Inexpensive but effective home alarm system.
Schlage Camelot Oil Rubbed security door locking handles.
You?ve just moved into your brand new home and you couldn?t be happier. But, if living in a new neighborhood makes you a little uneasy, there?s no need to worry. There are some easy DIY measures you can take, as well as low cost alarm systems (no contracts) available to ease your mind. Before heading out to the hardware store, there are a few things to consider.
Replace any light or hollow doors with heavy, solid-core or steel reinforced ones. Replacing doors may not be low cost ? but they are one of the main barriers between you and an intruder, an investment well spent.
Electronic locks are growing in popularity, and are reasonably priced. They?re more secure than standard locks, protecting against ?lock bumping,? a technique used by burglars to unlock standard pin and tumbler door locks. Prices range from $73 ? $199 each.
Check the peep hole. Is it wide enough for you to see the whole walk way and door step? Is it low enough for smaller family members to see through it? If not, switch it out to a wide angle version for about $12.
Patio doors should not only be secured by a deadbolt or knob lock, but by a 3-point locking system. Some doors may include this as standard, others may not. Sliding glass doors should also include a top pin, key lock or even the classic wooden dowel. Lock hardware runs $3 ? $12.
Windows
Most new windows come with good locking hardware, but as with doors, one lock usually isn?t sufficient. Be sure windows have at least 2 locking mechanisms.
Take a look at this Home Depot Project Guide for tips on securing different types of windows. Window locking hardware is most often priced under $14.
Window film is a great way to reinforce large picture windows, door glass and standard windows from breaking. Security window film is very different than decorative or heat barrier film. It holds the glass together even if the window is broken. It?s also great for keeping windows safe from flying balls, wind debris and intense weather.
Covering all the windows in your home may not be necessary and the cost could add up quickly. Consider your basement and back or side doors and windows on the first floor; these should get the most attention. Security film can be clear or tinted and should be a minimum 8 mil. Prices vary based on thickness and are often sold in standard window widths with per foot rates around $25, decreasing as you increase footage.
Alarm Systems
DIY alarm devices can be as simple as door and window magnetic alarms that emit a high decibel siren. The alarms are triggered when someone enters. They won?t call the police for you, but their shrill siren is enough to scare away most burglars. Pricing ranges from $7 ? $30.
Basic systems are limited in the number of devices you can put on them. If you?re starting out with only a few doors and windows, be sure to consider the cost of adding on or upgrading the system should you decide to do that in the future. This can help save you money by not having to scrap the whole thing and start over.
Wireless alarm systems are ideal in a new home that hasn?t been pre-wired for a system. Devices include door, window and glass-break sensors, motion detectors, smoke and heat detectors and in some cases, carbon monoxide detectors. Door and window sensors can be used to secure medicine cabinets, home office doors or other areas of your home you want to remain secured. The latest systems offer remote access and system control from your smartphone or computer.
No Contract DIY Alarm Systems
One company that currently offers monitored alarm service without a contract or large up-front cost is SimpliSafe. It charges $14.99 per month for professional monitored services through a UL-certified central station partner. How can they do this? Simple, where most security companies take a loss on hardware to give reasonable install prices upfront, then make it up in monitoring fees over time, SimpiSafe lowers hardware costs upfront. It stands out by doing something different in the market ? offering no contract monitoring.
If you want something more robust, but still with no contract, your only other real option is to self-monitor your system. This means that an audible alarm will go off in your home, but police or fire will not be dispatched unless you or a neighbor calls them. In order for this type of system to be effective, you need to get to know your neighbors.
Alarm systems can be found through online stores or home improvement stores like Home Depot and Lowes. You?ll find a variety of starter kits with affordable add-ons to meet your customized needs.
The Swann Home Wireless System is $99 and includes all you need to alarm two doors or windows, and includes a motion detector, keypad, siren and two remote controls. The system is available through home improvement stores.
Lowes recently launched its own brand of security and home automation products called Iris. These DIY systems are expandable with other Iris products found at Lowes including security cameras and home automation products like programmable thermostats and lighting controls. The Iris Safe and Secure Kit is $179 and lets you secure two doors or windows, create an interior trap with a motion detector and includes a keypad and communications hub. The system offers remote access control via free smartphone applications.
Low Cost Monitoring
If you decide you want the additional safety benefits of a professionally monitored alarm system and you?re willing to go with a 1-year contract, Smarthome offers monitoring for $8.95 per month, one of the lowest prices out there. The service supports several brand-name systems and includes free fire monitoring. It really doesn?t get much better than that. Smarthome also sells professional-grade security systems on its web site as well as a large selection of home automation gadgets.
With so many options available for home security these days, it?s good to have a plan. First determine your needs, how do you want to use your system, does it work with your lifestyle? Consider basic ?must have? features and know the ?nice to have? features. Visualize you and your family using it, does it make sense for you? Plan ahead for potential expansion later. Do your research before purchasing to ensure your get exactly what you want and have peace of mind with the system you select.
Lastly, have a security review done by a professional, many alarm companies will do this free of charge with no obligation to buy. This will give you additional peace of mind by pointing out vulnerable areas you may not have already considered.
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