Everyone wants a safe and secure home. This is why home security is such a great investment, both for your family and your home’s future owners. If you’re interested in adding security to your home but don’t know where to start, our guide will help.
Why Invest in Home Security?
Safety for your own family is a great reason to install home security, but it’s not the only one. Eighty-six percent of Millennial homebuyers and 65 percent of Baby Boomers will spend more on housing with smart technology, and safety and security features are a top priority.
Contrary to popular belief, home security is also affordable. Realty Times reports that the average homeowner invests $1,040 or less on their home security system, a cost that’s offset by homeowners insurance savings of up to 20 percent.
Proactive vs. Reactive Home Security
Home security comes in two forms: proactive and reactive. The most secure homes have both. Reactive security is what we usually think of when discussing home security: Alarms that go off when an intruder enters your home, but that don’t prevent break-ins. Proactive security, on the other hand, is what stops intruders from entering your property in the first place.
Reactive Security: Home Security Systems
Today’s homeowners have more options for home security systems. Homeowners can choose between professionally installed and monitored systems, self-monitored security cameras, and anything in between. For a primer on the most popular systems available today, read PC Mag’s overview of features and prices. If security is a priority, skip camera-only security options, and choose a system that uses sensors to detect when doors and windows are opened.
Home security systems can be self-monitored or monitored by a third-party service. Unless you can guarantee that you’ll always be available to see and respond to an alert, third-party monitoring is best. Homeowners who like the hands-on aspect of self-monitoring can choose a system that pairs a smartphone app with a monitoring service.
The more complex a security system, the more likely you’ll need professional installation. However, even systems that boast easy DIY installation benefit from professional service, as configuration and router compatibility issues make self-installation frustrating for homeowners. The cost for this service varies, and while it isn’t negligible, it’s worth the assurance that your security system works as it should.
Proactive Security: Landscape and Home Design
Technology isn’t the only way to add home security. Landscape features like exterior lighting, fences, and hedges limit access to your property so it’s harder for an intruder to sneak in unseen. Working with an experienced landscape designer to improve your home’s security is a wise investment because these pros know what types of plants to use and where to place them for maximum protection.
It’s important that landscape plants are pruned and placed away from doors and windows; otherwise, they provide a convenient hiding place for intruders. If you do place plants under windows, opt for greenery with built-in security features like barbs and thorns. Fences should be high enough that they’re difficult to climb over, but short enough that a person can be seen from the street or sidewalk. Also, a steel door provides added security over a wooden one, while casement windows and impact-resistant glass prevent window break-ins without reducing fire safety.
Proactive Security: Smart Home Technology
Smart home technology has revolutionized home security. These are some of the smart devices that can help prevent a break-in:
- Smart locks: Smart locks offer convenience, but they also make a home safer. With the ability to set access schedules, issue temporary entry codes, and change keypad codes at will, there’s no need to hide a spare key under the doormat or change the locks when you accidentally lose your keys.
- Smart doorbells: You’ll always know who is at the door when you have a smart doorbell, regardless of whether you’re home. Video doorbells with audio are a great way to dissuade criminals looking for empty homes. You can purchase one on Amazon for under $100.
- Smart lights: Smart lighting is another way to give the appearance that someone is home. By changing which lights are on throughout the day, you can make your home look occupied when you’re away.
Whether you’re thinking about selling or want to make improvements to the home you plan on living in for the long haul, home security is a great call. Unlike other big home improvement projects, home security isn’t all or nothing. You can add one or two security features or go all in, but either way, you benefit.
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