How To Secure Your Home On A Budget: 6 Important Tips

Home security is a hot topic these days. With the increase in home burglaries and break-ins, it’s more important than ever to make sure you’re taking all the right precautions as a homeowner. That doesn’t mean you need to spend tens of thousands of dollars on an elaborate system; there are plenty of ways that you can beef up your home’s security without breaking your budget. In this blog post we will discuss 6 tips for securing your home on a budget:

Always Lock Doors And Windows Before Heading Out 

If you’ll be gone for a while but won’t be back for a few days, secure your home. Even if you live in an apartment building where the maintenance workers have access keys or pass passcodes, it is always best practice to keep doors locked when nobody is there. You should also make sure that all of your windows are closed and locked. If you have window screens or shutters, it is a good idea to put them up as well. Many beautiful window treatments may not only be used as décor but also help to enhance your protection. If you are planning to be away for several days, it is smart to hire a house sitter who can stay at your place and keep an eye on things.

You may also want to ask friends or family members if they would like the chance to get out of town if they know that you will not be home for a while. This way, you can have someone at home watching your place.

Get Smart By Installing Motion Sensor Lighting

One of the best ways to deter burglars from targeting your home is by installing motion sensor lighting. They are very easy to install and can be done with a couple of tools or even no tools at all if you buy solar-powered outdoor lights. Motion-activated security lights will come on whenever someone walks near them, so they work as a deterrent because the potential burglar will think someone is home.

You can also buy motion sensor lights that come with a built-in camera, so you may be able to get footage of anyone who comes onto your property and tries to break in or steal something. One thing to keep in mind when installing any type of outdoor light on your house: They should be placed high up on the exterior walls or even higher since burglars do not want to risk getting caught.

Install Locks With High-Quality Hardware

If you have a sliding glass door or any other type of window that is near the ground, it may be susceptible to being broken into. Even if your neighborhood has been crime-free in years past, there are always burglars who will take advantage of weaker home security measures and target certain homes for breaking.

Make sure that all of your windows and doors have the best locks possible. It only takes a few seconds for someone to pry open an unlocked window, so if you want to protect your home, do not take any risks with low-quality hardware.

You may also want to consider investing in security bars that can be placed over certain types of glass that may shatter. These types of bars are very strong and will not break under any circumstances.

When Sharing Information About Your House Online, Be Cautious

If you are planning on selling your home shortly, make sure that you do not post pictures of it online. Even if your posts will only be shared with friends and family members via social media channels like Facebook or Twitter, there is always a chance that someone can get access to them by hacking into an account.

Additionally, think about what information you are sharing online. If your home’s address is listed on the real estate listing website that you use, burglars can find it and attempt to break into the house before potential buyers have a chance to tour it themselves.

Don’t Be Afraid To Ask For Help From Your Neighbors

One of the best things you can do to make your house less vulnerable is by asking for help from neighbors. Even if they are not home, let them know when you will be away and ask them to keep an eye out for your place during that time. Since most burglars work quickly, having eyes in the neighborhood who may notice something suspicious can help you be one step ahead of them.

Don’t forget to provide your neighbors with a key so that they have access to the house in case something happens while it is vacant. This way, if any fires or other emergencies are occurring at home, someone will already have a spare set of keys and may be able to secure what is inside.

Make Sure Your Property Is Well-Lit

If you have a large property, it may be difficult for neighbors or passersby to see what is going on in the yard. If this is the case with your home, make sure that all of your windows and doors are well-lit so potential burglars do not target you without being noticed. Lighting does not need to be expensive, either.  Make sure all of your windows are covered with curtains during the night so people cannot peek inside. 

If you have valuables that are kept in your house, do not leave them out where they can easily be seen.

These are just a few tips to help you make your home more secure, even if you don’t have much money available for expensive security systems or other types of deterrents like dogs and alarm systems. Just be smart about what you do, and always think ahead so that no one can take advantage of the fact that your house will likely be an easier target than most.