When shopping for a new home, every buyer comes up with their must-haves. They stress about the number of beds and bathrooms, the size of the yard, and access to good schools. But many overlook a key component of what gives us peace of mind in our new castle: security.
Home security is a large part of what transforms a simple house into a home. It’s that safe, comfortable feeling that we all need and, frankly, deserve. But that feeling doesn’t happen magically. Around 1 in 201 houses in Los Angeles see break-ins annually, and other areas have even more. To overcome the odds, you need to understand just how safe your future home will be.
Here are six key security tips to assess safety as you check out potential new homes.
1. Check the doors. According to one recent survey, a lot of burglars enter right through the front door, so as you approach your prospective home, take a look at that main entry point. Is it hardwood or reinforced? Does it have a quality, commercial-grade deadbolt on it? Does the front porch offer cover for package deliveries? It’s okay if the answer is “no” to a couple of these questions—you just might need to consider a doorbell camera or set of smart locks to monitor visitor comings and goings once you move in.
2. Examine first-floor windows. Another popular means of ingress is through a first-floor window, so examine those too. Tall shrubs near the house are good places for a thief to crouch, for instance, and older windows with malfunctioning (or nonexistent) locks can also pose a security hazard, so be on the lookout for those issues.
3. Don’t discount location. Does the house back up to the woods? Does the neighborhood feel lived in? Are there tall privacy fences or dense plants along the street that could provide cover for a would-be thief? It’s critical to honestly assess the area surrounding a home, because that’s one element of security you won’t be able to change.
4. Inspect the yard for coverage. Walk around the perimeter. Are there dark corners and alcoves that look like a burglar’s best friend? If there are a few concerning areas, look to see if there are motion-detecting lights installed to help eliminate those hiding spots—there’s nothing like an unexpected floodlight popping on to make a thief turn tail and run. These lights also make life easier for you. No more fiddling around in the dark trying to find the right key or the first step to the porch.
5. Look into local security providers and DIY options. Some newer homes come with security systems preinstalled. If there isn’t one, you have the option to bring in the pros or go the DIY route. Professional security companies will do all the work for you and offer active monitoring for extra security, but these systems tend to be more expensive, and you’ll have to set up an appointment for installation. Providers are also area-dependent, so if you have a company in mind, verify whether they’ll be able to serve your new home.
DIY systems are nice because you can tailor the system exactly to your needs and budget. The downside is that you’re doing all the research, buying, and installation yourself.
6. Consider how space will affect post move-in upgrades and expenses. A bigger house means more space to secure. And depending on what the home needs—enrollment in professional security monitoring, upgrades for outdoor lighting, replacements for exterior doors, new door locks, or a host of other changes—you could end up with a steep bill for a sizeable property. So be realistic about how much you’ll need to add to the home once the sale is final.
Security isn’t the most fun aspect to consider when you’re house hunting, but the returns will be well worth it. Security measures can make you feel safer, and they can also make your home more attractive to future buyers, increase resale value, and even score you discounts on your homeowner’s insurance. So look through the closets and check out the kitchens, but keep security in mind. With a little planning, your new home can be the safest place for you, your family, and your most prized possessions.
