When we think of home improvements to our house, we often think of luxury items such as granite countertops, hardwood floors, whirlpool bathtubs, steam showers, and maybe even hot tubs and swimming pools. All these things can be wonderful, but it's important to take a practical stance and consider the safety of our family and our belongings too.
That's why home security should be a part of any home improvements you do, especially if you haven't done anything in that arena since you moved into the house.
Many police departments recommend installing a home security system (AKA burglar alarm), and you can even get discounts from home insurance companies when you install a reliable system.
A full-fledged monitored home security system can be an expensive investment--but unlike hot tubs and swimming pools--this one will make you safer in your home. And when you are out of town or away from home, you can relax knowing your house is unlikely to be burglarized (thieves are just as lazy as the next person and will look for easy targets over homes that obviously have strong security).
There are several websites on the Internet that deal with home security and home security systems, and reading through their articles can help you decide how much to spend and whether you want a monitored system with all the bells and whistles or something more conservative (AKA less expensive).
If you decide that a whole-house alarm is a bit cost prohibitive for the time being, you can make a few smart security home improvements that will go along ways in making your home a less likely target (without spending thousands of dollars).
Examples include new doors, new locks, and common sense around the house and yard.
Doors
How sturdy is your front door? Your back door? Garage door? The door leading from the garage to the house (if you have an attached unit)?
If you've got hollow core doors, these can be easily kicked down. It's a smart home security investment to install solid wood or fiberglass doors. If you like the look, you may even consider metal.
Also, be wary of windows in or adjacent to doors, as the glass can be broken, making it a simple matter for a burglar to stick his arm in and unlock the door from within. If you do have windows by the doors, you may want to have the regular glass replaced with security glass.
Locks
Unless you bought your house new, someone lived there before. If you haven't had your locked changed since you moved in, consider this a security risk. You have no idea how many copies of your house key might be out there. All it takes is one unscrupulous former owner or visitor to threaten your home's security. Replacing the locks is inexpensive and not time consuming.
Install deadbolt locks as well as regular locks (you can get them keyed so the same key opens both).
Common Sense
When it comes to home security, the importance of common sense cannot be underrated. You can install the best burglar alarm in the nation, but if you don't enable it before you leave, then it does no good. If you regularly leave your doors unlocked, you are inviting crimes of opportunity.
When securing your home, don't forget windows as well. Even upper floor windows should be locked.
Also, make sure you don't leave lawn and garden tools around the yard or in an unlocked shed where a burglar could easily get to them. Items such as ladders, hammers, and shovels can be used to gain entrance to often unlocked upper story windows or to break into lower story windows.
As you can see, there are a number of things to consider when it comes to home security, but it is worth it. This is one home improvement that will create safety and security for your family.
That's why home security should be a part of any home improvements you do, especially if you haven't done anything in that arena since you moved into the house.
Many police departments recommend installing a home security system (AKA burglar alarm), and you can even get discounts from home insurance companies when you install a reliable system.
A full-fledged monitored home security system can be an expensive investment--but unlike hot tubs and swimming pools--this one will make you safer in your home. And when you are out of town or away from home, you can relax knowing your house is unlikely to be burglarized (thieves are just as lazy as the next person and will look for easy targets over homes that obviously have strong security).
There are several websites on the Internet that deal with home security and home security systems, and reading through their articles can help you decide how much to spend and whether you want a monitored system with all the bells and whistles or something more conservative (AKA less expensive).
If you decide that a whole-house alarm is a bit cost prohibitive for the time being, you can make a few smart security home improvements that will go along ways in making your home a less likely target (without spending thousands of dollars).
Examples include new doors, new locks, and common sense around the house and yard.
Doors
How sturdy is your front door? Your back door? Garage door? The door leading from the garage to the house (if you have an attached unit)?
If you've got hollow core doors, these can be easily kicked down. It's a smart home security investment to install solid wood or fiberglass doors. If you like the look, you may even consider metal.
Also, be wary of windows in or adjacent to doors, as the glass can be broken, making it a simple matter for a burglar to stick his arm in and unlock the door from within. If you do have windows by the doors, you may want to have the regular glass replaced with security glass.
Locks
Unless you bought your house new, someone lived there before. If you haven't had your locked changed since you moved in, consider this a security risk. You have no idea how many copies of your house key might be out there. All it takes is one unscrupulous former owner or visitor to threaten your home's security. Replacing the locks is inexpensive and not time consuming.
Install deadbolt locks as well as regular locks (you can get them keyed so the same key opens both).
Common Sense
When it comes to home security, the importance of common sense cannot be underrated. You can install the best burglar alarm in the nation, but if you don't enable it before you leave, then it does no good. If you regularly leave your doors unlocked, you are inviting crimes of opportunity.
When securing your home, don't forget windows as well. Even upper floor windows should be locked.
Also, make sure you don't leave lawn and garden tools around the yard or in an unlocked shed where a burglar could easily get to them. Items such as ladders, hammers, and shovels can be used to gain entrance to often unlocked upper story windows or to break into lower story windows.
As you can see, there are a number of things to consider when it comes to home security, but it is worth it. This is one home improvement that will create safety and security for your family.
The author maintains a site on home security and has written several articles on home security alarm systems.
