Keeping your personal property safe during a renovation is important and requires proper storage to avoid damage, vandalism or theft. As building crews work to move items left in the damaged area of the property there is always a risk that items will break, chip or be otherwise damaged.
Restoration projects involving mold, water or fire damage are time consuming, and both business owners and homeowners are rarely on site during the construction process. Without a consistent presence on the property after work hours, potential theft is a valid concern.
The threat of vandalism and theft is heightened during a restoration or reconstruction project due to the following factors:
- Copper is an expensive commodity that is easy to steal and even easier to sell. Because copper is often readily available around a restoration site, it becomes an invitation for thieves to enter your property.
- When your building remains empty for long stretches of time, people notice. The promise of free items, food or shelter may attract those intent on breaking and entering. Subcontractors lock up supplies and tools for good reason, and your property should be given the same consideration.
- Neighbors, friends and family members will expect the sight of construction personnel around your property. Accessing your home becomes less conspicuous allowing strangers to enter repeatedly while avoiding suspicion.
With so much at stake, many building owners opt to store their items in different locations, far away from their construction site, a notion supported by restoration industry experts including BluSky Restoration Contractors. “It is not uncommon for clients to seek outsourced storage options,” explains Mike Erekson, a performance driven COO at BluSky Restoration Contractors, LLC. “You want to ensure your property is secured, and we support that as we establish a worksite free of risk to your property and our team.” Utilizing a portable storage unit provides an extra layer of security for your personal property rather than leaving it in the garage or inside the damaged building.
Safety and security are important factors to consider while renovating your business and home. In terms of security, you will need to consider the barriers your home has in preventing burglary. When evaluating safety, it’s important to understand how, where and when to store your items. Considering the security of your property from the start ensures maximum protection of your valuables.
Professional contracting and remodeling companies recommend homeowners start looking at their storage options and safety precautions long before renovations begin. Start by considering your private spaces and temporary storage options. A renovation project may feel a lot like moving as most items will be kept in off-site storage until they are ready to be reinstalled. Consider using PODs or other portable storage to quickly transport items from one location to another.
Evaluate the various ways you might upgrade your security protocols, both inside and outside the home. Invest in security cameras for the perimeter of the property, and if possible, keep your neighbors up to date with activities on the premises. Encourage them to alert you to suspicious activity.
Homeowners have many options for storing their valuable items. The right location for you will be dependent on the type, intensity and length of your reconstruction project. If you have a sizable garage, consider packing up and moving each room into boxes. Most garage layouts accommodate larger furniture as well as smaller knick-knacks that have fewer places to go, and they can be properly secured to deter theft.
If your renovations are concentrated in a specific area of the home, you might simply migrate your items from one room to another. Your office could be turned into a temporary storage room, or the spare bedroom could hold additional furniture. Any option should be clean, secure and out of sight from the public.
If you’ll be undergoing longer-term renovation, you may need to consider additional security options. Go the extra mile by adding new security systems, installing bright outdoor lights and adding keyless entry options. Secure valuables in a safe or locked container, hidden from view.
For added protection, ask your local renovation contractor about the security procedures they follow to keep you and your family safe. All subcontractors should be willing to maintain a clean and organized worksite and keep the property looking as lived-in and functional as possible. A trusted professional will report signs of disturbed property.
A home renovation may invite a number of safety and security concerns to your property. These complications are certainly not long-term and may be easy to mitigate. Secure your property by safely storing your items during remodeling efforts.
