Moving into a new home is exciting but there’s a lot to consider, and we’re not just talking about unpacking. In fact, there are several safety concerns that every new homeowner should be aware of. Here are some of the most important things to consider doing:
If you have moved into a new home that does not have a security system, then definitely consider installing one. With break-ins on the rise, it’s better to be safe than sorry. Either call a professional with a good reputation or consider buying a system and do it yourself. There are many DIYs on the market, and both can connect to emergency services.
If you are taking your old security system with you, consider that some service providers will charge a moving fee. Ask ahead of time so there are no surprises once you’ve moved in. Also ask if there are any new automation features and upgrade before installing into your new home.
If you are moving into a home that already has a security system installed, then the question is do you activate, upgrade, or replace it. Depending on the age of the system, it might be worth it to replace the whole thing. If it’s a new to fairly new system, it’s easier to activate and upgrade with the latest features.
Security systems do not automatically include security cameras. If yours doesn’t, then either ask for them with the company you’ve chosen to install your security system or look into buying and installing them separately. Security cameras act as a strong deterrent in keeping away any activities of theft, vandalism, or break-ins. They are also great recovery tools in the event that you have been broken into or have had an intruder on your property. The cost of security cameras has come down in recent years and the peace of mind they give you is priceless. Most cameras even come with an app to download on your cell phone so you can monitor your own property 24/7. Another thing to consider is the power source you are using for your cameras. Anticipate the need for a battery backup if your power goes off due to a storm or accident.
Door locks are a vital factor for improving the safety of your home. While you get the keys to your new home at the closing, you can't know how many copies of the keys the previous owners had made and how many might still be floating around. That's why it's important to have the locks changed out as soon as possible. Moving costs can be high and perhaps changing all the locks isn’t feasible right away. Another option is to have them all rekeyed. Rekeying your locks is almost always cheaper than replacing them. This is because of the cheaper price of the key pins inside the locks, whereas when you replace a lock, you are paying for all brand-new parts.
Don’t forget to check all entry points to your new home. Go around the whole house and make sure that all locks work and hinges are secure in every door. Remember to check the garage door and that it can’t be lifted manually if there is an entry door inside that leads into your home. Also check to be sure that all windows lock securely, especially the basement and ground floors ones, as these are the easiest for intruders to break into. For extra safety, have your security company install door and window alarms, so that you know when they’ve been opened.
Moving into a new home is the perfect time to introduce a little home automation into your life. If you aren’t familiar with the term, home automation is the automatic monitoring and control of electronic devices like appliances, lighting, entertainment systems, climate, and security systems in your home. These devices are connected through the wifi in your home which allows them to be controlled remotely. With home automation, devices can trigger one another so you don’t have to control them manually via an app or voice assistant. For example, you can put your lights on schedules so that they turn off when you normally go to sleep, or you can have your thermostat turn the A/C up about an hour before you return from work, so you don’t have to return to a stuffy house. Home automation makes life more convenient and can even save you money on heating, cooling, and electricity bills. Home automation can also lead to greater safety with devices like security cameras and systems. The future is here, and home automation is definitely part of it.
Illuminating the exterior of your home doesn’t only add to its curb appeal, it also increases its security. The most convenient, affordable, and most successful form of home security is proper landscape lighting. An outdoor lighting system can also help to prevent different kinds of intruders like unwanted wildlife. The best outdoor lighting fixtures for safety are:
Flood Lights – Powerful, wide-angled light fixtures are arguably the most popular form of security lights. Better known as a floodlight, it is a simple way of illuminating a large space with a single fixture.
With today’s technology, motion-sensing floodlights are available. This offers peace of mind to homeowners knowing their lights are ready to immediately respond to a disturbance even if the homeowner is not.
Path & Area Lights - Light fixtures with 360-degrees of illumination are helpful in a number of situations. Also described as omnidirectional, these lights are ideal for illuminating pathways and entry/exit points.
Path and area lights offer a more subtle method of lighting up large spaces by creating multiple pools of light. Fixtures with decorative designs and even ones with decorative light outputs are also offered to create a visually appealing design which also helps to create ambiance.
Downlights - Somewhat overlooked but, still highly useful, downlights mounted on elevated surfaces can also increase security. While increasing security by providing area light from above, downlights also provide an elegant moonlighting effect around a home/property. Essentially, downlights can offer a more natural-looking form of a security lighting system.
Getting to know your neighbors comes with a wide range of benefits. Not only can it make living in an area more enjoyable and fulfilling, but it can also enhance the safety of you and your family. When you know your neighbours, you will be more inclined to look out for their property and they will do the same for you. If they have lived in the neighbourhood longer than you have, they will notice if something seems out of the norm, whereas you are new to the area and might not see it as a potential threat. Many neighbors have thwarted thieves because they were keeping an eye on their friend’s property. Good neighbours also don’t mind watching over your house while you’re on vacation or working long hours at the office. They might even get your mail and water your flowers. So, take the time to get to know the people that live all around you, you never know when you are going to need them!
No one knows a home and the area better than the listing agent, so gives a call today and we’ll have you safe and secure in your new home in no time!
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