If you have recently bought a fixer-upper from an auction or you have a small property portfolio that you use to top up your retirement fund, the chances are that you want to keep your bricks and mortar assets secure. Fixer-uppers are often derelict shells that have been in disrepair for years. These often attract squatters and vandals. If you have a rental pad that hasn’t been let for a few months, you need to consider how you can keep it secure when left empty. Take a look at these three sure-fire ways to maintain your property investment and look at these security measures.
Alarms
If you want to deter a potential burglar, you need to have some visual cues on the outside of your property to tell a thief they should stay away. The large colorful boxes and flashing lights of a dummy alarm box could be enough. However, to back this up with real substance, you need a genuine security system and alarm that will inform the police should an intruder break into the home. There are plenty of electrical contracting services firms that specialize in designing and implementing security and alarm systems in domestic settings. When choosing an alarm, go for a system that is simple to use, is accessible via key fob or code, and has door and movement sensors that you can place inside the pad.
CCTV
Cameras over the doorways and entrances to your property are crucial to deter any would-be intruder. These individuals will always seek weaknesses within a pad. Ensure that there are none visible to any passersby. A small CCTV system will deter a burglar. The thought of being on camera for law enforcement to see is not worth their while. They won’t take the risk. Couple the CCTV with lighting and this will be enough to keep your rental property secure. Lights with sensors that will shine brightly when movement is detected will make any thief run a mile.
Make It Appear That The Property Is Occupied
Just because a property is a fixer-upper or because your rental pad hasn’t had a tenant for months, doesn’t mean that this has to be obvious to any potential burglar. Ensure that you make it appear that the property you own is occupied. Timers on lights and lamps are ideal. With these on in the evenings alongside a timer on the television, noise and light can emanate from the property. By allowing posts to build up under a letterbox, you are showing that no one is living in your dwelling. Go around every three or four days to clear this mail and ensure that blinds or curtains are drawn every so often. By changing up the appearance of the home, you are making it appear like someone is living in it. Most burglars will only enter a home that they think is unoccupied. Being confronted by a homeowner or tenant is hugely problematic and not worth the risk for an intruder.
Being a property developer or investor is a great way to earn some extra cash. However, security worries are a concern to many. Follow this guide and you can be sure that your property investment remains secure at all times.