As home inventory is being exposed for longer periods of time, the risk of related costs has the potential to rise.  The good news is, there are many ways to help protect your exposed inventory against loss, therefore protecting your bottom line.

Follow these tips to help protect your structures against loss.

1. Lighting surrounding the property
Depending on the structures’ location and surrounding building code ordinances, outside lighting is an excellent way to deter would-be thieves or vandals.

2. Fencing
Fencing can keep thieves and vandals away from your property, and it serves as an obstacle in their path.  Make sure that the fencing in place does not obstruct visibility of the structure. For example, use mesh materials in place of solid barriers.

3. Frequent vsits to the job site
The quickest and most effective way to catch vandals or quickly react to a fire or other emergency is by making frequent visits to the
job site.  It is recommended that you visit the property at least two to three times per week.  Try to make a habit of driving by your projects at random times. The more presence you have, the more likely you are to deter vandals, and the quicker you can detect a potential loss or vulnerable area.

If you have a large number of homes in a common area or one home in a remote site, you may wish to notify local authorities (police and fire departments) so they can keep an eye out during regular patrol rounds.

4. Turn off Water Source
Many vandals get the pleasure of turning on faucets and letting them run, causing major water damage to the structure.  Make a habit of turning off the main water line each and every time you leave the property.

5. Turn off Main Breaker Box
Whether the property is completed or not, turning off the main breaker box at the completion of each work day can significantly decrease the chances of an electrical fire.

6. Lock doors and windows
As simple as it seems, locking the doors and windows of your property is a valuable deterrent.