5 essential home security tips

Home security is an important aspect of home ownership. Most would go to any lengths to safeguard the wellbeing of family members and treasured belongings. Home security doesn’t have to mean living in constant fear of intruders or spending a fortune on high-tech solutions. It can simply be another part of your routine as a homeowner, just like paying your bills or mowing the lawn.

If you would like to take steps to improve your home’s security, here are five essential tips to get you started. Use these suggestions to keep your home and loved ones safe and sound.

Safeguard doors and windows

Entryways are the most vulnerable point in your home, so they make sense as the starting point for security improvements. Intruders often look for easy opportunities when targeting a residence. Boosting your home’s security can be as simple as making sure that doors and windows are locked when not in use, removing any potential temptation.

For added peace of mind, upgraded security doors installed in steel doorframes are extremely resistant to outside attacks. Basic sensors (available at most home improvement stores) that alert you when a door or window has been opened will also improve awareness of your home’s entryways and serve as a reminder to close doors and windows when not in use.

Upgraded locks

In addition to the doors themselves, upgrading your door locks can greatly increase your home’s overall level of security. Choose a deadbolt lock for the best results on exterior doors and be sure that all door hinges are hidden (i.e., installed so the pin is inside the structure) and constructed of tamper-resistant steel. High security locks will resist picking attacks and should keep all but the most determined intruders at bay. Install multiple locks for even more security.

Install flood lights

Many burglars and intruders prefer to work under the cover of darkness. Motion-activated flood lights installed outside of your home may be enough to scare off any unwanted nighttime visitors. Place flood lights in high-traffic areas in both the front and rear of your home. It is unlikely that an intruder will stick around with floodlights making their every move as clear as day.

Secure your garage

The garage door is an often overlooked entry-point for homeowners considering their home security. In reality, a garage door is as vulnerable as your front door or windows—if not more so. Try to lock your garage door whenever possible. Most garage doors are equipped with a simple sliding lock that secures the door to the track. Also, be sure that any vehicles parked on the street do not contain a garage door opener. Like other doors and windows, remember to keep your garage door closed when not actively in use.

Programmable lights

Making your home look occupied even when no one is inside will help deter intruders. Keeping lights on a simple timer to turn on throughout the day or night can help create the illusion that the home is occupied while you are away at work or on vacation. New smart lights that connect directly to smartphone apps provide the freedom to turn lights on and off on demand. With a light on in the house, it’s highly unlikely that a would-be robber would choose your home.

There are many simple steps you can take to improve your home’s security, providing valuable peace of mind for you and your family. Peace of mind also comes from prudent financial planning and control over your home finances. If you have questions about how much a monthly mortgage payment might cost, how much home you can afford, and more, our useful home finance calculators can help you plan for your future. Find these and other free financial tools here.