS o Carry a bright flashlight o Listen for people and animals o IF A ROOM DOESN’T FEEL SAFE TO ENTER – DON’T ENTER IT o IF THE HOUSE DOESN’T FEEL SAFE TO ENTER – DON’T ENTER IT Before starting any renovation… o Have a professional examine for asbestos and other hazardous material o Have a professional trash-out the property o Secure all first floor openings (Secure View) During renovation… o Be smart; work only during daylight hours o Do not leave any tools in the house, garage or yard over night o Get electricity as soon as possible o Install an alarm system with multiple alert levels, cameras and remote arming capability o Hire a private security firm to act as first responder to legitimate alarms – do not expect police to arrive quickly o Do not leave empty boxes of product visible to outsiders o Have only 1 point of entry into the house – ideally make it the front door o NEVER install furnace or water heater BEFORE the alarm system o Once deadbolt exterior doors are installed, install a kick-in prevention system (Strike Master). o Give keys only to designated personnel o Detached garage? Leave the door open. If closed, they will try to bust it open (and ruin your door), or steal the door entirely o Limit the number of people with access to the property o If a contractor is fired, change the lock and alarm codes o Engage the neighbors – ask them to report anything suspicious o Do not leave any keys on the premises – including inside a lock box on the door o Keep the site active – a dead construction site is prime picking If a break-in occurs… o Halt all work immediately o Call the police and file a report o Take as many pictures as possible o Determine if insurance claim should be filed o Examine how it occurred – take steps to prevent it in the future Adam Helfman [email protected]
When walking an abandoned property… o Be aware of your surroundings o Announce yourself loudly before entering o Open door, leave the door open and enter the home if it is safe o ALWAYS WATCH YOUR FOOTING – PARTICULARLY ON STAIRS o Carry a bright flashlight o Listen for people and animals o IF A ROOM DOESN’T FEEL SAFE TO ENTER – DON’T ENTER IT o IF THE HOUSE DOESN’T FEEL SAFE TO ENTER – DON’T ENTER IT Before starting any renovation… o Have a professional examine for asbestos and other hazardous material o Have a professional trash-out the property o Secure all first floor openings (Secure View) During renovation… o Be smart; work only during daylight hours o Do not leave any tools in the house, garage or yard over night o Get electricity as soon as possible o Install an alarm system with multiple alert levels, cameras and remote arming capability o Hire a private security firm to act as first responder to legitimate alarms – do not expect police to arrive quickly o Do not leave empty boxes of product visible to outsiders o Have only 1 point of entry into the house – ideally make it the front door o NEVER install furnace or water heater BEFORE the alarm system o Once deadbolt exterior doors are installed, install a kick-in prevention system (Strike Master). o Give keys only to designated personnel o Detached garage? Leave the door open. If closed, they will try to bust it open (and ruin your door), or steal the door entirely o Limit the number of people with access to the property o If a contractor is fired, change the lock and alarm codes o Engage the neighbors – ask them to report anything suspicious o Do not leave any keys on the premises – including inside a lock box on the door o Keep the site active – a dead construction site is prime picking If a break-in occurs… o Halt all work immediately o Call the police and file a report o Take as many pictures as possible o Determine if insurance claim should be filed o Examine how it occurred – take steps to prevent it in the future Adam Helfman [email protected]
