Finding affordable home security can be a stressful matter to deal with. So many home protection options either overcharge for their installment or overcharge for further monthly services to maintain your security. Despite wanting to keep your home as safe as possible, no one wants to spend thousands of dollars on a system that may or may not ever be used. There are plenty of choices that are simple, sensible, and easily maintainable that work just as well, if not better, than some of the more popular, expensive options. Here are our top five favorite low-cost home security ideas.
Effective and Affordable Home Security:
1. Is Anybody Home?
When it comes to affordable home security, this is perhaps one of the most common things that you’ll hear when talking about simple home security measures. People are far less likely to break in when they believe someone is in the house. This includes keeping rooms with windows facing the street well lit and even leaving things like the TV on or music playing so that any burglar looking for a non-confrontational break in will be deferred. This is a great option for when you’re out of the house for a short amount of time so that your electric bill doesn’t go up too much.
2. Sealing Entry Points
Take a good look at your home and determine what the most vulnerable points of your home are. Other than obvious areas like the front door, take note of the condition of your windows and garage door. Aside from sealing your windows and making sure they are always locked, but many people suggest intentional landscaping that may perform as an obstacle for them to climb over. An example of this would be a thorn bush, cacti, or native Arizona succulents like the Mescal Ceniza. Garage doors are also a huge problem because burglars can use coat hangers to grab the pull cords to unlock them from outside. Consider knotting up your pull cord or installing a keypad lock that will provide better home protection.
3. Installing Cameras
Home surveillance systems are great for multiple reasons, one main reason being is that they are intimidating to those looking to break in. Security cameras themselves are not very expensive (especially if you look into surveillance domes) and they come with the option of digital or physical recording that can be used in case of any crimes that occur at your house. The placement of surveillance cameras is crucial and the only extra expense you’ll have is buying a weather-proof case for it.
4. Smartphone Security Apps
This aspect of affordable home security pairs with the security cameras as more and more home protection apps are becoming popular for smartphone users. Some of these apps are free and can connect to your already-existing home security system that will allow you to monitor what’s being currently filmed. Other extensions will let you control certain locks, lights, and other appliances from your house if you are feeling anxious about someone breaking in. Many of these reliable apps range from free to $5 in price, so it’s quite a steal!
5. Alternative Locks
Plenty of doors are easy to break into, which is why a great backyard door option are sliding glass doors. Placing an object such as a sturdy cable, metal wire, or the end of a broomstick can easily stop intruders from sneaking in through the back. Another mentionable thing is that the locks on your front door are typically very weak and unreliable against experienced burglars, which is why it’s wise to buy a deadbolt lock. It’s said that “a cheap deadbolt lock is as good as an expensive one”, and is sure to keep your home safer.
The First Step to a Safer Home
There are countless options out there that will increase home protection and decrease the risk of having your home being broken into and robbed. If you treasure your belongings and your family’s safety, you should definitely look into these home security options. Professionals at Fix My House have experience in helping others bulk up their home’s protection and can provide many preventative services to make your appliances and landscaping more defensive. Working together, we can keep burglars from ever taking a single step into your house.