Common Home Security Mistakes
July 31, 2023 11:16 am
Being a first-time home buyer is one of the most exciting experiences in life. It’s also a vulnerable time — amidst all the paperwork, planning and decorating, it can be easy to make some common home security mistakes.
Learn more about the ways you may be leaving your property vulnerable and how to improve your home security.
5 of the Most Common Security Mistakes From First-Time Homebuyers
No matter where you purchase your first home, home security matters. From protecting your belongings and investment to ensuring your loved ones stay safe, you want to have a solid system in place.
Even if you have a security system, it’s possible that you may have overlooked a few important details. To keep your property protected, be sure to avoid these five security mistakes.
1. “Hiding” Keys in Common Areas Close to Your Home
While hiding your keys in a common area may make it easier for you to remember where they are, it will also make it much easier for criminals to find them. A few common hiding spots include under the doormat, under potted plants and in synthetic rocks on your front porch.
Instead of hiding your keys in common areas close to your house, try to get more creative. If you must leave a spare key outdoors, consider a key hider that looks like a lawn sprinkler or thermometer.
2. Not Using a Professional Security Company
While you may feel confident in your ability to self-monitor your property, working with a security company can provide you with an additional layer of protection — especially in real emergency situations. It’s possible that a break-in or burglary can occur while you are away from home.
When you’re at work or on vacation, you’re unlikely to notice alarm notifications going off on your phone. During these kinds of situations, it’s worthwhile to have a team of professionals monitoring your property 24/7 and ready to alert the police if someone breaks in.
3. Saving Money by Using Lower-Quality Security Systems
Buying a new home is a significant investment, so it’s not likely that you’ll want to go out and spend even more money on the most expensive home security system. However, attempting to save money by choosing low-quality security equipment likely won’t give you the benefits you’re looking for — in fact, it can end up costing you.
A cheap, low-quality system will be more prone to technical issues and malfunctions and may be less reliable, leading to the potential for security breaches that put your safety at risk.
4. Improperly Installing Your New Security System
Another common security mistake for first-time homeowners is failing to install their system correctly. If your hardware or software isn’t working as intended, it doesn’t matter how well-made it is — little details like failing to keep software up to date can make your home more vulnerable.
It’s vital to read all manuals and assembly and usage directions to ensure your home is properly protected.
5. Using Outdoor Static vs. Motion-Sensor Lights
Static lights — those designed to stay on at all times — will help illuminate the exterior of your new home, but they may not be that effective at deterring criminals. Even if they do a great job of brightening up doors or windows at night, static lights present a limited intimidation factor since they’re always on.
A better option is to use motion-sensor lights instead. These lights will only turn on when they detect movement — like someone sneaking around outside your home. This sudden “light switch” effect can startle would-be burglars and make it more obvious that someone is lurking around.
Contact Lexington Alarm to Learn About Our Premium Home Security Systems
At Lexington Alarm Systems, we are committed to providing homeowners with a custom security system that keeps their property protected — day and night. We offer a range of premium home security systems and resources ranging from burglar alarms to video surveillance systems to remote alarm management. You can count on our team to help you find the best system for your security needs.
Contact us today to request a free consultation and get a quote from our expert team.
Categorized in: Home Security, Uncategorized