If you want to beef up your home’s security, you came to the right place. This article will cover some essential security upgrades that will lock your home down like Fort Knox. These upgrades will not only keep you safe but also provide you with peace of mind, so you can sleep soundly knowing your home is secure. You don’t have to use all of these upgrades, but combining a few systems is highly recommended. Let’s get into it.
1. Upgraded to a Grade-1 Deadbolt
A deadbolt is a type of lock that can only be turned with a key; it cannot be turned with a Jimmy tool or credit card like spring-based locks. But a Grade-1 deadbolt is the highest quality you can get.
- Grade 1 deadbolts are designed for heavy-duty use and are built to withstand frequent and intense usage. Material: They are often made of high-quality materials, including hardened steel, to resist tampering, drilling, and other forms of physical attacks.
- Additionally, a deadbolt has a lengthy piece of metal that inserts into the door frame, reinforcing the door against blunt force. It’s highly recommended to install a deadbolt on every door that has access to your home.
2. Smart Locks with Automatic Locks
The most common way intruders gain access to a home is by simply opening an unlocked front door. It’s easy to forget to lock your door when you’re in a rush. To prevent this, we suggest adding a smart lock that will automatically lock your door with a deadbolt. Smart locks with keypads are convenient for avoiding lockouts.
Here are the top smart lock as of 2024
- August Smart Lock Pro
- Schlage Sense Smart Deadbolt
- Yale Real Living Assure Lock
- Kwikset Halo Touchscreen Wi-Fi Smart Lock
- Lockly Secure Pro Smart Deadbolt
- Ultraloq UL3 BT Bluetooth Enabled Fingerprint and Touchscreen Smart Lock
- Igloohome Smart Deadbolt 2S
- Samsung SHS-P718-LMK Push Pull Biometric Touchscreen Digital Door Lock
3. Motion-activated Lighting
Homes that are shrouded in darkness are prime targets. Deter burglars by installing motion-activated lights that will flood the area with light when motion is detected. We recommend installing at least one bright light at each entrance to your home, like the front door, backyard, and side yard. Installing a smart light inside your home is another great way to create the impression that someone is home.
- Ring Smart Lighting System
- Mr Beams wireless motion-sensing LED lights
- Sengledg motion-activated outdoor floodlights
- Lutron vacancy sensors
- Maxsa Innovations outdoor motion-activated lighting
4. Security Camera System
A security camera system is essential for residential homes. Most thieves will avoid homes that have visible security cameras. A security camera system will allow you to monitor the exterior of your home when you’re home or away. We recommend a security camera system that has high-definition footage that can be linked to smart devices.
- Wyze budget-friendly security cameras
- Reolink wired and wireless Argus series
- Zmodo wireless camera systems
- Amcrest 1080P Security Camera System
- Swann SWDVK-845804WL is an affordable choice
- Arlo Essential series
5. Doorbell Camera with an Intercom
On the subject of camera systems, a doorbell camera is one of the best security upgrades for your home. It will allow you to have a clear view of your front door and anyone who approaches it. A doorbell camera with an intercom is a great security upgrade. Some smart doorbell cameras will send your phone a notification when someone approaches your door
- Ring doorbell cameras equipped with two-way audio,
- Nest Hello – built-in intercom feature
- Arlo Video Doorbell, providing users with a doorbell camera equipped with two-way audio for intercom functionality. It integrates with the Arlo app for communication.
- Eufy Security intercom camera
- August Doorbell Cam Pro
- Remo+
6. Alarm System on Windows
Unlocked sliding windows are particularly easy entry points. While it’s always important to lock your windows, accidents can happen. Installing alarm sensors on all of your windows is an excellent way to scare away intruders. It will also alert anyone inside the home. Window alarm sensors are fairly easy to install and provide peace of mind.
- SimpliSafe window sensors.
- Vivint window sensors.
- Abode home security system
- Frontpoint wireless window and door sensors
7. Upgrade the Front Door
Another common way intruders can enter your home is by using brute force on the front door. To prevent this (and buy some time while authorities are called) consider installing a heavy-duty door. Iron front doors are highly recommended. Another suggestion is to improve the security of your existing door by installing longer hinge screws (ideally 3 inches), reinforcing the door frame, and installing a door latch or chain.
- ProVia high-quality entry doors.
- Therma-Tru fiberglass and steel entry doors.
The Bottom Line
These security upgrades are relatively easy to install and will discourage the vast majority of attempts to break into your home. If you want to improve the security of your home but don’t know where to start, consider giving us a call. We offer a variety of home security improvement services like installing deadbolts, smart locks, lighting systems, security cameras, and many others.
