Starting a new life in your home is a big reflection of progress and independence, however, with buying a home comes the responsibility of ensuring it—there's nothing more important than properly safeguarding what we value. As a first-time homeowner, you should always make sure that your home is safe for you and your family. The sad fact is that a burglar may identify your house as new occupants are frequently unaware of security risks.
Home Security can be quite a daunting task for every one of us, and that is why at East London Locksmith, we care about you. This is why below, we have rounded up 10 tips to secure your first home. These 15 steps will help you sleep easier at night integrally securing your home and grounds—everything from making certain the locks are up to snuff, to neighborhood watch.
So let us read further here about how you can secure your home and make it a place of comfort.
There is no telling who could still have access to your home when you move in. Previous owners, contractors, or even estate agents may still have spare keys. This way you can be certain that nobody has access to your locks right now so make sure they are replaced with high-quality ones. East London Locksmith suggests using British Standard locks that are proven to be durable and secure. For the safety of your home, do not leave it to chance — start with a blank slate.
While not always the first thought, windows are a common entry point for intruders and can be easily neglected. Ensure all your windows, especially those close to the ground, have working locks. Upgrade your locks to modern, secure options. To make things even more secure, fit sash jammers or restrictors. You can deter them by fortifying your windows, closing one of the easiest paths for burglars to enter
A home security system does not simply deter crime; it provides peace of mind. Modern systems have a variety of features including battery backup, motion sensors and cameras, notifications on mobile devices, etc. A simple system can greatly decrease the chance of a break-in. These systems when installed are not typically in conjunction with our locksmith services, however, we can guide you as to which type would suit your home security best.
Your doors are your first line of defense, so make them as secure as you possibly can. Burglars look for weak hinges, old locks, or hollow doors. Add deadbolts, improve your strike plates should they not be safe, and contemplate a door chain or peephole if you want them. These work well for main entry points and keep you very secure. East London Locksmith can help you choose the most appropriate hardware to strengthen your doors.
Garage door: While it is often neglected from home life, at the same time, can give immediate access to your property or valuables. Make sure that your garage door has a sturdy lock, or put an extra lock on side doors or windows. If your garage is attached to the house, make sure the door connecting them is just as secure as your entryways.
One of the best deterrents against intruders is a well-lit exterior. Installing motion-activated lights around entry points, pathways, and darker corners of your property creates an unappealing environment for a burglar. To limit your utility costs but still keep your property well-lit and secure, consider using energy-efficient LED lights or solar-powered lighting options.
When it comes to securing your home, no one can be greater than your neighbors. Establishing relationships with people living close by fosters a sense of community and watchfulness. You are more likely to be familiar with them and therefore they will be more inclined towards identifying suspicious activity and reporting it. Secondly, neighbors can provide important information about the area and exercise potential security issues.
Make sure your garden and outbuildings are not easy pickings for thieves. Put a padlock on that shed, bolt those fences shut, and think about adding padlocks too. Remove tools and ladders (which can be used to gain access to your property) from plain sight. From motion-sensor lights to cameras, these are also a great addition to your outdoor areas.
Hiding a spare key beneath the doormat or within the planting pot is simply an open invitation to burglars. Or use a combination lock box to keep the key safe. Or simply have a friend or family member hold on to your spare key. You minimize the most important risk to your home security by not leaving a spare key lying around.
An expert security audit exposes weaknesses that may otherwise go unnoticed. East London Locksmith provides bespoke recommendations on how to configure your own home for optimal defense. Inspections of current locks combined with suggestions for upgrades are just a few methods our team uses to ensure nothing can get past your security systems. This is a case where a little bit of expert advice upfront will pay dividends of peace of mind for the long term.
A new home is your sanctuary, an environment that should never be compromised. And, you can make your home a safe and welcoming place for you and your family with these 10 tips! Our team at East London Locksmith offers lock replacement, security assessments, and expert advice to meet your individual needs. Decide today and do something to safeguard your home for outside cash as well!