How to Remodel Your Home with Security in Mind

Guest Blogger #282, Entry #810, December 2, 2011

When it comes time to do some upgrades around the house, you probably have a lot of cosmetic changes in mind.  You may want new cabinets and countertops in the kitchen, some built-in shelves in the living room and office, a whole new master bath with a dual sinks, stone tile, and a Jacuzzi tub, and recycled hardwood floors throughout.  You might even want to repurpose unused storage space in the basement to create a game room or home theater.  But if you haven’t considered installing a security system to protect your newly remodeled home, you may want to reevaluate your plan.  The safety of your house (which is not only your home, but also your biggest asset) should be your first thought when you choose to renovate.

Design your home with security in mind

But what if you don’t have the first idea about the type of security you might need?  In truth, there are many options at varying levels of cost and effectiveness.  But before you choose, there are a few things you’ll need to consider.  First, you should assess the area you live in.  Is the crime rate on the rise or is you house in a fairly respectable area (or even a gated community)?  Do you have anything in your home that people might want to break in and steal (precious gems, notable art, etc.)?  Are you particularly worried about the safety of your family and you’re looking for peace of mind?  The answers to these questions could help you determine the type of security you’re looking for.

Lower cost security options

Of course, it would also help if you knew what your options were.  You probably already have locks on your doors, but an easy step that many homeowners take is to install a deadbolt.  Locks on the windows couldn’t hurt, either.  And if you don’t have a peep-hole in your front door you should probably see about getting one installed.  Another inexpensive fix that should discourage home invaders is a security lighting system.  You simply install motion sensor lights around the perimeter of your house that come on whenever movement is detected within a certain range.  You can even get solar-powered versions of these lights.

Heavy-duty security options

However, you may want something a little more heavy-duty.  You could start by installing tall fencing with a locked gate.  This will give you some privacy as well as safety (and it’s a good idea if you have a pool that you’d like to keep neighborhood kids out of).  This can be a fairly pricy undertaking, though, and it may not effectively keep intruders out.  You might also consider surveillance cameras, but these are also quite expensive and require monitoring by an actual person (your security guard?).  Okay, so cameras, guards, and electric fences are out of the question for most people.  This is where an alarm system comes in, and most are affordable, effective, and easy to install.

Improve the security of your home

Whether you choose Brinks, Honeywell, or ADT alarms, you’ll get a system that will warn your family of a break-in as well as alerting the authorities to your distress.  For the money, this could be the best option to ensure that your expensive new upgrades (not to mention your loved ones) are as safe and secure as possible.

For more home safety tips on Stagetecture, click here.