Building Security During Rehab
Hi everyone, I just found this site a few days ago and I think it's great. Wish I'd found it a year ago, haha. Anyway, I could use some advice. I'm scheduled to close on a fourplex in a couple weeks that is unoccupied, condemned, and in need of total rehab to get c of o. Ok, I can deal with all of that, the trouble is that vandals and squatters keep breaking into the building, damaging windows and doors, etc. Obviously the place is in a questionable area, but once repairs are made and it has tenents, I expect the vandals will find another place to hang out. I work a regular job and can't be there to babysit 24/7, so how can I prevent people from trashing my new doors and windows, not to mention everything that is vulnerable on the inside, until I can get the building into shape? I thought about hiring a security guard, but I simply can't afford that. I also thought about putting a giant fence around it with barbed wire until I get it finished, but that hardly seems practical, and I doubt the city would allow it anyway. I could install security lighting, but I'm not sure how long that would last either with no one there. I lived in another fourplex while I was renovating much of it, but I really don't want to do that again, and besides, I don't have c of o anyway, so I really can't. There is a lot of potential with this new place, and frankly, I'm putting everything on the line to tackle this project. I can't afford to lose everything to losers and vagrants who are determined to destroy my hard work for cheap thrills. Well, my point - if anyone has any suggestions about how to make the building more secure while I'm working on it, please tell me. I'm sure there are others out there who have had this same difficulty. Thanks in advance - Zach
*Note* My referece to losers and vagrants excludes homeless people who legitimately need a roof over their heads. Everyone needs a place to stay, and hopefully they will wander off on their own after renovation begins. Hopefully.
First, congratulations on your purchase. It sounds like a solid property. Personally, I think you are being way to kind in your description of these bums hanging around your place. I am assuming that it is evident that the house is purchased and is going to be rehabed. The reason I say this is becasue from this point on each and every person that enters onto your property unlawfully, needs to have the swiftest and most severe action taken upon them. These people don't care about you and if given the chance will probably steal your wallet and help you look for it. You can call the police department and let them know that there is habitual trespassing. Usually they will patrol the area for a few weeks. You also can drive by frequently at various times of the day/evening. If you see someone, call the cops and have them arrested. Once the word gets out, few will come back. It just takes one arrest for everyone to see that you mean business. I hope this helps and good luck.
Matt
Tell your construction people that if their junior handymen want to live in the place, until it's fixed up, it's OK.
Another option is to go the unemployment/welfare office and find a handyman. Tell him he can live in the place at night and work with the crew during the day.
Hope This Helps!
Mrs. Meltzer
Hi,
The easiest thing to do (and also the cheapest) is to cut 3/4 inch plywood to fit over all the windows and doors. Put 4 or 5, 1 & 1/2 inch screws on each side. Predrill the holes so you can fill them with wood putty. On the windows, hinge the top or side, so you can "flip" the wood out of the way and get light in the house. With a power tool, putting the screws in and out should be easy.
Security lights (as you mentioned) are another option. You can put wire mesh (chicken wire) around them. If it is secured correctly, it prevents damage.
Lastly, you can buy a very cheap house alarm. I bought one for $25. It has a keypad, two motion sensors and a big siren. It plugs in to the wall and you put the motion sensors where ever you want. This way if someone gets in the house, it goes off. And it is very loud. Also, it can then be removed and used in your next house.
I would strongly advise against offering your property as a "hotel" to workman. The liability here would be HUGE.
While this states the obvious and I'm sure they're already up but make sure you have several "No Trespassing" signs and that they're highly visible. Here in my city the police won't make an arrest for trespassing without them. I also mainly deal in lower class neighborhoods and I've found that most of the time the signs will be respected.
Good luck with your investment!
Patrik1
Thanks everyone, I'll be useing a combination of all the suggestions you've posted. I posted "no trespassing" signs yesterday, and did a lttle trespassing myself while I was at it, but I'm reluctant to do anyting else before closing as the the bank that owns the property at the moment has been very emphatic about me not doing anything before then. That's understandable, but I would think they'd be equally stubborn about the bums not going in and out. While I was there, I took a good look inside and then put locks on the two kicked-in doors. Strangely, I found no damage whatsoever inside when I was snooping around. Even the first floor windows, which, by the way, are already boarded up, were perfectly intact. Evey single upstairs window has already been smashed from the outside. Go figure. Anyway, thanks again, and good luck to you all! Zach[ Edited by Zach on Date 08/19/2003 ]
Just an after thought
Borrow a pit bull from the pound and let him live there