Maintaining security in your home is critical for your peace of mind--especially if you're thinking about traveling this spring. Without proper security, your home could be vulnerable to damage or invasion by unwanted intruders in your absence. There are a variety of ways that you can make small renovations that will improve your home's security. Making these improvements can improve your home's resale value or potentially reduce your insurance costs.
There are a variety of ways that you can make small renovations that will improve your home's security. Making these improvements can improve your home's resale value or potentially reduce your insurance costs.
Change Your Landscaping
Your landscaping plays a big role in your home's overall security. For example, if there are large shrubs and bushes near your front or back doors, burglars and thieves will have a perfect place to hide while trying to gain access to your home. Removing these shrubs can help keep your home secure.
In addition, some homeowners install large shrubs around the perimeter of their property to make their home difficult to watch from a distance, which can make it difficult to "case" a house. This can have downsides, however, by making it impossible for neighbors to see if someone is breaking in.
Often, the best landscaping is that which provides no hiding place at all. Small shrubs and perennial plants make your property beautiful without actually making opportunities for burglars.
Install Security Screen Doors and Windows
Security screen doors and windows that are impervious to karate kicks, battering rams and knife cuts are becoming more common. These doors and windows allow air flow into the home and have all the benefits of normal screens. However, they're much tougher and much more able to resist damage. In fact, a properly installed security screen door or window may be as strong as solid door and window counterparts.
Install The Right Lighting
Lighting plays a critical role in your ability to deter intruders from your home. People who cannot be seen can gain access more easily to your property. There are many different types of lighting that can be helpful for boosting your security.
- Outdoor lights with motion sensors. Motion-activated lights will light up your property in the event that someone approaches your home. For legitimate visitors, this type of lighting can help keep your guests safe while on your property in the dark. For unwanted visitors, this feature can prevent anyone from approaching your home unseen.
- Landscape lights. Landscape lights may not be designed for security purposes, but they can still prevent people from approaching your property at night.
- Indoor lights on timers. Indoor lights placed on timers can create the appearance that someone is at home when in fact no one is. This definitely prevents breaking and entering problems.
Change Your Locks
If your home doesn't have a dead bolt on all exterior doors, it could be vulnerable. Your door should have a dead bolt with a 1-inch long dead bolt and 3-inch long mounting screws, according to consumer reports. If your home doesn't have such a lock, it could be vulnerable. Dead bolts are relatively inexpensive, but they need to be installed by a qualified contractor to ensure that they work properly.
For more information about how you can protect your home and boost your security this spring, talk to Litchfield Builders. We'll be happy to help you install your dead bolt, make your landscaping changes, update your screen doors and lighting, and make other recommendations to improve your home's security.
