6 Home Security Upgrades You Should Consider

Last updated on December 28, 2023

These are the top six security upgrades you should consider for your home right now. Read on!

In the modern world, home security is a prime concern for all homeowners. Even if you live in a secure and peaceful neighborhood, with ever-rising crime rates a break-in is always a possibility. Therefore, keeping your home protected should be your top priority. After all, it’s not just about protecting your possessions, but also keeping your most important assets – you and your family – safe.

Thankfully, developments in technology are here to help. There are plenty of home security upgrades you install in your home so you can rest easy. It can be hard to know where to start with so many options available, so we’ve pulled together the top home security upgrades you should consider for your house or apartment.

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Check the Locks on Your Doors and Windows

lock checkup

This one may seem obvious, but sometimes the simplest solutions are overlooked, so start by checking the locks on your doors and windows. You can install the latest CCTV or access control system (more on that later) but if a burglar can easily break an old lock on a door or window they’ll have easy access to your home.

Have a professional check all the locks on your home – they will be able to tell you if everything is secure, and provide recommendations and quotes for upgrades. For a relatively small amount of money, you could make a big difference to your home security.

Knowing how to pick a lock is essential for unforeseen situations, serving as a valuable skill in emergencies or accidental lockouts, providing a practical and swift solution when conventional methods may not be readily available. This knowledge empowers individuals to navigate unexpected scenarios with confidence and resourcefulness.

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Set Up CCTV Camera System

A CCTV camera system will instantly make your home more secure. First of all, a visible CCTV system is a powerful deterrent – most burglars will take one look at the cameras and decide to move on to another target. You can also use these systems to monitor what’s going on around your house – even if you’re not there – and alert the authorities if necessary.

Additionally, if you are ever the victim of a break-in, CCTV footage can be extremely useful in catching the perpetrators. When installing cameras outside your home, make sure to cover key entrance points like your back entrance, driveway, and gate. Remember to check the camera feed regularly and make sure you have a secure backup system in place.

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Alarm System

An alarm system is also a powerful deterrent for intruders. You can set up an alarm system to be triggered when any of your doors or windows are compromised. So, whenever someone tries to break into your house, the alarm system will go off immediately. Make sure to install a system with an external sounder, as this will warn the entire neighborhood, and put off most burglars at the beginning of the break-in. You should also look for systems that will automatically send you an alert on your phone so you can take immediate action if a break-in does occur.

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Install an Access Control System

These high-tech systems will virtually guarantee that no one will enter your home unless you want them to. There is a range of different types of access control systems, with key fob access control and biometric access control generally being the best options for home security.

A key fob system works by having a scanner at one or more main entrance points, usually your front door or gate. You and your family members will each have a key fob token and when the token is in close proximity of the reader, the door or gate will open. This is the most affordable option, though tokens can be stolen.

Therefore, though it requires more investment, a biometric system is the most secure, as it will assess each individual’s biometric data such as a fingerprint or retina scan, making it virtually impossible for an unauthorized person to enter your home. Access control installation is best handled by professionals – get in touch with an access control specialist and ask them to suggest the best solution to meet your needs.

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Shatterproof Windows

Even though this upgrade is a little expensive, it will make any intruder’s life very difficult. These windows are extremely hard to break, so will put off casual break-in attempts immediately. Even if it does break, the glass will not break into sharp pieces like ordinary windows, instead, the shattered glass will remain in place in the window frame. The best quality shatterproof windows are nearly impossible to break and will make it extremely difficult for anyone to gain access to your home through a window.

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Security Lighting

Having good security lighting is easy to install and affordable but can also be an effective security measure. You have two main options when it comes to security lighting:

  1. Manual lights that are permanently on all night or that you turn on only when you’re out. These light up the outside area of your home and will deter intruders from trying to break in as they know they can easily be seen.
  2. Sensor lights that will turn on only when they detect movement. Again, these will deter intruders, not to mention give them a nasty shock when they approach your home. They’ll also alert you immediately when someone is moving around outside your house.

Indoor security lighting is also a good option for when you’re away or on vacation. You can set these lights on a timer to turn on and off automatically during the night so that would-be burglars will think that someone is at home. 

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The Takeaway

These home security upgrades are guaranteed to make your home more secure.  Some, like security lighting and alarm systems, are easy and inexpensive to install, while others require a higher level of investment. But what’s more important than the security of your home and your family?

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