In the US, there is a burglary once in every 26 seconds, which amounts to 1.4 million burglaries. That means that every year, more than 2.5 million homes are broken into, resulting in an average loss of $2,661 per incident. Burglary is a serious crime that can cause physical, emotional, and financial harm to the victims. Besides losing valuable items, the homeowners may also have to deal with the damage that was done to their property during the break-in. This damage can affect the security, functionality, and appearance of the home. This may require professional repairs to restore it to its original condition. If you are facing burglary damage problems looking for professional service. You are at right place, because patriot locksmith is providing the best burglary damage repairs service in Kansas City. If you have been a victim of burglary, you may be wondering what to do next. One should understand what burglary damage repairs is and how to prevent them.
What steps do I take to file a claim with my insurance company after a break-in? How do I go about getting the damage caused by the intruders repaired? What measures can I take to prevent future break-ins and improve my home security? In this article, we will answer these questions and provide you with some useful information about burglary damage repairs. By the end of this article, you will have a better understanding of how to deal with the aftermath of a burglary and how to protect your home from future threats.
Types of burglary damage repairs
The types of burglary damage repairs that may be needed depending on the method and extent of the burglary. Before we go further to our topic burglary damage repairs, you should know their types. Some of the most common types are:
Lock replacement or repair:
This is one of the most essential repairs to ensure the safety of the home. Burglars may damage or break the locks on external doors and windows to gain access to the property. In some cases, they may also take the keys or make copies of them, which can compromise the security of the home even after the burglary. Therefore, it is advisable to replace or repair the locks as soon as possible. Depending on the type and number of locks, this may take anywhere from a few minutes to a few hours.
Window repair or replacement:
Windows is another common entry point for burglars, who may smash or pry them open to get inside. Broken windows can pose a safety hazard, as well as let in cold air, rain, insects, and noise. They can also affect the aesthetic appeal of the home. Therefore, it is important to repair or replace the windows as soon as possible. Depending on the size and number of windows, this may take anywhere from a few hours to a few days.
Door repair or replacement:
Doors are another common target for burglars, who may kick or force them open to enter the property. Damaged doors can affect the security, functionality, and appearance of the home. They can also make it difficult to open and close them or cause them to squeak or stick. Therefore, it is advisable to repair or replace the doors as soon as possible. Depending on the type and number of doors, this may take anywhere from a few hours to a few days.
Other repairs:
Besides the locks, windows, and doors, burglars may also cause damage to other parts of the property, such as walls, floors, furniture, appliances, electronics, etc. These damages may vary in severity and complexity and may require different kinds of repairs. For example, some damages may be fixed by painting, patching, or cleaning, while others may require carpentry, plumbing, or electrical work. Depending on the type and extent of the damage, this may take anywhere from a few hours to a few weeks.
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How to File a Home Insurance Claim After a Burglary?
Step 1:
The first thing you should do after a burglary is to contact the police and report the incident. The police will come to your home and make a report, which you will need for your insurance claim. They will also collect any evidence and look for any suspects.
Step 2:
The next step is to secure your property and prevent any further damage. This may include boarding up any broken windows or doors, changing any compromised locks, and removing any hazardous materials. You should also document the damage and the losses by taking photos and making a list of the items that were stolen or damaged.
Step 3:
Then you should your insurance company as soon as possible and file a claim. Depending on your policy, you may be covered for the repairs, the replacement, and the cleanup of your home after a burglary. Understanding and reviewing what your policy does and does not cover is something you should do. You should also keep all the receipts and invoices related to the burglary, as you may need them for reimbursement.
Step 4:
You have to deal with the insurance adjuster and get a fair settlement. The insurance adjuster is the person who will evaluate your claim and determine how much money you will receive. You should cooperate with the adjuster and provide them with all the information and documentation they need. However, you should also be aware of your rights and negotiate for the best possible outcome. You may want to hire a public adjuster or a lawyer to represent you and advocate for your interests.
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How to Hire a Professional Contractor for Burglary Damage Repair?
After you have filed a claim with your insurance company, you may need to hire a professional contractor to repair the damage caused by the burglary. You may be tempted to do the repairs yourself, but this is not advisable for several reasons. First, you may not have the skills, the tools, or the time to do the job properly. Second, you may end up causing more damage or violating the building codes. Third, you may void your insurance coverage or warranty if you do the repairs yourself.
Therefore, it is better to hire a professional contractor who can do the repairs quickly, safely, and efficiently. You have two options when it comes to hiring a contractor: you can use a pre-approved contractor provided by your insurance company, or you can choose your contractor.
Pros of using a pre-approved contractor:
- Reliable and qualified contractor, as the insurance company has already vetted them.
- No need to pay directly, as the insurance company will pay them on your behalf.
- Quality of the work, as the insurance company will guarantee it.
Cons of using a pre-approved contractor:
- Not have much choice or flexibility in terms of the contractor, the materials, or the design of the repairs.
- Wait longer for the repairs to be done, as the contractor may have a busy schedule or a backlog of work.
Criteria for Choosing a Professional Contractor:
Experience: Look for such a professional who has experience in burglary damage repair and who can handle the type and extent of the damage in your home.
Reputation: Choose the one who has a good reputation and who can provide you with references, testimonials, or reviews from previous customers.
Credentials: Choose a contractor who has the necessary licenses, certifications, and insurance to operate in your area and to comply with local regulations.
Price: Select a contractor who can offer you a reasonable and transparent estimate of the cost of the repairs, including the labor, the materials, and the overheads.
One of the contractors that we recommend for burglary damage repair is Patriot Locksmith. Patriot Locksmith is a licensed, bonded, and insured company that specializes in replacing or repairing locks, windows, doors, and security systems. They have over years of experience in the industry, and they offer fast, friendly, and affordable service.
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The Benefits of Professional Repair Specialists
As you can see, hiring a professional repair specialist to fix the damage caused by burglary is not only a smart decision but also a beneficial one. Here are some of the benefits of hiring a professional repair specialist:
Save Money and Time:
A professional repair specialist can do the job faster, better, and cheaper than you can. They can also handle any complications or challenges that may arise during the project. They can also save you from any potential liability or legal issues that may result from doing the repairs yourself.
Restore Original Condition:
A professional repair specialist can use high-quality materials and techniques to repair or replace any damaged or missing parts of your home. They can also improve the appearance and functionality of your home. They can do this by adding new features or upgrades that suit your preferences and needs.
Increase the Value and Security:
A professional repair specialist can help you increase the market value and the curb appeal of your home by making it look more attractive and well-maintained. They can also help you increase the security and safety of your home by installing or upgrading your locks, windows, doors, and security systems.
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How to Prevent Future Burglaries and Enhance Home Security?
After you have repaired the damage caused by the burglary, you may want to prevent future burglaries and enhance your home security. This is important because burglars tend to target homes that are easy to access, that have valuables inside, and that have low visibility or security. By taking some preventive measures, you can make your home less attractive and more secure for potential intruders.
Methods to Prevent Burglars Damage:
Occupancy: To see if the house is vacant, burglars look for signs of activity – such as odd-hour lights, noisy dogs, or piled-up mail. A deserted home is an attractive prospect for them.
Wealth: Displaying flashy items like luxury cars in the driveway or expensive electronics through the windows can attract burglars who are looking for valuable loot. These possessions can make the home a target.
Vulnerability: Burglars are drawn to homes that have weak security features. Doors that are easy to break, windows that are reachable, or locks that are outdated all indicate a simple entry.
Methods to improve home security:
Method 1:
Don’t let your home look empty, even if you are away. You can use timers, sensors, or smart devices to turn on and off lights, TVs, or radios. You can also ask a neighbor, a friend, or a family member to check on your home, collect your mail, or park their car in your driveway.
Method 2:
Hide your valuables, or better yet, store them in a safe or secure location. You can also use curtains, blinds, or shades to block the view of your windows. You can also engrave or mark your valuables with your name or a serial number so that they can be identified or traced if they are stolen.
Method 3:
Strengthen your doors, windows, and locks. You can use solid wood or metal doors, reinforced glass or shatterproof windows, and deadbolt or smart locks. You can also use door and window alarms, bars, or grilles to prevent or alert you of any unauthorized entry.
Method 4:
Install and use a home security system. You can use a combination of alarms, cameras, and sensors to monitor and protect your home. One should also use a professional monitoring service or a mobile app to receive alerts and notifications of any suspicious activity. You can also display signs or stickers that indicate that you have a security system, as this may deter some burglars.
Another way to prevent future burglaries and enhance your home security is to hire a professional repair specialist. Because a professional repair specialist is a person who can help you with the installation and maintenance of your security system. As we mentioned before, one of the companies that we recommend is Patriot Locksmith. They can provide you with a customized and comprehensive security solution that suits your needs and budget.
Video Guidance:
Here is a video guidance for you to understand how to deal with burglary damage repairs:
Conclusion
In conclusion, dealing with a burglary is a stressful experience, but by following these steps and prioritizing your safety and security, you can restore your home and peace of mind. Burglary damage repairs are not something you want to deal with. But they are necessary to restore the security and safety of your home or business. Whether you need to replace broken locks, windows, doors, or frames. You should act fast and hire a professional service that can handle the job efficiently and effectively.
One such service is Patriot Locksmith, a trusted and reliable company that offers 24/7 emergency assistance, high-quality products, and affordable prices. Patriot Locksmith can help you with any type of burglary damage repairs, from minor fixes to major overhauls. They also provide free estimates, warranties, and customer satisfaction guarantees. Don’t let a burglary ruin your peace of mind, contact Patriot Locksmith today and let them take care of your burglary damage repairs. You can also their website at www.patriotlocksmithks.com in case of any query.