There may be clouds and rain outside this week, but spring will be here before we know it and it will be time to start deciding what home improvement projects you’ll take on this year. Before that time comes, it would be wise to make some home security decisions as well. Like what? Consider the following.

HIRE A CREDIBLE CONTRACTOR

The first step is choosing a contractor you can trust. Although everyone is still immersed in the “new economy” craze that has made hiring service providers off social media sites part of the new normal, it’s only a good idea to do this with a general contractor if others have vouched for his credibility. At the very least, check out a contractor’s reviews on Yelp and Facebook before sitting down to discuss your project. This isn’t just to protect your investment in the work; it’s also to protect the security of your home while the work is being performed. Make sure the reviews state that the crew was careful and respectful of other’s homes – and if there are any complaints to the contrary, avoid that business at all costs.

Pro Tip: check out a contractor’s reviews on Yelp and Facebook before sitting down to discuss your project. This isn’t just to protect your investment in the work; it’s also to protect the security of your home while the work is being performed.

KEEP TRACK OF WHO’S IN THE HOME

Ask to meet the lead on the project before the work commences, and be sure you have a rapport with him that allows for you to question who will be on the job on any given day. See a new worker in your house? Ask your project lead who he is, and keep an extra eye on him until you feel comfortable. Don’t be afraid to find out who is in your house and express any concerns you have with the people occupying it.

KEEP ARMING YOUR SECURITY SYSTEM

It may seem like leaving your system unarmed while people are going in and out will save you time. But if you have upgraded to a system that gives you remote access from your smartphone, then you can arm it at a moment’s notice from anywhere you are. Is the crew scheduled to arrive while you’re at work? Receive a notification when they arrive and disarm the system just long enough to let them in. Having remote access to your system this way gives you the freedom to get creative with home security – even during a home improvement project.

To speak with an expert about maintaining security during a home improvement project, contact Security Instrument.

ABOUT SECURITY INSTRUMENT

Security Instrument is Delaware’s largest full-service independently-owned security company, serving thousands of customers throughout Delaware, MD, NJ & PA.