Arizona home builders are facing tighter margins as material and labor costs rise and the housing market shows signs of cooling. With fewer buyers and higher expenses, builders can't afford mistakes that drive up costs—yet many are losing thousands due to poor job site security and neglected equipment maintenance.

Emergency repairs and theft-related losses are draining budgets. Routine maintenance, which can cost under $20,000 annually per piece of equipment, is often overlooked—resulting in emergency expenses that can soar into the hundreds of thousands. Meanwhile, sites lacking proper security measures are more vulnerable to theft and vandalism, adding further financial strain.

No Security Plan, No Research — Big Losses

Builders commonly conduct in-depth market research before choosing a location, but many don’t apply the same diligence when it comes to security planning.

“You have to understand the area you are building in,” said Wayne Funk, Owner of Bellago Homes in Mesa. “If you are building in an area with a higher rate of theft and vandalism, you will need to take that into account.”

Failing to assess crime data or consult with local law enforcement can leave job sites exposed. Areas with low crime might get by with minimal protection, but high-theft neighborhoods require more robust solutions.

“I have seen many builders lose money to job site theft because they did not invest in the physical security needed to protect their sites,” said Bill Herzog, President of Lionheart Security Services in Tempe. “If you are building in areas where theft is high, you need to have security guards on site at night, locked-down fencing around the perimeter, and construction site cameras.”

Technology Matters: Eyes, Ears, and Fast Communication

Effective job site security relies on being able to monitor key areas and communicate threats quickly. Technology plays a crucial role here.

Jason Fischbeck, Owner of Automated Environments in Mesa, emphasized the value of surveillance. “Cameras on a construction site are the only recorded visual evidence that can show someone actively damaging or stealing from your job site,” he said. “Every job site should have them because they are the best chance a builder has at catching a criminal in the act.”

Herzog added that security cameras should cover homes under construction, stored materials, and all job site vehicles.

But visibility isn’t enough—quick communication is equally important. Stewart McClintic, Owner of HQ98.com, a Scottsdale-based two-way radio supplier, said that instant communication tools are vital.

“Instant communication is how your security team can quickly communicate potential trespassing and property crimes,” McClintic said. “When one member of your security team detects an issue, they can instantly communicate with the other team member, who can then contact the police.”

McClintic also noted that two-way radios are essential for keeping guards safe by allowing them to report incidents without confronting intruders directly.

Neglecting Equipment Leads to High Repair Costs

In addition to security oversights, poor equipment maintenance is another area where builders are losing money. Construction vehicles are major investments—failing to maintain them results in both high repair costs and lost time due to project delays.

“Builders often neglect routine maintenance and fail to maintain their trucks properly. Add the extreme heat and dust in Arizona, and you have a recipe for expensive repairs,” said Sara VanFleet, Owner of DB Trucks in Glendale. “Builders are driving their trucks until the transmission is dead and wondering why repairs are so expensive.”

Routine maintenance per vehicle ranges between $2,500 and $6,000 annually—much cheaper than emergency repairs or replacements. Builders who delay maintenance are often left with downtime and huge bills that could have been avoided.

Bottom Line: Control What You Can

With many aspects of construction costs out of a builder’s control, it’s essential to manage the areas they can control—like job site security and equipment maintenance. Creating a security plan, using the right technology, hiring qualified security teams, and taking care of your vehicles are basic steps that can save builders substantial money in the long run.

Originally reported by Max Lancaster in AZ Big Media.