BUDGET-FRIENDLY HOME SECURITY
WRITTEN BY RONDA SWANEY
The safety of your home should be a top priority, but that doesn’t mean it has to break the bank. And if a professional security system isn’t an option, doing something is better than nothing. You may be surprised to learn there are simple DIY projects that can make your home safer in a weekend. With a small budget and a few basic skills, you can help protect your home and make your family feel more secure. Here’s how.
Find Your Weak Spots.
Scout the exterior of your house like a burglar might (you can even make it a game with your kids). Do you see obvious hiding spots? Are there dark areas where suspicious activity could go unnoticed? Is part of your yard hidden from neighbors and passing traffic? Knowing your home’s weak spots helps you decide where and when to spend money on more involved security steps.
Lock It Down.
The most effective security is often the simplest. Keep your windows and doors locked. Remember to lock garage and sunroom doors and windows too. Keep vehicles locked, even when parked in your driveway or garage. Low-cost devices can strengthen existing door and window locks, and wedge locks prevent a window from fully opening. Pin locks work similarly and also help keep windows and sliding doors secured. These devices simply require a screwdriver and drill to install. Add security film to windows and doors with glass inserts to make glass harder to break. (You can find several options from 3M.) Manufacturers usually provide DIY instructions, but some recommend professional installation.
Use Automated Tools and Apps.
Automation comes in low- and high-tech options. If you’re away after dark, use timers to turn on lights so it appears someone is home. Low-tech timers can be plugged into a traditional wall outlet, and on and off times are set by a dial. Smart timers connect to your home’s Wi-Fi network and are activated using a smartphone app. You can also use apps to control compatible locks or alarms. For example, a video doorbell—like the popular Ring—sends alerts or video streams to your smartphone whenever someone rings the bell or approaches your front door.
Let There Be Light.
When outdoor spaces are well lit, it’s hard for anyone to approach your house unseen. Inspect your house after dark to note poorly lit areas. If you are handy, you may be able to install hardwired fixtures yourself. If you don’t feel comfortable performing electrical work, hire an electrician. Solar-powered motion detection lights don’t require hardwiring and are simple to install with basic skills and common tools such as a ladder, drill, and screwdriver.
Install Plants as Prevention.
Thorny or spiny plants can be a deterrent for thieves. Rose bushes, holly, and barberry plants make great options. To protect your investment, ensure you install plants where they’ll receive the recommended amount of light. Buy as large a specimen as you can afford or purchase a smaller specimen if it has a fast growth rate. Also, trim existing trees and bushes to improve visibility and eliminate hiding places.
Add Security Cameras.
Installing a camera system once meant contracting with a security company with wired cameras and monthly monitoring fees. Although this is still a viable option, you don’t have to go that route. With Wi-Fi and mobile apps, security camera installation can be a DIY project. There are systems for indoor and outdoor use from companies including Blink, Ring, and Nest, which typically include at least one camera that either plugs into a nearby outlet or runs on batteries and is then connected to Wi-Fi. Most systems activate when motion is detected. Video is then captured and sent to a local storage device or the cloud. Apps paired with these systems allow users to control and monitor activity.
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