*Remodeling your home can mean a better quality of life for you and your family, a more beautiful place to rest your head, and even making a lot of money when it comes time to sell. But while you invest in your home and your future, it’s important to keep in mind that remodeling leaves you more vulnerable than usual to risk like theft and home intrusion. Here are some of the risks involved and how to eliminate or at least mitigate these risks and enjoy the often arduous process of improving your living space.
Remodeling Risks
Remodeling can leave you vulnerable to all kinds of different people from several different companies, many of whom may be subcontracted. This means they do not work for the company you hired. They either work for another company altogether, or they are independent contractors who work for themselves on a case-by-case basis.
Just a small bathroom remodel calls for a plumber, an electrician, a drywaller, a tile setter; the list goes on and on. Not only does this make communication difficult, it also makes your home more vulnerable to theft. Whenever a stranger enters your home, your risk of a break-in increases. Why? Because strangers get to know the layout of your house and your work schedule. They feel more comfortable in your home.
Contract a Pro
In this case it’s better to plan for the worst and hope for the best. Look for contractors who are multi-talented and have a small crew that can accomplish the whole job. It’s best to go with a contractor that routinely does the kind of work you’re looking to have done. You want to see pictures and don’t be afraid to call their references. Ask what aspects of the job, if any, will be subcontracted out and increase the number of strangers in your home. Ask friends, family, and co workers for referrals. Google search the name of any contractors that you consider and check Yelp for negative reviews.
Beef Up Security
Often the image of security is all that it takes to make your home less appealing to a burglar than your neighbor’s. The less appealing you can make your home the less likely you are to get broken into. It sounds so simple, but when you’re gone be sure that blinds are closed and valuables are not left in plain sight. Take extra precautions when going on vacation, too. Consider a house sitter or even an Airbnb guest who can actually make you money while you’re gone. Just be sure to lock up all your valuables or transfer them to a friend’s house. And don’t publicize your vacation plans on Facebook. Your closest 500 friends don’t need to know that your house will be empty.
Even when you’re not out of town, security needs to be on the brain. The only thing worse than a burglary is a home intrusion. Sensor lights near your home’s biggest points of entry, including the garage, are a huge deterrent to thieves before they even make it inside. It’s also something they may not notice during the work day. Security cameras, on the other hand, are something that most thieves are on the lookout for. Their mere presence is often all you need to make you neighbor’s house look like a more appealing target. An added benefit of Lorex security camera systems is that they can be connected to your cell phone so you can keep an eye on your property no matter where you are.
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