The security risks increase considerably when having refurbishment and construction work carried out on your home, If you are living within the property or vacating the property while work is carried out it is important that you have additional security measures in place to protect your home. Whether your Extending outwards, upwards or downwards you should not overlook the importance of security.

Building work

Increased Security Risks

When you think about it when work is carried out on your home the threats include builders coming and going, doors, windows and side access being left open; high value construction materials on display much of the time proving a draw for thieves, and keys being handed from person to person, it is easy to see how security can become an issue. So what measures can you take to protect your home during building work.

Choose your contractors wisely

In this day and age choosing an affirmed contractor is one of the most important moves you can make in the name of security is to choose a contractor you can trust to ensure your home is kept safe and secure during the works. Look into reviews online and even ask to speak with existing clients to get a genuine reference. Look into what qualifications and association memberships they have also make sure you have a discussion with the contractor about how they intend to prevent security becoming an issue.

Make sure a security plan is in place

Be sure to ask your contractor what they will do about securing their valuable tools overnight and at weekends: will they take them offsite? High value tools will attract attention from thieves who may also decide to help themselves to other belongings whilst they are illegally roaming around a property. If contractors are going to leave tools or valuable materials such as copper piping or cable onsite then you should implement additional security measures.
Also enquire as to whether your home will be exposed at any point, and what the intentions are in this respect. For example, if you are having an extension constructed then there may be holes in walls left overnight ready for windows and doors to be fitted. Will these allow access into the main part of the house? If so, will the holes be blocked up?
Make sure there is a clear, written agreement between you and your contractor that includes reference to who will bear the responsibility of any theft or damage caused by a break-in or attempted break-in. If building materials are stolen, who will be liable for the cost to replace them? Generally, the contractor should have adequate insurance to cover such issues as well as accidental damage, so ask for evidence of such.

Your Security is key

An intruder alarms Vibration detectors fitted to doors and windows will sound should an attempt be made to open them.
CCTV is another great option and one of the most effective ways of monitoring a property, both indoors and out. It will provide you with robust evidence in the event of a break-in, but can also provide real-time monitoring too, transmitting footage to an internet enabled device, allowing action to be taken should an issue come to your attention. Combine CCTV with a motion sensor and intruder alarm and there you have a high-level, multi-layered security solution to protect your home.
Make sure that high security locks are used to secure doors and that the doors themselves are sufficiently secure: this includes the frames. Never leave keys in any newly fitted doors or windows and make sure they are closed and locked when works have finished for the day.

Inform the correct people

Always be sure to let your intruder alarm company know that you are having works undertaken. It may be that sensors need to be moved or additional ones put in place to cover any new parts added to the property.
Also when you are having work done on your home remember that most Insurers require that you notify them of construction works being undertaken and any periods the home will be empty for.

If you’re having work carried out on your home or your thinking about having the security on your home or business increased please do get in touch with us at All Secure Security where we will be happy to discuss your security needs.

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