Protecting Your Mountain Home: Smart Ways to Manage Contractors and Keep Your Property Safe

When you hire a contractor to work on your mountain home — especially if it’s a second home or vacation property — you’re trusting them with your investment, your timeline, and your peace of mind.

But even the “nice” or friendly contractor can take advantage of that trust. It happens more often than most homeowners think. As the saying goes, “familiarity breeds contempt.” Over time, contractors who feel too comfortable may start cutting corners, skipping communication, or even accessing your property without your knowledge.

Use Technology to Protect Your Home

Whether you’re living in your mountain home or managing it remotely, modern technology offers several practical ways to protect yourself and maintain control:

• Install CCTV or smart security cameras (like Ring or Nest): These systems allow you to monitor who is coming and going in real time. You’ll have clear records of when workers arrive, leave, and if anyone enters during off-hours.

• Use smart locks and smart door systems: With smart locks, you can control and monitor access to your home from anywhere. You can create unique codes for each contractor or sub, and change them immediately when needed.

• Secure your tools and materials: Use locked storage areas or jobsite lock boxes that have changeable codes. Never leave expensive tools or materials accessible without oversight.

Consider a Property Manager with Project Management Skills

If you don’t live in the mountains full-time, it can be even harder to keep tabs on what’s really happening. A reliable property manager with a background in project management can serve as your on-site advocate and proxy.

A qualified manager can:

• Oversee daily contractor activities.

• Hold contractors and subs accountable for schedules and work quality.

• Provide regular updates and document progress.

• Manage budget, materials, and security on your behalf.

Hiring someone with actual project management experience (not just a “caretaker”) ensures they understand schedules, contracts, and quality control — protecting your investment and reducing stress.

Set Clear Boundaries and Expectations

Even with tech and help in place, remember: You set the rules.

• Require advance notice before anyone enters your home.

• Define working hours and access windows clearly in your contract.

• Specify who can be on your property, and under what conditions.

Don’t Assume Familiarity Means Safety

It’s easy to let your guard down when someone seems friendly or claims to “know the area.” But protecting your mountain home means staying proactive, not reactive.

At Park County Construction, we believe every homeowner deserves transparency, security, and full control of their project — no matter where they live.