How to Secure Your Home Without Breaking the Bank

How to Secure Your Home Without Breaking the Bank

Your home is probably one of the most important things in your life. It represents the things and people you love, and you’ve probably decorated it to reflect your personality. To a burglar, it just looks like a structure full of valuable things to steal and enjoy or sell. However, it’s possible to keep your residence safe from unauthorized occupants and not drain your bank account at the same time.

Check Your House for Easy Entrance Points

Many people don’t realize they nearly give thieves free tickets to get inside their homes because they haven’t ensured the residence is free from characteristics that make getting inside very straightforward. For example, if you live in a two-story home and regularly leave a ladder nearby, a burglar might see it and use that item to climb up and start working on opening the window.

Speaking of windows, if your home has older versions that swing open widely, it’s a good idea to invest in types that are more modern. It’s usually only possible to pry those open from the outside about an inch, so that won’t be good enough to let someone get inside.

Also, if the entrances into your home do not have deadbolts, think strongly about installing them. Otherwise, thieves — especially experienced ones — will be potentially able to pick the locks quickly and get inside to see what’s available to take.

Consider that better windows could boost the value of your home and reduce energy bills, while deadbolts keep you safer for years. Also, taking care of a visible ladder just involves adding about 50 pounds of weight to the base so people who are up to no good can’t speedily drag it to the best spot for access. Therefore, even if you’re hesitant to spend money on these improvements, they’re worthwhile, especially when you adopt a long-term viewpoint.

Find Out About Home Security Options

One common way people waste money on home security systems is by purchasing the first setups they find without gaining awareness of other things that exist. In order to get the highest amount of value from a potential home security system, start by becoming familiar with some of the industry terminology. For example, an unmonitored system sounds an alarm but doesn’t notify the authorities immediately. However, like the name suggests, human representatives oversee a monitored system. They can contact the police even if you are not home.

You may also want to explore smart home security systems. Features vary based on the kind selected, but they’re generally cost effective and easy to install. Most connect to a smartphone so you take control of keeping an eye on your house whether you’re on site or not. It’s also sometimes possible to do things like turn on the lights from a distance, which could be useful if you want to give the impression the house is occupied when you’re on vacation but forgot to leave lights on before departing. There are also many options for Bluetooth tracking devices that help you track your things.

Do In-Depth Research About the Possibilities

In the same way, people often waste money because they’re not up to date about the kinds of security systems available to purchase, they might get lower returns on investments by acting hastily and buying systems without knowing if they are reliable options or feature the most-wanted capabilities. Before finalizing your decision, spend time reading a good home security blog. The information found there will include helpful details about average installation times, user-friendly perks, and overall effectiveness.

If you know people who have recently gotten home security systems installed, let them know you’re trying to protect your home while saving money and see if they’re willing to have conversations with you about the pros and cons of the technology they chose.

Also, consider that some major home security specialists may have special deals for new customers. Always go on the respective websites or contact representatives from those companies over the phone and inquire about the best deals available for people in your situation. Some of those bargains may be offered on a seasonal basis, such as if a particular provider is anticipating that individuals may want to secure their homes at the start of a year, and advertises a New Year’s promotion.

As you can see from these tips, it’s not difficult to keep your home secure while sticking to a modest budget. Good luck!