With home burglaries on the rise, it’s imperative to protect your home and family. But it’s not just about the protection of material belongings, it’s also about being able to relax and have peace of mind. The last thing anyone would want is to constantly worry about break-ins and safety hazards.
Investing in a home security system can be costly, especially if you’re aiming at top-quality gear, but it doesn’t have to be so. If you’re on a tight budget, it may seem like an impossible mission to upgrade your security, but don’t despair. A DIY home security system is a viable option and here are some ideas how to do it.
Doors
The first and the most obvious step should be your doors. It’s a common misconception that most burglaries happen overnight, so it’s advisable to keep your doors locked even during the day. Also, don’t forget to check your back door, garage door, and sliding doors.
The most common way in which houses are broken into is by kicking in the doors, so upgrading them with a heavy-duty deadbolt will prevent that. You can also go for a smart deadbolt which is connected to the police and it immediately informs them if there is an attempted break-in.
If your budget allows it, consider installing a smart lock system which gives you a great deal of control over who can enter your home.
Windows
Another step to take in improving your home security is reinforcing your windows with locks, including the ones above ground level. Adding a wooden dowel in the window track is an inexpensive but useful protection, as well as replacing the existing small half-inch screws with stronger 3.5-inch ones.
Again, if you can stretch your budget a bit more, replace your window panes with thicker glass and you can even install window sensors that will alert you in case of a break-in.
Maintain your backyard
One trick that often works is putting up an alarm security sign. Upon seeing it, burglars might decide against risking to set off “the alarm”. Besides that, it’s a good idea to be tidy and responsible when it comes to maintaining your yard. Check out your yard one more time after you’ve finished working just to be sure that everything is closed and put away. You wouldn’t want to make it any easier for the burglars by leaving your ladders, tools, shovels or trimming scissors at their disposal. Store it all neatly back in the shed and lock the shed up.
If you lock yourself out of your home often, you might be tempted to hide a spare key outside of your home, but that’s the best way to have your home broken into. Those hiding places are quite predictable and easy to find. If your budget can’t cover a smart lock system, consider having a seasoned 24-hour emergency locksmith on your speed dial. They’ll not only respond quickly to your emergency lockout, but they can help you even more by installing additional locks on your fencing to keep you safe.
Lighting
Well-lit homes are usually avoided by burglars, especially the ones that seem occupied. Installing motion sensors outside and smart lighting inside will cover both of these aspects. Motion sensors can be positioned so that they register movement in hard-to-reach areas of your yard and put the burglars in the spotlight. Smart lighting, on the other hand, can be programmed to turn on and off thus making it seem that the homeowners are in.
By increasing the level of your home security, you also increase your own peace of mind, and that has no price. Good planning and research are the best guarantees of a successful project, so you can make the best decision for your home and family. It will also prevent you from overstepping your budget while still upgrading your home protection.
Author: Lillian Connors
