Guarding against theft during renovations

Whether you’re renovating your home yourself or bringing in a professional, you can expect a bit of chaos. But at the end of the process, you’ll get to enjoy a remodeled kitchen, updated roof, or other benefit which will make your property more functional and enjoyable.

Unfortunately, renovations can also make your home more vulnerable to theft. Some jobs will make your home less secure, allowing someone to enter simply by pushing a tarp aside. Thieves at job sites have made off with everything from tools to new appliances, and have sometimes caused damage by opening up the walls to rip out copper wire or pipes.

Such thefts are typically crimes of opportunity. By taking steps to improve the security around your home while it is being renovated, you can reduce the possibility of someone burglarizing your property.

Proper lighting is often recommended to deter unwanted guests, and this strategy is also effective when your home is under renovation. You’ll want to eliminate any dark and shadowy areas where a thief can hide. Pat Curry, writing for the home improvement professional Bob Vila, says motion-activated lights mounted on the eaves of the home can be particularly effective. The Electronic Security Association, an informational resource on home security systems, says you can also consider installing surveillance cameras which can be accessed remotely from a smartphone or computer.

These measures might be temporary, but you may want to consider including a more permanent security system as part of the renovations. AA Insurance, a New Zealand company, says some upgraded features might include a burglar alarm and deadlocks on the doors and windows.

You may be able to add an extra deterrent to thieves by having a temporary fence erected around your property while the work is being done. Elli Bishop, writing for the home security comparison resource SafeWise, says you can also ask your neighbors or local police department to keep an eye on the property and be on the lookout for anything suspicious.

Do your research before selecting a contractor. There will be plenty of unfamiliar people coming through your home during a renovation, and you’ll often be away from the property while the work is being done. While most professionals are honest, there have been instances where homeowners have discovered that workers have stolen some of their belongings. Consult reviews and seeking references to find a trustworthy company.

If you are particularly worried about some valuables, such as heirloom jewelry, you might consider bringing them out of your home during the improvements. AA Insurance says you can bring these items to a more secure location until the work is done; make sure to inform your insurer about this action.

Before the renovations start, check with your insurance company to see if you’ll be covered for theft that occurs during a renovation. This is also a good time to ensure that your coverage will be updated to include any new features or belongings that are being added as part of the renovation.

At the end of the day, make sure your home is secured against burglaries by locking all doors and windows. Put away any ladders; these can be used to access the upper windows, which are often not alarmed.

Even if your home is properly secured, thieves can easily target any materials left at the work site. Curry says tools, lumber, and other items might go missing if they are not properly secured. Put them away in a locking toolbox, shed, or other secure location. It is also helpful to have materials delivered on an as-needed basis, so you can install them on the same day they arrive.

Make a record of your tools and other valuables, including any serial numbers. You can also etch them with a defining mark, such as your driver’s license number, in a hidden area. This information can help you recover your belongings if they are stolen.

Don’t leave any obvious clues about newly purchased items around the home. AA Insurance says packaging should be broken down as soon as possible and put in a garbage or recycling bin.