Burglary Damage Repair

Before we start repairs, we document everything for your insurance claim. Photos of the damaged door, frame, locks, and surrounding area. Notes on what damage we found and what repairs we performed. This documentation saves you time when filing claims and provides the detail insurers require.

We assess whether the break-in method revealed security weaknesses you should address. If your door was kicked in, the frame probably had short screws in the strike plate - almost universal in Austin homes. If the lock was picked or bumped, your lock grade may be inadequate. If a window was broken to reach the door lock, you need reinforced glass or a double-cylinder deadbolt.

Police reports are your responsibility, but we coordinate with officers if they're still on scene when we arrive. We've worked enough break-in calls that we know what APD needs and what information helps your case.

After documenting, we discuss repair options with you. Minimum repair gets you secured tonight. Enhanced repair addresses the vulnerabilities that allowed the break-in. Full security upgrade transforms your home's protection. We present options at all levels - you decide based on budget and peace of mind.

Door frame damage is the most common break-in consequence. Kicked doors split the soft wood around strike plates, sometimes destroying the entire jamb. Quick repair involves reinforcing the damaged area with steel plates and longer screws. Complete repair means replacing the damaged jamb section with new lumber. Either way, we install reinforced strike plates with 3-inch screws that anchor into wall studs, not just the door frame.

Lock replacement depends on what failed and what you want going forward. At minimum, we replace whatever was destroyed with equivalent hardware. For most customers, we recommend upgrading at least one grade - if you had a Grade 3 deadbolt that failed, a Grade 2 replacement provides meaningfully better security.

Security upgrades beyond the damaged entry make sense for many customers. After a break-in, you're acutely aware of how vulnerable you were. Upgrading all exterior doors, adding deadbolts where none existed, installing reinforced strike plates throughout - these measures reduce the chance of repeat victimization. Burglars sometimes return to previously-hit homes because they know the layout.

High-security locks like Medeco or Mul-T-Lock offer pick-proof, bump-proof protection that standard hardware can't match. For families who want maximum security after a traumatic event, these represent the top tier of residential protection.

Once your home is secured, you'll have decisions to make about permanent repairs and security improvements. We can return during business hours to complete any work that wasn't feasible during the emergency call. Door frame replacement, comprehensive security upgrades, and detailed cosmetic work all go smoother when scheduled rather than rushed at midnight.

Insurance claims for break-in damage typically cover lock and frame repairs as part of the incident. Keep our receipt and documentation - we provide detailed invoices that satisfy insurance requirements. Many policies also cover security upgrades following a break-in, so ask your agent about coverage for enhanced hardware.

If you want a complete security assessment after the break-in, we offer that service. We evaluate every entry point, every lock, every potential vulnerability - and provide a prioritized list of improvements. Some customers want comprehensive upgrades immediately. Others prefer to address issues over time as budget allows. Either approach is valid.

The emotional recovery from a break-in takes longer than the physical repairs. Know that it's normal to feel unsettled for weeks afterward. The security improvements we provide aren't just practical - they help restore your sense of control and safety in your own home.