Home Security You Can Budget For

An electronic security system provides added safety for homes, but the installation and monthly costs aren’t something every homeowner can budget for.

In this article, we’ll talk about some more affordable options folks can use to improve security in and around the home. It shouldn’t have to cost a fortune to protect yourself and your family.

Affordable Home Security Tips

Add exterior lighting
The blazing glare of a floodlight flicking on in the middle of the night should be enough to keep anyone from trespassing further onto your property. Exterior illumination, whether motion activated or manually controlled, is a great way to protect your home from the outside. It provides an extra barrier of security and is easily customizable. Exterior lighting also adds curb appeal and can increase the value of your home.

Talk to Mister Quik about professional lighting design and installation for your individual needs.

Landscape
Don’t give a would-be bad guy a place to hide. Make sure bushes and other plants are properly pruned and trimmed around your home, especially near vulnerable areas like windows and doors. The same goes for tree limbs that might provide nimble crooks access to balconies and other second-story openings.

Keep valuables out of sight
Speaking of windows, make sure that valuables like TVs and computers can’t easily be seen from the outside. Thieves may not want to steal what they cannot see. If you can’t move high-end items, then cover your windows with curtains or blinds.

Secure the garage
Most of us just have too much stuff stored in our garage. So an open garage door is an invitation to anyone to come have a look. Bikes, tools and other loose items are easy to take. Few of us lock our cars when they’re parked in the garage, and these become just as vulnerable to theft, too.

Know your neighbors
You don’t have to be best friends with the family next door, but being friendly can help when you’re not at home. Keep your neighbors up to date on your schedule and if you plan on being gone for an extended amount of time, and they will have a better idea when something looks suspicious. Be sure to extend the same courtesy to them as well.

Change the locks
Whether your new home is brand new or previously owned, it’s probably a good idea to change the locks. The easiest way to break into a house is by already having the key or passcode. Also consider swapping locks or codes if you lose your keys or end a relationship.

Ask for proof
If a repairman, salesperson or other professional wants to come inside your home, ask to see their credentials before inviting them in. Tell them to hold their identification up to an entry window or slide it under the door, or call their office to verify. It’s okay to be cautious, and any true service professional won’t mind the scrutiny.

Adopt a dog
Dogs don’t have to be vicious to be great guardians of your family and home. Larger breeds can be intimidating, but anything that barks may be enough to deter an intruder from trying to break in. Obedience training can be very beneficial for dogs and their owners.

Think like a thief
Go ahead – put yourself in a burglar’s shoes. Walk around your property and give everything a thorough inspection. Are their blind spots? Windows unlocked? External wiring exposed? Is the spare key under the welcome mat? Find vulnerable areas and fix them now to deter anyone from gaining access down the road.

More Home Security Questions?

The folks at Mister Quik want everyone who relies on our company to be safe, day and night. Give us a call to learn more about how some of our services have the added benefit of adding to your home security.

Always trust your gut. If something doesn’t look or feel right, chances are it isn’t. Call 911 if you feel like your safety is at risk.