Are you proud of your home’s style? Does it look like a 3-D Pinterest board? Maybe you’ve created a modern-yet-classic DIY paradise, but is your home as safe and secure as it is stylish? Don’t worry, there are plenty of ways to increase your security chops while maintaining your home’s picture-perfect sensibility.
1. A ‘Scary’ Puppy With A Heart of Gold
A dog is one of the best burglar deterrents out there. It’s also a great investment in other ways — your yap machine sits around the house making noise or even looking scary while providing you with an endless amount of love. From the outside, no one needs to know that your bark alarm wouldn’t hurt a fly.
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Most people think of home security improvement projects as hours-long affairs that require ripping up your flawless paint job. But improving the locks on your doors (where most burglars enter) is quicker than you might think — the amount of DIY chops needed to install your own deadbolt is small, and it only takes about an hour. Just grab a few tools and a deadbolt to install, and I bet you could even live blog the whole thing on Twitter (#cute #homeimprovement #stayout).
3. Plants. No, Really. Plants.
We learned this from fairy tales growing up — thorns keep intruders out of castles, and fields full of poppies can protect entire kingdoms. You can have all the beauty and none of the 100-year nap if you select a few difficult-to-bypass plants and place them under possible points of entry, such as windows. If you’ve got a green thumb, cultivate some lovely rose bushes. If you’re in a warmer climate, explore different kinds of citrus. If thorns aren’t really an option for your children or pets, you might also try simple window boxes. Would-be-burglars like to look through your windows to see if your stuff is worth the trouble — if they can’t see in, they’re less likely to choose your house. Plus, awesome landscaping will make sure your house looks great on the outside, too.
4. Motion Sensor Lights
Motion sensor lights are magically easy to install. You can have one up in less time than it takes to say “I did it myself” and you can make sure you’re treading lightly on the planet by using solar power. If you’ve already have outdoor lights (or a creative project you want to try), then never fear! You can toss just about anything on a motion sensor these days (though some suggest that ultra-bright lights intended for security are better, as they make burglars feel like you’ve turned a spotlight on them). No matter what, though, shedding light on the subject makes it hard for strangers to break in. Especially if you’ve done a good job at making friends with your neighbors — if they can see your property, they’ll likely notice if someone unusual is trying to pry their way in.
5. Easy-to-Install Attractive Home Security Systems
It used to be that home security systems were ugly, boxy pieces of machinery that looked like relics from a spaceship imagined in the 1970s. They also required a technician to come in and rip your walls up to install them. No longer! There’s a whole contingent of wireless, DIY security systems out there that provide all the home protection with none of the home wrecking. Plus, some of them are downright attractive — pretty enough, in fact, that they’ve been spotted in at least one music video.
Have any more tips for sprucing up and securing your home? Share in the comments!
About Kevin Raposo and SimpliSafe Home Security
This guest post was written by Kevin Raposo, a blogger for SimpliSafe. He can’t wait to have a dog and dress it up in a tiny bowtie. You can always find him ranting about something on his Twitter. SimpliSafe Home Security is making its way to the top of its industry.
Note: This is a guest post; the views and opinions expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinion or position of Redfin.
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