When you buy a newly built home in an established community or neighborhood that is under construction, you get the advantage that everything in the home is brand new. Not only are you the first to use the oven and shower, but all the door and window locks have been installed just for you. No one else has a working key or code for your front door, your garage remote, or your back door.
While that novelty offers a powerful security measure and eliminates the need to change locks, every homeowner should take some steps to protect their home and possessions. In most cases, you won't have to worry too much about the safety of your family or your home, but it's always best to be careful, and it doesn't hurt to add an extra layer of protection to your home in the event of an accident or a crime.
12 Smart Ways to Protect Your Home
Depending on the building code requirements in your area and the additional safety measures your builder provides, you may already have some features in your home that protect it. Any missing items can be easily added and there are many ways to increase your own security at little or no cost.
#1. Smoke Alarm
Your builder will have followed the code for installing smoke alarms, but you may want to add extras or install battery-operated backup alarms. Don't forget to also have an accessible fire extinguisher on each level of your home.
#2. Carbon Monoxide Detector
Many states require a carbon monoxide detector, but if yours doesn't, you can easily install one on every floor of your home to alert you to the presence of this toxic and odorless gas. Typically, a carbon monoxide leak comes from the build-up of fumes from an appliance, heating system, or fireplace that uses gas, oil charcoal, or wood.
#3. Leak Detectors
Large water leaks from pipes can cause serious and immediate damage to a room, but slow leaks can also cause mold in your home. A detector can easily be installed in your bathroom, kitchen or basement that will alert you to moisture.
#4. Video Doorbell
An easy-to-install video doorbell system lets you know who is at your door before you answer. Or if it isn't, you can control your home remotely.
#5. Security System
A monitored security system may not be in everyone's budget, but it will provide additional peace of mind. An automated system will contact the police or fire department if it does not respond appropriately to an alarm.
#6. Know Your Neighbors
One of the best ways to protect your home is to make your neighbors watch out for suspicious activity and support each other. Let your neighbors know if you will be absent so they can be especially vigilant.
#7. Monitor Regular Activity on your Street
While you don't want to be the nosy neighbor who knows everyone's business, it's smart to know what your neighbors' cars are like, their normal back and forth patterns, and how typical it is to see contractor or construction trucks on your street. . That way, if unusual activity occurs, you are more aware of a potential problem.
#8. Join Nextdoor
This website digitally connects you and your neighbors so you can share information, plan events, and more. They will also be able to alert each other to any current crime or vandalism problems in the area.
#9. Lighting
Strategic use of outdoor lighting can keep your home safer. Whether you opt for lights that turn on automatically when someone approaches either side of your home, or keep your exterior lights on when it's dark, lighting can deter someone from entering your home.
#10. Landscaping - properly trim plants
Keeping bushes trimmed and planting thicker ones farther from the house eliminates a possible sheltered area for someone to hide when approaching your windows or doors.
#11. Preparation for Holidays
In addition to alerting your neighbors when you are away, you can also take steps to make it less obvious that no one is home. Have a neighbor or friend hold or collect your mail, and make sure someone is watching for package deliveries, too. Turn your lights on with a timer system so your house isn't completely dark. If you are on vacation during the winter, have someone remove the snow. If you are not home during the summer, you may want to arrange to have your lawn mowed regularly.
#12. Semiannual Checkup
An occasional tour of your home to check on maintenance needs is a great way to keep you and your family safe. Seasonal reminders to check or change the batteries in your smoke detector when the time changes can also serve as reminders to test your window and door locks. Also remember to check your garage door to make sure it is secure and to verify that the exterior lights are working properly.
While you will most likely never run into any of these potential problems, why not take a few minutes to add extra comfort items for yourself and your family? Protecting the home in which you have invested love, time and money can be relatively straightforward.
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