In this day and age, it’s more important than ever to take precautions to keep your home and family safe from harm’s way. If you’re thinking about remodeling your home, why not consider renovating with a few extra safety features in mind? Take a look at these 5 renovations that can help keep your home secure.
DOORS:
Did you know that most home invaders walk right through the front door? When renovating, purchasing a new door or lock system is one of the most effective ways to prevent intruders. If you want to buy a brand new door, make sure you select one with a peephole. While it may seem like a small detail, a peephole keeps you from having to open the door to any strangers.
DEAD LOCKS:
should be installed on your doors as spring latch locks are easy to jimmy open with simple tools.
WINDOWS:
Large windows on the ground floor are easy targets for burglars as are windows close to doors. If you’re planning a home addition or a large scale remodel, consider placing windows high on the wall and away from doors. When purchasing new windows, avoid tempered or thin glass windows. Double and triple pane windows are much harder to break through. You could also opt for laminated glass which is also very durable and resistant to cracking. Make sure you install locks on your windows, as it’s easier for a criminal to simply open the window rather than break it.
FLOOR PLAN:
When planning the floor plan for your renovation, keep safety in mind. It’s best to keep all of the bedrooms on the second floor. Should your house get broken into during the night, you’ll be as far from the invader as possible. If you don’t have a second story, bedrooms should be kept towards the back of the home off a hallway of a single entry point. Landscaping You may not think that landscaping has a lot to do with home security, but a smart landscaping scheme can help protect your home.
TREES:
should be kept away from windows. While it may seem to provide privacy, it also conceals your view of the outside. Trees near windows are also convenient places for home invaders to duck behind. You may also want to install a tall fence that circles your property to ward off intruders. Lastly, outdoor lighting can deter criminals, so plan on having a well-lit landscape and install motion activated lights. Security System A security system is the smartest way to protect your home and family against burglars. When installing, be sure to conceal any wiring as criminals will snip the wires to disable the system. This article was written by Erie Construction.