Buying a new home for the first time can be one of life's greatest pleasures. There's no better feeling than signing on the dotted line after spending countless hours searching through listing after listing, and visiting what feels like hundreds of homes before finding that perfect one. While there are plenty of articles already out there that give good advice on what things to look at before taking the plunge, in this article, we're going to take a slightly different approach.
Today, we're going to focus on home security for new home buyers. This is an important topic because, as your real estate agent will tell you, a home is often the biggest purchase you'll ever make. Not only that, but it's also where you and your family will likely spend the majority of your time. So, it's important to make sure that your new home is as secure as possible. Here are just a few of the suggestions we've made to our clients over the twenty-odd years we've worked as one of the best home security companies in Western Massachusetts.
First, let's start with the foundations, things that every homeowner should do regardless of whether they invest in a home security system or not.
Secure Every Entranceway
Every home has multiple ways for a burglar to get inside. There are obvious ones like doors and windows but don't forget about pet doors, garage doors, and even crawl spaces and vents. Any of these can be used to gain entry into your home if they're not properly secured.
The best way to secure your entrances is to make sure that all doors and windows are locked when you're not home. This may seem like a no-brainer, but you'd be surprised how many people leave their doors and windows unlocked when they go out. If you have young children in the home, it's also a good idea to install childproof locks on all of your doors and windows. This will not only deter burglars but will also prevent curious little ones from wandering out of the house and getting lost.
Another good idea is to install deadbolts on all of your exterior doors. Deadbolts are one of the most effective ways to deter burglars because they're very difficult to pick. Finally, if you have a pet door, make sure that it's equipped with a flap that can only be opened from the inside. This will prevent burglars from using your pet door to gain entry into your home.
Reinforce Your Front Door
Despite all the entranceways we mentioned earlier, the front door is still the most used method by burglars to enter the house. Spending a little time and money upgrading your literal first line of defense will go a long way in keeping your house secure. Here's how to do it.
The first step is to make sure that your door is made of solid wood or metal. Hollow core doors are much easier to kick in, so it's important to have a solid door if you want your home to be secure. Next, take a look at your door frame. If it's made of wood, make sure that it's in good condition and not rotted or warped. If it is, then it needs to be replaced. A metal door frame is much more difficult to break through, but if you have a wood frame, there are reinforcing plates that you can install to make it more resistant to kicks and other impacts.
The next thing you need to do is to take a look at your door hinges. The screws that hold them in place should be at least three inches long and they should be installed into the studs in your wall, not just the drywall. This will make it much more difficult for burglars to simply kick in your door. Finally, if you have a glass door, it's important to make sure that it's impact resistant. If it isn't, then you should consider replacing it with a safer option.
Security Tip
If you want to take your front door security to the next level without spending a fortune then a deadbolt and strike plate combo is the way to go. This will make it much more difficult for burglars to break into your home, even if they do manage to kick in the door.
Secure All Windows
So let's assume that you've secured the front door with a few of the ideas we've shared earlier. Logically, the next most obvious option for a burglar to consider would be the windows. Most modern houses have a ton of glass windows to maximize the amount of light coming in. While this is ideal from a design standpoint, it does pose a significant threat from a security point of view. Here's how you can secure all the windows in the house.
The first thing you need to do is to check all of the locks on your windows. Make sure that they're in good working condition and that they're properly secured. If you have any windows that don't have locks, then you should install them as soon as possible. Next, be sure to install blinds that block views of the house inside from any outside vantage point. One of the first things burglars do when deciding which house to rob is to spend time observing and watching. If they see a house that has a lot of valuables inside, rest assured, they're going to be very keen on getting in.
Another good idea is to install window bars or grilles. These will make it much more difficult for burglars to break the glass and gain entry into your home. They can be a bit of an eyesore, but they're worth it if they deter even one burglar. But, for the sake of argument, let's say you don't want the eyesore, then the only option is to install shatterproof glass and glass break sensors. This will make it difficult for burglars to break the glass and even if they do, the sensors will immediately notify the authorities.
Finally, if you have any ground floor windows, it's a good idea to install sensor lights around them. These will come on automatically if someone approaches the window, which will deter burglars and also give you an advanced warning if someone is trying to break into your home.
Monitor Exterior Spaces
From your driveway to your backyard and walkways around the house, there are plenty of places that thieves can lay in wait or hide and observe. This is why it's important to take measures to secure all of these areas. Here are some ideas that you can use to do just that.
The first thing you need to do is to install motion sensor lights around the perimeter of your property. These will come on automatically if someone walks by, which will give you a heads up that someone is there. If you want to take it a step further, you can also install security cameras that will allow you to monitor these areas at all times. Another good idea is to trim any bushes or trees that are around your property. This will give you a clear line of sight to any potential intruders and it will also make it more difficult for them to hide.
You should also consider installing a fence around your property. This will give you an extra layer of security and it will also make it more difficult for burglars to simply walk up to your house. Finally, if you have a garage, be sure to keep the door closed at all times. This will deter burglars from trying to break in and it will also give you an extra layer of protection for your car.
With the basics covered, let's quickly look at the most important thing any new homeowner can do to keep the castle secure.
Install a Home Security System
A home security system is the best way to protect your home and belongings. There are a variety of different systems available on the market, so it's important to do your research and find one that suits your needs.
The most important thing to look for in a home security system is a good security camera setup. While there are plenty of things to consider for home security cameras as well as what a home security system should ideally cost, the best thing you can do is dive in and get to the bottom of things. Speak to a trusted home security company and they'll walk you through the entire process so you're able to make the best decision to keep your home safe.
Other things to look for in a good home security system are battery backup and 24/7 monitoring. 24/7 monitoring means that even if you're not home, there will be someone keeping an eye on your property. Battery backup is important because, in case of a power outage, your system won't offline in the middle of a break-in.
Security Tip
You can opt for a system that has a loud siren. This will scare off intruders and it will also alert your neighbors that something is happening.
Conclusion
These are just a few of the things you need to do to keep your new home safe and secure. By following these tips, you can rest assured knowing that your home is well protected. If you have any questions or concerns, be sure to speak with a professional home security company. They will be able to help you find the best system for your needs and they can also provide you with additional tips on how to keep your home safe.