Building Security

[Account Closed]

Looking for any thoughts, suggestions, ideas to secure vacant property. 

Anyone used Dawgs before? How is their pricing and do they really prevent theft/damage?

[Rashad Nelson]

Hi.  I've used them before - very good service (fast and responsive).  Although they're headquartered in Chicago, they have local crews in the major inner cities all over the central and northeast (Detroit, Philly, Baltimore, DC, etc.).  Areas where there's a massive inventory of vacant and boarded up houses.

Pro - Cost is decent.  For (8) windows and (2) doors, they quoted me $700 for a (3) month rental and roughly $1,000 for a (6) month rental (includes installation and final removal of all guards).  Not bad in my estimation.  Cost will vary due to number of windows and doors.  

Pro - Great Security.  Very good option if you have a property in a known warzone or area known for high rates of theft.  If you put these on your property, absolutely no one is getting in.  Provides great peace of mind.  

Con - Although the guards have clearance holes in them to allow contractors to work while they're installed, they will become a hindrance to contractors looking to replace doors / windows and work with drywall.  DAWGS can remove and reinstall guards if needed, but typically at a cost of $200 or more per request.  If doing a renovation, be sure to coordinate with your GC on timing to install / remove, etc (or if even needed).

I would use them only if you're greatly concerned about theft in your area.  My properties are in Baltimore City, where war zones are literally one or two blocks over where I have work done, due to pockets of development from private investors like myself.  If not a war zone, then lights, a SimpliSafe system, and a radio playing some light music should do well as a deterrent.  I hope this helps, :-).  

I used their window and door guards for a rental property in Baltimore.  For (8) windows and (2) doors, they charge roughly $700 for a (3) month rental period and about a $1,000 for a (6) month rental period.  

If your property is in a war zone and you're seriously concerned about theft and break-ins, especially after doing a fresh renovation, they're a good option.  ghts, a SimpliSafe alarm system, and a music player should be a good deterrent.