Moving to a new place is definitely a big change into your life. No matter if you are the homeowner of your dream house or you just signed a lease for a new rental property, the first days with the new house are typically taken up by unpacking, organizing everything and getting everything in place.
However, before you turn your new home into a tower of boxes waiting to be unpacked, you should reconsider thinking about a thing that a large number of new homeowners do not think about home security.
The truth is that preventing crime in your house from the very beginning is not only giving you peace of mind while your house, but it also keeps your family safe. In case you are living in or near Sydney where property crime is still going on in some suburbs, taking the right precautions is the only thing that will calm you down.
Here are the obligatory security checks for all new homeowners to conduct upon moving it.
1. Change Your Locks
One of the first things that you need to look into for your security is changing your locks. You probably don’t even know who has keys to your new home! Old homeowners, previous tenants, previous cleaners, real estate agents?
Just change or rekey any and all the locks that you can find. Doors, windows, garage door, shed.
In case you are in Sydney, a well-trained local locksmith with a background in residential security can be more than helpful. He can take a look at your property and help you choose modern locks such as digital and smart lock home security systems.
2. Look Over All Entry Points
Walk around your new house and look at all entry points closely:
- Doors: Are the hinges strong? Do the locks fit?
- Windows: Are they secure latching? Are there any cracked or loose?
- Garage doors: Is the opener working? Can it be opened by hand from outside?
- Check all possible entry points for wear or weaknesses to ensure they cannot be easily broken.
3. Check / Install the Alarm System
In the event that the house you bought is equipped with an alarm system, it is now the time to make a check to the alarm and confirm that it is functioning properly. Replace all access codes, check the sensors, and be sure the alarm is being supervised.
Don’t have one yet? Consider installing a modern home security system now. There are lots of businesses around Sydney that offer home security alarm packages with motion detectors, door and window sensors, and smart-phone access where you can monitor your home away from home.
4. Install Security Cameras
Just having visible cameras is one of the best ways to deter a burglary. Install visible security cameras in these areas:
- Front and back doors
- Driveways or garages
- Side gates or alley ways
- Common areas inside of the home
Choose cameras that have night vision, cloud storage and app access for the best results. Many Home Security Sydney companies will offer you camera systems as well as monitoring.
5. Review Outdoor Lighting
Thieves view dark corners, poorly lit doors, and dark areas as a welcome mat. Take a walk around your property at night and document on a piece of paper any area that needs security lighting. You may choose to go with an inexpensive charged driveway or solar garden lights, or you may prefer motion activated flood lights.
If you want more advanced protection, look at smart lighting systems which give you options to control remotely or program with a timer to give the illusion that someone is home.
6. Inspect the Fencing and Gates
Your first line of defence is going to be good perimeter security. Fencing should be intact, gates should be lockable, and there shouldn’t be any methods of intruder climbing. If you have a side access path, it should be gated and hopefully secured with a lock.
7. Secure Wi-Fi and Smart Devices
Think about using smart locks, a smart thermostat, cameras, or smart lightbulbs in the home, then securing your Wi-Fi in the home becomes essential. You need to change the default router password, make sure you have encryption turned on (using WPA3 if possible), and to have any devices or apps that need updating are kept current.
Cyber Security is now a significant aspect of home security, especially in technology-dependent areas like Sydney that now have smart homes popping up all over the place at a rapid rate.
8. Meet Your Neighbour
Although not a physical security upgrade, knowing your neighbour is a great way to create a safer, and more resilient community. A trusted neighbour could potentially look after your property when you are away, or alert you to any suspicious activity.
Conclusion
Surely, your home is among your most valuable assets and the first step should be taken to make sure it is the very first thing in your mind after you get the keys. This will lead you to not only take preventive measures and deter criminals but also feel safe in your home, from the very first moment, by just going through some security checks and giving it a thought.
By the way, if you are located in Sydney, it would be quite beneficial to have a chat with a security expert in the local area. They have the knowledge of the security issues faced by each suburb and can come up with a solution that best suits your property and lifestyle.
