Every homeowner should prioritize home security, as there’s so much at stake. You need to invest to protect your privacy, assets, and family. Reliable home security will also lower your insurance costs and give you peace of mind.
However, not everyone can afford expensive security systems. Luckily, you don’t have to spend a fortune to DIY your home security. Let’s review some inexpensive ideas that can help secure your home.
In this Article:
Assess Your Home’s Vulnerabilities
Sometimes, you don’t even need to install surveillance cameras to secure your home. Start by assessing the weak points in your home’s defense, and address them accordingly.
Common Security Mistakes You Can Fix
Do you diligently lock your windows, or do you leave them unlocked at night and when you’re away from home? Intruders often target unlocked windows as an easy point of entry.
Do you have a spare key hidden under a doormat or flower pot? It may seem convenient for you, but it also makes it easier for criminals to access your home.
How about your entrances, are they well-lit? Dark doorways and entryways provide criminals with an opportunity to sneak in unnoticed.
Another concern is how many people have you previously given your keys to? Do you know if they have made copies or if they still hold onto them? Consider replacing your locks or investing in a keyless entry system for added security.
Simple Home Security Checklist
Different homes vary in size and security risks, so it’s essential to assess your specific needs and take appropriate measures. However, the following are simple and inexpensive ways to start.
- Always lock all windows and doors, unless you’re using them.
- Use deadbolts for exterior doors, and consider upgrading to high-security locks for added protection.
- Keep shrubs and trees trimmed back so they do not provide hiding places for potential intruders.
- Don’t leave spare keys hidden outside; instead, leave them with a trusted neighbor or invest in a keyless entry system.
- Always close blinds or curtains at night to prevent anyone from seeing inside your home.
- Install motion sensor lights around the perimeter of your property to enhance security.
- Place signs and stickers indicating that you have a security system in place, even if you don’t actually have one.
- Have a safe or lockbox for essential documents and valuables.
For more, read: “What Is the Best Home Security Checklist?“
Affordable DIY Home Security Ideas That Work
You’re wondering, what methods do most people use to secure their homes? Let’s look at some of the most effective and inexpensive.
1. Reinforce Doors and Windows
It won’t break your bank to install door jammers to ensure your doors can’t be pried open. For windows, you can use inexpensive window locks or even a wooden dowel to prevent them from opening.
Window bars are also a cost-effective option for added security, especially for ground-level windows. A DIY enthusiast can easily install these bars and locks with basic tools.
It can also be worthwhile to consider an inexpensive doorbell alarms and motion sensors.
2. Improve Outdoor Lighting
Intruders often prefer to operate under the cover of darkness. You’re less likely to notice them or their activities when it’s dark outside. Therefore, improving your outdoor lighting can significantly deter burglars.
You can save by installing solar-powered motion lights near entryways and dark corners. You’ll save on energy costs and eliminate the need for complex wiring.
Additionally, these lights will only turn on when motion is detected, making them more effective in catching your attention and alerting neighbors as well.
3. Fake It with Visual Deterrents
One thing about burglars and other criminals is that they often avoid detection, so they tend to target easy victims. Play psychological games on them, especially when you can’t afford to get the real deal.
For instance, fake security cameras, “Beware of Dog” signs, and home alarm stickers are just a few examples of visual deterrents that can help deter criminals.
Another effective way to create the illusion of a more secure home is to use timed lights or televisions when you’re away. It will give the impression that someone is in the house, making it less attractive for burglars to break in.
Criminals are daring, but many of them are cowards too, and most dare to find out if you really have fake or real security cameras.
4. Set Up Smart Home Security on a Budget
Smart technology for securing your home is more affordable today than ever. Moreover, you don’t need a high-end system to enjoy the benefits of smart monitoring and automation.
Even a single smart camera can make a big difference in home monitoring. It depends on how your home is built, its size, and your regular security needs. Find out where you should position home security cameras.
For example, if you live in a high-rise apartment with only one entrance point, a single smart camera placed at the door can provide sufficient surveillance and alert you to any suspicious activity.
As for family homes, you may need multiple devices, so start with smart plugs. These inexpensive gadgets allow you to control lamps and appliances remotely through your smartphone.
Smart plugs allow you to set schedules for lights to turn on automatically at night or while you’re away, giving the impression that someone’s always home.
Next, consider installing Wi-Fi cameras or video doorbells. Many affordable models offer HD video, motion detection, and two-way audio, so you can see, hear, and speak to visitors from anywhere.
You can start small and expand later. Begin with one or two smart devices, then gradually build a fully connected security system as your budget allows.
5. Secure Your Wi-Fi Network
You’re relying on digital technology to secure your home, so you also have to cover your bases by securing your Wi-Fi networks. Trespassers and home invaders didn’t give up when you turned to smart security solutions. In fact, they might be motivated to take extra measures if they know your home is full of valuable technology.
The most common way criminals infiltrate smart homes is via Wi-Fi networks. It’s crucial to secure your network by following these simple steps:
- Change the default login and password for your router, replacing them with a creative and unpredictable one. Don’t use obvious dates or words for your password.
- Enable WPA3 (at least WPA2) encryption, which provides stronger security than older standards.
- Disable your router’s remote management to prevent unauthorized access.
- Keep your router’s firmware updated to close any security vulnerabilities.
- Create a separate network for guests to isolate your smart devices from external connections.
Easy Home Security Ideas for Inside Your Home
Home security doesn’t have to start with expensive surveillance systems or extensive home automations. We have already discussed common home security vulnerabilities, such as poorly lit entrances and unlocked doors.
However, there are additional measures you can take both inside and outside your home to strengthen your security further. They’re primarily behavioral, so they’ll mostly require effort and attention, rather than money.
Let’s discuss some:
1. Get to Know Your Neighbors
A close-knit community is one of the best deterrents to crime. Watch out for each other’s homes and report suspicious activity promptly.
Join or help found a Neighborhood Watch program in your area. These programs organize residents to work together to create a safer community for all.
You all stand a better chance if you can share ideas and build relationships with your neighbors. They can help you fend off package thieves or keep an eye on your home while you’re away on vacation. That’s how you secure your home without an alarm system.
You may even learn a thing or two from each other, such as which home security system is the best or what to do in case of an emergency.
Additionally, getting to know your neighbors can also lead to forming friendships and a sense of community.
2. Keep Valuables out of Sight
Avoid displaying expensive electronics, jewelry, or cash near windows, as they can attract unwanted attention. Why would you want to advertise the valuables inside your home? It’s best to keep them out of sight and secure in a safe or hidden location.
Other essential items you should keep out of plain sight include car keys, garage door openers, and spare house keys. Burglars can easily reach them by vandalizing your windows and using tools to reach inside.
That’s how they gain full access to your property and also make it easier for them to escape undetected.
It’s also a good idea to keep valuables out of sight inside your car, especially when parked in public areas. Keep purses, laptops, and other valuable items hidden under seats or in the trunk.
3. Use Timers for Lights and Radios
Again, package thieves, burglars, and vandals are less likely to target your property if someone is home. They don’t want to get caught, so they prefer to go after empty houses. That’s why it’s essential to make your home appear and sound occupied, even when you’re away.
One inexpensive way to do this is by using timers for lights and radios. Set up a timer on a lamp or two in different rooms of your home, so they turn on at different times throughout the evening.
You can also set up a radio or TV on a timer so intruders think someone is home.
4. Store Important Documents in a Fireproof Safe
A home hosts multiple essential documents that can make life challenging if they were to be lost, stolen, vandalized, or accidentally damaged. Additionally, almost no one ever intends for a fire to destroy their home, but it can happen.
You need a fireproof safe to protect important documents, such as birth certificates, passports, academic certificates, property deeds, and insurance policies.
When selecting a fireproof safe, verify the UL (Underwriters Laboratories) rating, which indicates the safe’s resistance to various heat levels.
We recommend getting a fireproof safe that’s also waterproof, to protect your valuable documents from both fire and water damage.
When DIY Isn’t Enough
It feels good knowing there’s so much you could do independently to secure your home and property, right? However, some situations may require expert advice or intervention.
One of these is the case of natural disasters, especially hurricanes, tornadoes, and floods, which can significantly damage your home, making it vulnerable to burglary.
You may also save more by hiring professionals to secure your documents from unexpected events, such as fires and water damage. They have the necessary equipment, skills, and knowledge to adequately protect your important documents without causing any harm.
Benefits of Professional Home Security Intervention
If you work with professionals who’re as competent as Kentucky Secured, you’ll also enjoy:
- Real-time alerts and live video monitoring.
- Smart locks, thermostats, and garage controls for full home automation.
- Remote access and control via a single mobile app.
- 24/7 professional monitoring to put your mind at ease.
If you’re ready to elevate your home security, we’ll help design a system tailored to your budget and lifestyle.
Protect What Matters Most
Home security doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated. With these DIY and inexpensive home security ideas, you can strengthen your home’s safety, deter intruders, and gain peace of mind.
When you’re ready to go beyond DIY, the experts at Kentucky Secured are here to help. We’ll equip your home with professional-grade security and smart technology, so you can protect what you value most.
