[Mstrlucky74]

Me and my wife are buying a new home that requires complete renovation. We will be staying in our current home( which in only about 1-1/2 miles away) for a couple of months while we do th renovation. I'm concerened that people may see noone is living there and damage the home or try to steal things. Any advice on what we can do or implement while we are not living there to deter anyone from doing damage? Thank you!!

 

[SeniorSitizen]

Me and my wife are buying a new home that requires complete renovation. We will be staying in our current home( which in only about 1-1/2 miles away) for a couple of months while we do th renovation. I'm concerened that people may see noone is living there and damage the home or try to steal things. Any advice on what we can do or implement while we are not living there to deter anyone from doing damage? Thank you!!

An armed guard that's willing to go to prison if he is forced to protect the property.

 

[Msradell]

You definitely want some lighting around home which will help scare troublemakers off. A couple of cameras with motion detection that alerted you when they send something would be another great idea. Especially since you live so close to the property. You apperceive want to do everything you can the people don't realize it is vacant, make sure the outside of the home is kept up, lawn mowed, etc.

It's going to be bad on the matter what you do.

 

[Photobug]

If it has power set up security cameras, fake cameras and notification processes for you if some thieves or kids come poking around.

 

[JBoot]

Keep the place as secure and closed in as possible. I think I would invest in a home security system with a nice big sign on the lawn. Even a cheaper system is better than none, and it can be updated if you decide to keep the system after you move in.

I have seen places stripped of copper and new appliances. Also, it could become a "new home for an uninvited person(s)" or a party place for some. Your whole investment could go up in flames.

 

[de-nagorg]

Knock on the new neighbors door.

Politely introduce yourself, Tell them how glad you are to be joining the neighborhood.

Ask about the crime rate around there, and ask if they mind watching for any trouble.

Do this at several neighbors doors, spread the word that you like the neighborhood.

Most people want to know the new people, to see if they are trouble, or good people.

So beat them to it, and don't forget the Baked goods.

Or hire a security service to check on the property several times a day, And install those cameras, to get pictures of who is poking around when you are gone.


ED

 

[Davejss]

In my neck of the woods the bank you are financing through (assuming you're financing) would require a Builer's Risk insurance policy. The reason is that an unoccupied building undergoing renovation is a high risk target for thieves and vandals as well as a liability risk should someone get hurt on your property.
Even if your bank doesn't require it or if you're paying cash I would still recommend that you get a Builer's Risk policy.
Other than that I always run very bright lights in my empty houses. Thieves are like cockroaches. They hate bright lights.

 

[joed]

Most people want to know the new people, to see if they are trouble, or good people.

So beat them to it, and don't forget the Baked goods.

And your phone number so they can call you if they see anything suspicious.

 

[3onthetree]

Hopefully you didn't buy in a high-crime area, but even good neighbors might be opportunistic. Less chance though if they have met you. Keep the windows covered. Remove tools every night. Don't let the outside look like a construction zone, just a normal kept house so passersby don't know what's going on.

 

[SPS-1]

You need to discuss this with your insurance agent. If the home is unoccupied, they will charge you more for that period of time. If you are able to tell them that you (or other) will check the house on a daily basis, that will help.

 

[660catman]

I renovated a house next door to us. Vacancy insurance would have been $4400 for the year. And no insurance company gave me leeway because I was right next door. I worked on it during the day and it would have been empty all night. I asked how is it any different that someone who works nights and no one would be in it at night. I fought until i put my son in there for the 10 month duration of renos.


Retired guy from Southern Manitoba, Canada.

 

[raylo32]

If the house has power get internet service established and install one of those DIY security systems like SimpliSafe, Ring, ReoLink, TP-Link etc, including a couple of cams. Or even just a couple of cams like TP-Link day/night wifi cams you can get for $49 at Best Buy and set them up with the KASA app on your phone to get real time motion alerts.

If you don't want to pay for Internet service until you move in you could use a couple of "trail cams" that record to onboard SD cards. You won't get alerts but you'll have some forensic evidence if anything happens.

 

[Yodaman]

When I purchase a project house, on day one, change the locks. Go around the house be sure all the windows lock and are locked. Cover any open glass. Some one is less likely to steal what they can not see. I try to meet the neighbors, but don't pound on doors to do it. Most are happy to see an eye-sore being repaired. I only bring tools as needed. As I become more comfortable without incident I will leave more tools in. I mostly work out of tool trailer, which really isn't much more secure than a house. Come to this understanding, if some one wants to break in, they will find a way. I have never needed security cameras, but you know the neighborhood better than us.
Good Luck.

 

[geenowalker]

Buy 10 kids bike and a lock. Lock it up out front and stop buy every morning to change the position of the bike. Internal lights on timers.