The security of your home should always be a top priority regardless of the size of your budget. The good news is that even on a smaller budget, it’s still possible to keep your home and valuables secure.
Deterring potential burglars is the first step to making your home more secure and you don’t need a state-of-the-art security system to do it either.
At Quickly Locksmith, we have worked with a variety of security budgets, so here are our top tips.
Tips to Make Your Home More Secure on a Budget
1. Evaluate and Upgrade Your Locks.
When last did you check the locks of your external doors? Are any of them damaged or in poor condition? If so, this could leave your home vulnerable. Upgrading and replacing your locks doesn’t need to be a costly exercise, especially when you have us to advise you. There is a wide selection of locks available for every budget.
2. Add an Alarm to Doors and Windows.
A burglar wants to enter and leave your home with as little noise as possible, which is where door and window alarms really come in handy. These inexpensive alarms use a magnetic contact strip. The minute the magnetic strip breaks because a door or window has been opened, an alarm sounds, alerting you to a break-in. These alarms are universal too, which means they work on any window or door. There is also a delay feature, which gives you enough time to deactivate the alarm when you arrive home.
3. Think Twice About Where You Hide Spare Keys.
All too often, homeowners place their spare keys in obvious places such as under a doormat or in a pot plant close to the door. This is exactly what an opportunistic burglar is hoping for. Spare keys are essential but be more strategic about where you hide them. One option is to purchase a creative key hider that looks like an everyday object in your garden. The other option is to leave your spare key with a trustworthy neighbor who you can contact in the event of an emergency.
4. Reinforce Doors and Windows.
What is the state of your doors and windows? Are they still structurally sound? If not, you could be giving criminals an easy way into your home. With just a bit of force, an intruder could easily break a door or window to gain access to your home. Any damaged doors and windows should be replaced as soon as possible.
Then there are other ways you can reinforce entryways – deadbolt locks being one of the more popular choices. These solid locks make it next to impossible to break down a door. These locks also can’t be picked, making your doors even more secure. If you have any sliding doors, consider installing an auxiliary foot lock. Both these options are inexpensive and an easy way to make your home more secure on a budget.
5. Get Rid of Potential Hiding Places.
If your garden has a number of shrubs and trees, make sure these are trimmed regularly. Shrubs and overgrown plants are the ideal hiding spot for intruders. Luckily, keeping your garden clean and clear is something you can do yourself, so it won’t cost you anything.
6. Consider Installing Outdoor Lighting.
Along with minimal noise, intruders like to stick to the shadows. Motion sensor and time-activated lighting is an ideal way to deter potential burglars. Plus, because there is a wide selection of lighting options available, you are bound to find something that fits in with your budget. It’s also recommended that you put a few of your indoor lights on a timer if you plan to head out of town. This way, it will always look like there is someone at home.
7. Secure Your Garage.
If you have a garage, particularly one that is connected to your home, make sure it’s secure. All windows and doors should be kept locked. You can also add strip alarms and strike plates to any interleading doors, minimizing the chance that an intruder can access your home via your garage. Again, this smaller hardware doesn’t cost a fortune and goes a long way in protecting you and your valuables. Lastly, if your garage has an access code panel, never enter the code around people you don’t know. You should also change this code on a regular basis, just in case.
Securing Your Home on a Budget Is Possible
With these tips, you can create a more secure space for you and your loved ones to come home to. It’s highly recommended that you contact us to arrange a residential security audit so that we can help you identify any security weak spots. After a security audit, we can also assist you with product recommendations and help you better plan for security upgrades now and in the future.
If you would prefer to perform your own security audit, this checklist will help.
