Congratulations. You have just closed on your first house purchase. Now what? You will spend the next couple of weeks moving all of your belongings from your current residence to your new house. Over time, you might even make some renovations and upgrades to the house. Remember that one of the most important upgrades that need to be completed should be done immediately. This is to increase the safety of your house. In fact, this should happen before you even move any of your belongings in.
Change all of the locks
The previous owners are expected to hand over their house keys at the closing. However, there is no way of knowing exactly how many sets of keys had. It is even possible that they have sets of keys stored somewhere that they have forgotten about. Also, what about keys that they have given to family and friends over the years? You can never know how many of your house keys are floating around out there, so it is best to have all of the locks changed. This minimal cost is worth the added protection of your items.
Change out the entry doors
It can also be safer to change out the entry doors in your house. Changing the lock does not guarantee safety. The previous homeowners might know ways around the lock, such as wiggling the door a certain way or pushing on a certain part of the door to move it in. Installing a door is an easy task that is both affordable and fast. Installing a door can be completed by a professional door installation company or you might decide to do it yourself. Additionally, out of all burglaries in 2013, 59% were the result of forced entry. You need a durable and sturdy door that can keep burglars out.
Bring in the professionals
In many cases, it is best to go with a professional contractor to install your new doors and to change the locks. Improperly installing a door or lock system can cause it to be faulty. In fact, in 10% or more of homes, deadbolts may be improperly installed, allowing thieves to easily get inside of your house. Installing a lock often seems like an easy task, but it can be difficult to know if it was done properly. Instead, call out professional locksmiths to change all of the door locks.
Use different types of keys
There are many different types of keys you can use for your home?s locks. Instead of picking just one, pick a variety of them. That way, it is even harder for a burglar to break in. Keep all of your key types on one keychain for easy entry. When you work with a professional locksmith, you can learn about the different types of keys. The more complex the system is, the more you are able to deter criminals. You will get used to the complex system of entering your house and you will feel much safer.
Sign up for an alarm system
Sometimes, despite the best preparations, breaks ins still occur. Signing up for an alarm system can reduce the damage. Additionally, many criminals will immediately leave once they hear the alarm sound. An alarm means they have minimal time to go through the house. It could also mean that there is a camera system in the house and the longer they stay, the easier they will be to identify. The monthly cost of an alarm system paired with installing a door and hiring a locksmith is worth the peace of mind you will get.
Over 2,000,000 home burglaries are reported each year in the United States. Many of these breaks in could have been prevented. The minute that you close on a new house is the time to begin preventing a burglary. Change out the locks, replace the entry doors, use different types of keys for entrance, and pay for a monthly alarm system.
