The Essential New Home Security Checklist for Fall
The residential real estate market is hot right now! If you're moving into a new home it's easy to overlook the things that we don't think of or see on a daily basis, such as home security, when there is so much else to do! When moving into a new home, try to start with the essentials: items that keep you and your family safe. Even if you have been living on your own for a long time, many of these objects might be things you seldom consider because it's not something renters often invest in or think about. Get started by making our checklist of what every household should include when setting up their security system from top to bottom!
YOUR MOVE-IN READY HOME SECURITY CHECKLIST
The following list will be very helpful in making your new home and property secure. Many of these items will also be top considerations for first time homeowners! Let's get started...
1. Secure or update all locks: This includes replacing and repairing any broken or old locks that don't function properly. Deadbolts (separate from the doorknob!) are recommended for all exterior doors as they're harder to break than other styles of lock, and for maximum reassurance have pre-existing deadbolts replaced entirely or rekeyed. As an added bonus, we highly suggest the SkyBell video doorbell, the most secure security doorbell on the market, to help you monitor anyone who comes by the door.
2. Make extra keys: Right after your change and update your locks, make enough key copies to accommodate each independent household member, plus an extra copy or two held in reserve by someone you trust for emergencies and lockouts.
3. Lighting, bulb replacements, and adding illumination: Lighting makes your house look occupied, prevents accidents by illuminating parts you need to see, and gives the impression that it's already been inhabited. Make sure there are working lights where you need them with motion detector lighting or smart bulbs that can be automated for break-ins.
4. Ensure the seals, locks, and function of all windows: If your new home is older, your windows may have broken locks, or they could be vulnerable to being forced open. If total window replacement isn't an option you can fix this problem by replacing the lock with a new one that works properly. You should also consider installing window bars in high risk areas like basements. And, while it can be tempting, metal security rods for sliding windows and sliding glass doors shouldn't be removed because doing so would make them easier to pull up or pull open from outside your house.
5. Install window coverings: Once you've made sure all windows and locks are in working order, adding window covers such as curtains and blinds are not just an aesthetic choice, but they also provide important safety benefits. Window treatments shield your family and valuables from prying eyes in bedrooms, bathrooms and any common areas that can be seen into from the outside. Bathroom privacy can be maintained with curtains that cover windows completely when not in use to prevent the interior of the room from being seen through uncovered glass panes at night time or during periods where you are showering etc., while bedroom window dressings can be taken up a notch by adding plantation shutters which provide both light control and complete outside blackout for optimal sleeping conditions throughout all hours of darkness without sacrificing natural lighting indoors.
6. Check, replace batteries, and install smoke and carbon monoxide detectors: Protect your home from some of the most dangerous and destructive household incidents with smoke & carbon monoxide detectors. You'll also need them for insurance purposes, so make sure they're installed!
7. Invest in a safe: We all have very important documents that need protecting, such as social security cards, birth certificates, insurance policies, family records, and even family photos. Choosing a safe can be tough, but here's what you need to look for:
Choose fireproof and waterproof - if it’s not these two things then you probably don't want that particular type of safe because your contents will get damaged when exposed to extreme temperatures or water in the event of an emergency situation.
Select something heavy so they won’t easily carry away with them, easy hide somewhere on site (preferably anchored into walls/floors), and difficult tamper with like combination locks instead of key-only types which are more vulnerable to break-ins by burglars who use force tools often found at hardware stores such as crowbars etc..
8. All-inclusive smart home security system with analytics: The most thorough and convenient-to-use home security system features include surveillance cameras, motion sensors, glass break detectors, and even analytics that can send timely reports and identify the difference between cars, animals, and humans. Such systems integrate seamlessly with other devices like your smartphone or laptop, such as the Alarm.com app available through GenX Security Solutions. With a smart home security system, you will enjoy remote access wherever you have an internet connection along with 24/7 professional monitoring services. If you do not want to start out with every feature, don't worry! Our home security systems are scalable over time as your needs demand.
Give yourself one less thing to worry about when you take these steps to ensure your life in your new home is the most safe and secure it can be! Give us a call at 866-598-4369 or visit our dedicated home security page at www.genXsecurity.com/home-community and be sure to click the link in the page to enjoy our Alarm.com featured experience!
We look forward to providing you with the 5-star customer service, installation, and technological quality experience Greenville knows from GenX Security Solutions!
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