Be honest, home safety is a topic that’s probably not at the forefront of your mind as you begin your custom home build or renovation. When you undertake a project to redefine the look and feel of your house, safety and protection are the last things you’re going to worry about. It’s so much more fun to focus on the design details, layout and features and fixtures in your new spaces.
But, keeping safety in mind BEFORE you start the reno or build is important. Your early decisions will impact your family, and some things are easier to address in the construction stage than they are to add after your project is complete. Whether you’re leaving your home for the day as you head off to work or school or planning a tropical vacation in the cold winter months that will take you away for several weeks, incorporating a few ideas, tools and technologies into your build can make sure your property and belongings remain safe and secure.
Lock Up
Always make sure doors are locked (both front and back) even for short trips to the grocery store.
Install and use your deadbolt. This may seem obvious, but it’s important to use a deadbolt on entryway doors when locking up for the night or leaving the house. It’s a preventative measure against thieves and it’ll give you that extra bit of security.
Landscape & Lighting
Dark corners and tall bushes offer the perfect spots for thieves to hide, so it’s important to make sure your house is clear of them. Consider your landscaping choices to minimize the presence of overgrown shrubs and trees near windows and doors. Add a motion activated light in your backyard and near sheds to prevent dark corners from being targeted. In the front yard, consider solar lighting for long pathways or entrance areas near your home.
While You’re Away
Hire a house sitter. If you’re heading out of town, hire someone to stay in your home to keep it occupied and reduce the risk of theft. If you can’t find a house sitter, ask a friend or family member to stop by and pick up mail or turn the lights on and off to keep the house looking active and to deter potential break and enters. If you can’t find someone to stop by, having home automation tools in place can help you to make the home look lived in even if you’re gone for days, weeks or months at a time. Smart bulbs can be turned on and off with an app, and smart curtains can be lifted and lowered using the same technology. Home automation is easy to install and a cost effective way to keep your home and belongings safer.
Windows
If you’ll be replacing windows during your home renovation, add window stops. These inexpensive and handy devices keep your windows from being opened more than six inches, leaving plenty of space for ventilation but making it more difficult for a thief to break in. Reinforced glass and window alarms are other smart solutions that can help to keep your home safer while you’re away.
Home Security System
Finally, install a home automation/security system. These systems are easy to use and help you remember to lock and close garage doors and other entries to your home. Plus, they often incorporate a keyless entry system which keeps you from forgetting or losing your keys.
While thinking about potential home break-ins is stressful and unpleasant, it’s also important to recognize the risks to your home and come up with a plan to keep your doors and windows secure from threats. All of these items are simple to implement and will ease your anxiety when you head out of town or away for the weekend.
Is there anything we missed from this list? How do you keep your home secure?