You may be an instant target for burglars or break-ins if you are a new homeowner. Often, crimes are committed in vacant or unoccupied homes or homes that contractors are renovating. Additionally, they may be able to capitalize on the fact that you have a lot of valuables stored in the garage or realize you haven’t got time to set up your residential security systems after you move in. Here is a list of helpful things you can do to protect your environment during your transition.
Inspect Exterior Doors
As a new homeowner, you want to create a safe, secure, and enjoyable haven. However, if you don’t have quality exterior doors, it may be easier than you think for an intruder to break into your new home. Examine your door for any type of deterioration.
Also, look for the following:
Is the door frame wobbly, or are there signs of previous forced entry?
Is the mail slot or pet door tamper-proof and secure?
If your doors have windows, how sturdy are they? And can they prevent intruders from getting in?
It may be necessary to replace your exterior doors before changing or rekeying your locks if they are old or in poor condition.
Assessing Your Locks: Things to Consider
Moving into a new house is an excellent time to evaluate the lock situation. There is no telling how many people have had access to your new home’s keys over the years. So, there is no way for you to know who has access to your home. If you rekey your home, you will be given a new set of keys. Then you can determine who gets a key.
However, you may want to have a professional assess the condition of your current locks. It may be determined that it is time to purchase new locks. If this is the case, upgrading to smart locks would be a great solution. Smart locks allow users to leave their keys behind, locking and unlocking their doors with the tap of a finger or voice command via a smartphone app that is connected over Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. Using remote access, you can even unlock a door to let a guest inside or a home repair person in while you’re at work. What a convenience!
Change the Current Alarm Codes
If you were lucky enough to purchase a home with a working alarm system, you will have to figure out how to change the existing security codes as soon as possible to know how to arm and disarm the system. Your real estate agent, the previous homeowner, or even an alarm company should be able to assist. Remember to change the codes for automatic garage doors as well.
Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detector Checks
Even if your home inspector investigated your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, some time might have passed since your home inspection. Complete a personal assessment of these detectors so you’re always prepared. Make sure they are correctly positioned and functioning.
For extra peace of mind, you may want to consider adding monitored carbon monoxide and smoke alarms to your home to ensure additional protection. When smoke and CO detectors are monitored, first responders will know about your emergency even if you are not able to hear it, thereby saving you precious time.
Install Professional Smart Security System
To keep your new home safe, let the professionals at a local home security company design a home security system tailored specifically to your needs. A professionally installed smart home security system may be a wise choice for you. Your new home security checklist will be much easier to complete. With smart home automation, controlling home access, doors, locks, and other safety features has never been easier! You can access everything you need via your mobile device.
Additionally, remember that every home is different, as are every homeowner’s security needs. It’s essential to have a reputable company like Johns Brothers Security inspect your home and recommend the best home security solutions for your lifestyle.
Do you want to learn more about the benefits of a smart security system? Give us a call today at 1-800-242-9760!