If you’re thinking about building a new home, you’ve got a lot to think about. Will you side your home with brick, wood, vinyl, stone, or stucco? What will the design be like? What types of flooring and tile will you choose? All these questions are important, but they may not be the most crucial considerations.
Considering that millions of dollars in property damage and loss resulting from burglary and theft are reported each year, keeping your home safe is an important consideration as you plan and go forward with the building process.
Here are 5 easy ways to build a safer home:
Install a security system
The best security choice you can make when the building is to install a home security system. Installing a home security system during the building process is easier than retrofitting one later. The system can also keep your property protected during the move-in process, during which you might be slowly moving items into your new home while you’re still living in your old one.
When considering security systems for the home, there are various options available, from the very basic to the high-tech. Bigger is not always better, and picking a system on the basis of price alone is no guarantee that it will be appropriate. The determining factor should be what will best suit the property and the specific needs of the homeowner and other family members. Overall, the most suitable system should offer reassurance and peace of mind at an affordable cost.
Put in sturdier doors.
Solid doors with quality locks, including heavy-duty deadbolts, are harder to kick in or pick up. Most burglars are looking for an easy steal and won’t bother with homes that require a considerable amount of effort.
Install motion-activated lighting
Motion-activated lighting eliminates burglars’ hiding spots and can often give off the appearance that someone is home and has turned the lights on after detecting them.
Consider including a gated fence.
Although this addition can be a bit more costly than the others, it may be a good idea to fence your property if you can afford to do so. Fence properties are perceived as tougher targets, and burglars may avoid targeting your home if they know that the homeowner is making a concerted effort to protect it.
Install security cameras
Having security cameras can help you detect when someone is trying to break into your home. But more importantly, it can provide hard evidence of break-ins. The footage can be used to help prosecute perpetrators who damage or try to take your property.
Combination systems
Home security is about the safety of family members, and this means protection from other hazards besides burglary. For this reason, some systems have options for integrated monitors to detect carbon monoxide or smoke and built-in sprinklers in case of fire. It makes sense to consider the benefits of these protective systems alongside requirements for deterring trespassers.
Reputable providers of home security systems will undertake a risk assessment of a property and discuss requirements with the homeowner before proceeding with the installation of a new system. There should be a valid contract and warranty, plus owners should receive instructions and a manual on how to operate the system. It is a good idea to ask for testimonials or references and to check with local police and fire departments if the system is to be linked to their services, as they may impose fines for false alarms.
If you consider home security when you’re building, you won’t have to worry about retrofitting, renovating, or adding components later. More importantly, you, your property, and your family will be safer sooner.
