How To

5 Ways to Help Prevent Construction Theft

Rapidly rising lumber prices present a major problem for construction companies – finding effective ways to prevent construction theft. The National Association of Home Builders estimates lumber costs went up more than 200% from 2020 to 2021, and that’s in addition to higher costs for other building supplies. When there’s a high premium on materials, theft prevention becomes a top priority. Here’s how to improve construction security on your job site.

Install Fencing

Temporary fencing is the first line of defense on a construction site. Whether it’s a post-driven temporary fence or panel fencing, it’s important to secure the area. Accessories such as privacy screening, or wind screen, and barbed wire can add additional security, depending on the site. Not sure how much fencing to rent? We’ve got a temporary fencing calculator to help you easily find out the number of linear feet to order.

Security Cameras

Custom builds have been using advanced security camera systems for years. Cameras used to be seen as an unnecessary expense on small projects, but a good camera system is an effective theft deterrent. It can also be used as evidence. Companies that specialize in construction security cameras are commonplace now, and we can help you find the right solution for your site. As a bonus, many systems let you monitor the site remotely 24/7, so you always know what’s going on. You can even set up access for engineers and building owners to view progress in real time.

Alarm Systems

An alarm system can be used with or without a camera system, although you’ll get the best protection when they’re used together. Just like camera systems, you can hire a company to wire alarm systems that detect motion. Alarm systems can alert you and the authorities if someone is on the property after hours. Some companies will set up an external and internal home security system while you build, so the new owner can use the same system after construction. 

Add Lighting

Going hand in glove with cameras and alarms, motion detected lighting systems are also a good way to deter thieves. With so many LED and energy efficient options on the market, have dusk-to-dawn lighting systems installed for the duration of the build. Just like alarm systems, you can incorporate security lighting into a system during the build and the new owner will have a fully functional lighting, alarm, and camera system upon move-in. The cost of the system can be incorporated into the cost of the building.

Secure Storage

When materials are expensive, it’s not a good idea to leave them unprotected, even if there’s a security system. Storage containers provide secure, weatherproof protection that can be locked overnight to add an additional theft deterrent. If the security system is breached, it will still be difficult for them to break into secured storage containers. It also adds the benefit of protection from the elements, and you won’t need to store materials off-site each night.

No matter the size of your job site, we can help you get what you need to secure your materials. From temporary fencing to storage containers, get what you need with one phone call – and minimize the risk of theft. We can even bundle your portable toilets and dumpsters. Give us a call to schedule rentals for your next worksite.