Spring is here and the urge to make your home safer is upon you. With more people out and about and the risk of crime rising, the last thing you want is to leave your home vulnerable to intruders. You do not have to resort to making complete renovations to your property to achieve the safety you desire. Here are some ways you can improve your home’s security.
Install a Burglar Alarm
Did you know that burglar alarms are great theft and crime deterrents? They can decrease home invasions by up to 70 percent. Before you get one installed, make sure you check your local ordinances just in case you need to get a permit first.
Add Outdoor Lighting
Homes that lack sufficient lighting tend to attract more criminal activity than those that have it. You don’t need to make your home the brightest gem on the block, you just need to add more lighting so that there is more visibility. You need to be able to see what’s going on around the perimeter of your home. Take a good assessment of your home’s exterior. Ask yourself if there are any areas where you feel that additional lighting is necessary.
Next, you should start thinking about the kind of outdoor fixtures you like. There are so many designs and styles of lighting fixtures to choose from that you may feel a little overwhelmed looking at them. Don’t forget the reason why you’re shopping for outdoor lights. You want to make your home safe. Security is a primary concern, style and design should be secondary ones.
Upgrade Windows and Doors
Make sure your windows and doors are strong and secure. If they haven’t been replaced in several years or the trimming looks as if it is weak, damaged or outdated, you should start exploring your options for replacement. You should look for windows that are energy efficient. If you are replacing basement windows, you may want to consider egress or security block windows.
For the doors, you should consider investing in hardwoods. They may cost more than regular doors, but they are more secure and can be enhanced with paint and stains to make them more appealing for your home. While you’re upgrading your doors and windows to make your home safer, don’t forget to upgrade your locks. All locks are not created equally.
Some locks may look like they’re capable of securing your home because they have some type of complexity to them. But you don’t necessarily need to purchase fancy locks that may be too complicated for you to operate. Instead, you should look for deadbolts. Every door that serves as an entrance in and out of your home should be equipped with a deadbolt. You can always add it in addition to any other locks that are on your doors
Inspect and Upgrade Electrical Wiring
Since you’re upgrading your property with a new alarm system and some outdoor lighting, it’s necessary for you to inspect and upgrade the electrical wiring. You need to make sure that all current wiring is in good condition so that you don’t have to worry about electrical fires. You should also have your local electrician update your home’s electrical wiring so that it is can safely accommodate the changes and improvements you’re making to improve your home’s safety.
When it comes to your home, there are plenty of accessories you can purchase to make it safe. However, if there are home repair issues that have been neglected, you should take care of them so you don’t overlook any security issues that could impact your home’s safety. For more electrical advice on how to make your home safer, contact Gervais Electric.