Your home is your safe space, and making sure it’s secure is a top priority. But knowing where to start can sometimes be a bit overwhelming. Whether you’re worried about break-ins or just want to feel safer in your home, there are lots of ways to improve your home security. The best part is many of these upgrades don’t have to cost a fortune.
In this guide, we’ll go through some simple steps you can take to make your home more secure and how you can affordably fund those improvements.
Simple upgrades to enhance home security
You don’t need to make huge changes to your home to make it more secure. There are a few simple and effective home improvement steps you can take.
Reinforcing doors and windows
The most basic place to start is with your doors and windows. If your doors don’t have strong locks or your windows don’t close properly, now is the time to fix them. Adding extra security measures like deadbolts, sturdy locks, or even security bars on your windows can stop burglars from getting in.
You can also install sensors on windows and doors that trigger an alarm if someone tries to open them. These upgrades don’t have to cost a lot and can make a big difference in protecting your home.
Installing security lighting and cameras
A well-lit house is a safer house. Adding motion-sensor lights outside can make it harder for someone to approach your home unnoticed. Put lights near the front and back doors, and around any dark corners where someone could hide.
Adding security cameras is another good idea. Many cameras these days connect to your phone, so you can keep an eye on things no matter where you are. They can be an investment, but they can also give you peace of mind knowing that you can monitor your home whenever you want.
Advanced home security options
Once you’ve covered the basics, there are more advanced ways to protect your home. These options use smart technology and can help you feel even more secure.
Smart technology and home automation
Smart home technology is making it easier than ever to secure your home. You can get smart locks for your doors that allow you to control access from your phone. You can also get doorbell cameras that let you see who’s at your door, even when you’re not at home.
Smart technology can also let you control your home’s lights, thermostat, and even the security system, all from an app. This gives you better control and peace of mind when you’re away.
Securing your home network
Your home’s Wi-Fi network needs to be protected as well. Cybercriminals can access your smart devices and personal information if your Wi-Fi isn’t secure. Make sure to change your router’s default password, use strong passwords for your devices, and turn on encryption for your wireless network.
You can also install a firewall to help block any suspicious online activity. Keeping your network secure is just as important as locking your doors and windows.
Funding your home security improvements
The cost of upgrading your home security can add up, but if you need help financing security improvements, there are ways to pay for it without straining your budget.
Using personal loans
One option is a personal loan. This type of loan gives you a lump sum of money to use for your home security improvements, and you can pay it back over time. Personal loans usually have fixed payments, so you’ll know exactly what you owe each month. Depending on your credit score, you could get a loan with a low interest rate, which makes it an affordable way to fund your upgrades.
Using home equity options
If you have equity in your home, you could borrow against it to pay for your security improvements. Homeowner loans and second charge mortgages let you use the value of your home to secure a loan. These options typically offer lower interest rates than personal loans, but they do carry more risk because your home is could be repossessed if you don’t maintain repayments.
Before choosing this route, make sure you understand the risks and speak with a financial advisor to make sure it’s the right option for you.
Balancing security needs with budget
While security is a top priority, it’s important to make sure that your improvements don’t stretch your finances. Start by focusing on low-cost upgrades like reinforcing doors and windows, adding lighting, and installing cameras. If you need more significant improvements, research funding options that can help you spread out the costs, like loans or home equity options.
Take the time to think about your needs and choose the improvements that fit your budget. Security is important, but it should also make sense financially.
Comparing loan and equity funding options
When deciding how to pay for your home security improvements, there are two main options to consider: personal loans and home equity loans. Personal loans offer quick access to funds and don’t put your property at risk, but they can come with higher interest rates. Home equity loans typically offer lower rates, but they do require you to put your home at risk.
To compare these options and figure out which one works best for you, use our loan calculator. This will give you a clearer idea of what your payments might look like.
Conclusion
Improving your home security doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. By starting with small, affordable upgrades, you can protect your home and family. For larger projects, there are financing options that can help make the improvements more affordable.
If you’re ready to improve your home’s security, consider speaking with a mortgage broker who can help you explore the best funding options for your needs. Your home is your safe place, and investing in security now can give you peace of mind for years to come.