Concerned About Home Security? What To Look For When Buying A Home

Karin Carr, REALTOR®
Published on October 4, 2022

You have chosen the ideal house for your family. It is wonderfully adorned to reflect your style and is stocked with all of your belongings.

Then, the unimaginable occurs. Someone breaks into your house.

You’re not alone, after all. In actuality, the FBI estimates that a burglary occurs every 25.7 seconds, or about 3,300 each day. Less than 40% of households have functional security systems, and one in 36 individuals can expect to have their property broken into.

You can take steps to safeguard your home, family, and possessions from burglars.

A home alarm system can frequently keep a potential burglar away from your house. Without anyone noticing, they are hunting for a house that is accessible.

Most burglars claimed they would leave right away whenever a security alarm went off, according to a KTVB survey of convicted burglars, and most believed that video surveillance was a deterrent.

When house hunting, seek basic security features

Home surveillance systems are only one part of home security. Basic home security consists of certain common-sense methods that make your home a more difficult target for criminals. When looking at houses, keep the following home security guidelines in mind:

  1. All exterior doors, including garage doors, should have deadbolts. Professionals advise buying a lock that satisfies  American National Standards Institute (ANSI) grade 1 criteria.
  2. Exterior and garage doors should be 1 3/4 inches thick.
  3. At least two-and-a-half to three-inch-long hinge screws should be used to secure doors to frames.
  4. Doorways should be well-illuminated.
  5. Solid wood or steel should be used to reinforce outside doors.
  6. Fire-removable window security bars should be utilized.
  7. The street should be able to see the front door.
  8. Hedge trimming should extend below the window sills.
  9. Ensure all window locks work.

Everything you need to know about home security systems

There are many different types and price ranges for home security systems. When security alarms sound or when questionable activity is seen on security cameras, the most complex systems notify security providers.

When a door or window is broken, other devices emit nearby alarms to notify the local populace and neighbors.

When alarms go off or security cameras spot motion, some smartphone-integrated home security systems will text or call the owners.

Concerned About Home Security? What To Look For When Buying A Home

1. Devices for asset protection safeguard your valuables

You can set up gadgets to notify you if your possessions have been interfered with. Asset protection devices notify you even if there is no physical evidence that a jewelry box has been opened, a picture has been shifted, or a safe has been tampered with.

Asset security systems are not only useful in preventing robbery, but they can also provide you with peace of mind. For example, if a repairman or housekeeper enters your home while you are gone, you will see whether they have disturbed your expensive belongings. Consider how many asset protection devices you will require while making your decision.

2. Security systems continue to function even during power outages

The power source for the home surveillance system is a subject of concern for many homeowners. Consider receiving word while away from home that a storm knocked out the electricity in your area. Are you still using your home security system? Is your house secure? Should you go home again?

Be assured that your system will continue to function even if there is no electricity at your home, regardless of the type you have. It doesn’t actually take much power to run a traditional system because it is normally low voltage and fueled by electricity. Additionally, these kinds of systems have a sizable battery that serves as a backup power source in case the main power source fails.

A solar-powered surveillance system is another choice. This can be configured to be just one part, like an exterior security camera, or it can power the entire system. Although a solar-powered system is more expensive, it is the ideal choice if you want a “green” solution that will ensure security even when there is no energy.

3. Home security systems don’t cost a lot of money

You may have a home security system even on a tight budget. You might want to think about installing a conventional burglar alarm system, which will provide sensors for your doors and windows and warn you if someone tries to break in. It won’t be as sophisticated as a home alarm system, but it will still adequately safeguard your family and goods.

You can choose a system that is bigger, more technologically advanced and has more functions if your budget permits it. This can give you rapid access to emergency professionals and include smoke detectors, carbon monoxide warnings, and intruder alerts. Asset protection tools may also be used in a more sophisticated system.

4. Choose your service provider wisely

You need to select a service provider now that you understand the value of a home alarm system and the services that are offered. First, think about how long the firm has been operating. We advise picking a business with at least ten years of experience but updated, current equipment. You will have peace of mind and consumer feedback thanks to this track record.

Second, think about how far you are from the spot being watched. We advise that you stay within 350 miles away. The alarm may take longer to relay the further you are from a monitoring center, which could prolong the time it takes for help to arrive at your home.

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