Home Security Improvements

When planning a home extension or renovation, it’s easy to focus on design and space. However, have you thought about your home’s security?

While creating your dream space, it’s vital to ensure that you’re also keeping your property safe. Burglars often target homes that seem vulnerable, and many break-ins happen because the security measures are outdated or non-existent.

A home renovation is the perfect opportunity to reassess your security. By putting a few simple but effective measures in place, you can significantly reduce the risk of intrusion.

Modern security solutions are more accessible than ever, with options designed to blend seamlessly into any home. Whether it’s upgrading locks, installing smart security systems, or reinforcing doors and windows, these improvements can offer peace of mind.

Your home is your sanctuary, and it’s worth taking the time to protect it. By being proactive, you can avoid becoming an easy target and help create a safe environment for your family. Why wait for something to go wrong when you can stay ahead of the risks? Security should always be a priority, especially during a renovation.

Home Security Starts at the Door: Why Choose PAS 24 Windows and Doors

This ensures that your windows and doors have been tested by the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS) . Additionally, meet the minimum security standards by complying with PAS 24:2016. Enhanced security performance requirements for doorsets and windows in the UK. Doorsets and windows intended to offer a level of security suitable for dwellings and other buildings exposed to comparable risk.’

Checking PAS 24 Certification

Some manufacturers buy the profiles that make up the doors and frames from profile manufacturers. The profile company will have had the doorsets tested. Furthermore it is certified but the PAS 24 Certification needs to come from the actual manufacturer. Before you buy, check that the door manufacturing company.  It can provide a certification document that covers the doors that you want to purchase. Then when you receive the documentation, check that it doesn’t show a different companies name on the certificate. For more information and to check if a manufacturer is certificated to produce PAS 24 doorsets, go to The Crime Prevention Website.

Understanding Your Security Needs

Before diving into specific improvements, it’s crucial to understand your unique security needs. Here are some factors to consider:

• Your Neighbourhood: Crime statistics for your area can provide valuable insights into the most common types of break-ins.
• Your Property Type: Detached houses might require different security measures than apartments or terraced properties.
• Your Lifestyle: If you travel frequently or have valuables at home, you might need a more robust security system.

Simple Deterrents: Making Your Home Less Appealing to Intruders

Even basic security measures can significantly deter opportunistic criminals. Consider these simple yet effective steps:

• Visible Deterrence: Security signs, CCTV cameras (real or dummy), and well-maintained exteriors can create the impression of a vigilant homeowner.
• Door and Window Security: Ensure all external doors have strong, deadbolt locks, and consider installing window locks or security bars on vulnerable ground-floor windows.
• Outdoor Lighting: Strategically placed outdoor lighting illuminates entry points and deters activity in the dark. Motion sensor lights can add an extra layer of deterrence.
• Secure the Garage and Sheds: Don’t forget about outbuildings! Install sturdy locks and consider anchoring valuable equipment like bicycles.
• Be Mindful of Social Media: Avoid posting details about upcoming vacations or expensive purchases online, as this can advertise your absence or valuables.

Even if you think there’s nothing of value in your shed, consider whether the tools that you have stored in it could be used to break into your home.

– Yoop Architects

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External Home Security

Improve Gates & Fencing

Gates should be securely constructed and fitted so that the hinges and locking mechanisms are on the inside of the property. Remember, if you can reach over your gate to undo a bolt. Then it’s very easy for a burglar to do the same! Ensure that your fencing is in good condition and consider adding trellis panels to the top of fences/walls/gates. Trellis won’t support the weight of an intruder and increases the risk of them being injured. Or discovered if they try to climb over it. It also helps to make it more difficult for potential thieves to scope out the area.

Movement Activated Lighting

Movement activated floodlights are a great deterrent and are also useful. When you’re moving around your property at night. Consider installing them at the front and/or back of your home and make sure that they are difficult to reach and tamper with. So that burglars can’t easily remove the bulbs.

The Power of Visible Burglar Alarms for Home Security

There are many types of alarm systems. Certainly the best alarm for your home depends on your budget, level of home security required, sensor type, alarm response and personal preference.

Types of alarms include:

• Bells-only alarm – makes a noise but doesn’t contact anyone
• Dialler burglar alarm – automatically dials a nominated phone number when the alarm is triggered
• Smart home security system – sends notifications via an app on your smartphone/tablet
• Monitoring contract – paying an external security company to take action/call the police if the alarm is triggered

For more information, which.co.uk has a great article about burglar alarms – Click Here to read more 

Store Spare Keys Safely

Don’t risk leaving spare keys under flower pots, false rocks etc in the front garden. Especially if they’re being used regularly. If required, invest in a secure key safe and install. It in a discreet location so it’s as difficult as possible for anyone else to see the combination code being entered.

Home security for Outdoor Buildings

Even if you think there’s nothing of value in your shed, consider whether the tools that you have stored in it could be used to break into your home. Where possible, secure ladders, garden spades (can be used to force open doors and windows) etc. As well as install sturdy padlocks to protect your shed, garage or outbuilding.

 

Internal home Security

House & Car Keys

Avoid leaving keys on a hook or in a bowl by the door – make sure they can’t be easily reached by someone using a device through the letterbox or the gap that a door chain allows.

Valuables

Keep expensive items out of site. So that they can increase the chance that your home will be targeted.  Also give the impression that you’re a wealthy household and therefore more likely to have other valuable items worth stealing.

Home Safes: Weighing Security Needs Against Accessibility

A home safe is an impractical idea for items that you want to access regularly. Such as jewellery, watches, cash etc. If the safe is visible, it suggests that there’s something valuable inside. Similarly, if it’s not bolted to the floor, the thief will generally just steal the safe and work out how to open it later. On the other hand, if it is bolted to the floor, unless the safe is very expensive, the thief will probably be able to pry the safe open using something like a crowbar.

If you do feel that you need an accessible safe, make sure it’s hidden away – under a false floor, wall etc. but be aware that squeaky floorboards and framed pictures/art are obvious places to check if a thief knows that there’s a hidden safe in your house!

Smart Home security

Empty homes are more likely to be targeted by thieves, so it’s a good idea to make your home look like it’s occupied while you’re out.

Installing a smart home hub and connected appliances means that you can control things such as the lightning, heating and electronic devices remotely by smartphone or computer.

You can set up profiles so that the same actions happen at set times every day – the lights/TV/radio turn on/off. If you have a smart curtains/blinds device, you can set the curtains/blinds to open/close etc.

In addition to leaving these tasks ‘active’ whilst you’re away, you can also control elements individually to give the impression that you’re at home.

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Some Keys to Improving Home Security 

1. Look for Smart Security Systems 

One utterly new option you can think of introducing to your house as protections for your home from advents of burglaries is smart systems doing the job for you, such as Smart Door Locks for remote access, Security Cameras with real-time streaming, Door-and-Window motion sensors, Smart Alarms that notify you via phone.

2. Securing them Doors and Windows 

Usually, conventional into the house through doors and windows, they, including especially for that very reason, are among the most common alternatives for burglars. If you seriously want to secure your home, Please ‘Go For’:

Upgrade the doors to the multi-point locking system as well as the door frame.

Re-enforcement of door frames gives one about 50% of the protection factor.

Install strengthened doors-such as reinforced security doors-on all exterior doors of your home.

Upgrading existing windows to made-for-safety materials like shatterproof or laminated glass would be nice.

You must have window locks at each window.

If there is a need to fit bars or grilles on the window, do so.

Make sure that locks and glass windows are hidden from view when looking from the outside.

3. Outdoor Lighting and Surveillance 

The light helps keep unwanted people away from your home day or night.

Surveillance of the outdoors is done at night by installing low-voltage or solar lamps on lighting poles.

4. Perimeter Security 

Putting an external boundary on your property is the first step toward resistance.

Organize the steps after some strict fencing around your property.

FOT installed gates or grilles be opened only with access controls or entryphone.

Scare people away with the natural inhibitory elements of landscaping, in other words, planting bushes that are full of thorns at places near windows.

5. Fire and Environmental Safety Systems 

Fire and any other environmental calamities are so great! Have some protection for them.

You might put up smoke and carbon monoxide detectors outside.

Water sensors may give you a chance to identify and even forestall flooding. 

Installing smart thermostats is another excellent option that you can choose to help you deal with that day when something inside overheats and it melts.

Upgrading Your Security System: Technology to Your Advantage

Modern technology offers a range of sophisticated security solutions to consider:

• Smart Home Security Systems: These interconnected systems allow remote monitoring, with features like smart locks, door and window sensors, and even motion-activated cameras.
• Security Cameras: Installing CCTV cameras, real or dummy, can deter break-ins and provide valuable footage in case of an incident.
• Video Doorbells: These allow you to see and talk to visitors at your door remotely, even when you’re not home.
• Smart Lighting Systems: Programmable lighting systems can create the illusion of occupancy when you’re away.

Home Security Cameras

Nowadays, most home security cameras are smart devices. Obviously it can be easily set up externally and/or internally.

External cameras typically connect to your home’s Wi-Fi network . That allow you to view live video footage of activities occurring outside of your house. They’ll also send an alert to your phone when someone or something is out there. They also record video of the event and depending on the camera features, let you talk to whoever is on your property.

The easiest external cameras to install are battery-powered.  Wi-Fi cameras as they don’t require any wires/cables. They tend to use rechargeable batteries that can be easily removed for charging and can work with a wireless range extender if you don’t have a good WiFi signal outside.

Internal cameras tend to be mains operated. It often contain features and/or use AI powered person detection. So that it’s not triggered every time a family member or pet moves past it. Different modes let you customise when the camera records/sends alerts and some security cameras.  Even contain features like temperature sensors so that they can recognise if there’s a fire and send an alert.

If you already have a smart home system in place, remember to check that the security camera is compatible.

IP (Ingress Protection) Rating

Any outdoor camera should carry an IP (Ingress Protection) rating. Most outdoor security cameras have an IP66 rating. Which means they offer complete protection from dust ingress and can handle water jets from any direction. But shouldn’t be immersed in water. They’re typically safe from rain, snow, heat, and cold.

Camera Resolution

Security cameras should have a fairly high resolution so that you can recognise what it is that the camera’s looking at. Choose a camera that captures at least 720p. 1080p is the most popular resolution. Even they offers more detail without lagging and requiring lots of storage space.

Social Media

As always, be very careful with the amount of information that you’re sharing on social media. Of course, it’s nice to be able to post live updates of your holiday. But bear in mind that you’re also announcing that your home might be empty.

If you have any questions about planning an extension or a home renovation and improving your home security. Or just questions about creating your dream home in general. Go ahead and book a free call below with Yoop.

DIY Projects for the Savvy Homeowner

For the DIY enthusiast, there are several home security projects you can tackle:

• Reinforcing Entry Points: Installing strike plates on door frames and security hinges can make forced entry more difficult.
• Installing Window Alarms: Consider adding affordable window alarms that trigger a loud noise when tampered with.
• Upgrading Locks and Hardware: Replace old or flimsy locks with high-security options like deadbolts with reinforced strike plates.
• Trimming Landscaping: Overgrown hedges or trees near entry points can provide hiding spots for intruders. Keep landscaping trimmed for better visibility.

Remember, Security is a Layered Approach

The most effective security strategy combines various methods. Don’t rely solely on one security measure. By implementing a combination of deterrents, technology, and physical barriers, you can create a layered security system that significantly reduces your risk of a break-in.

Seeking Professional Help: When Expertise is Needed

For complex security needs or if you’re unsure about DIY projects, consider seeking professional help. Security specialists can assess your property’s vulnerabilities and recommend a tailored security plan, potentially including:

• Security System Installation: Professional installation of a high-quality security system ensures optimal functionality and integration with other smart home features.
• Alarms and Monitoring: Professionally monitored alarms provide an extra layer of security and can dispatch emergency services if triggered.
• Security Assessments: A security professional can conduct a thorough walkthrough of your property, identifying potential weak points and recommending improvements.

Taking Charge of Your Home Security

Investing in your home security is an investment in your peace of mind. By understanding your needs, implementing a layered security approach, and seeking professional help when needed, you can create a safe and secure haven for yourself and your loved ones. Remember, even small improvements can make a significant difference, deterring potential intruders and allowing you to relax and enjoy the comfort of your home.

How the Yoop Architects Influence the World of Fashion Architecture

The mission of Yoop Architecture is at developing a beautiful but secure home for you. Here are the ways that we can assist you:

Complete Plan: We add security solutions to your home design, which are coordinated to be concurrent with the soft-swaying silhouette.

Bespoken: Since every home is different from others, taking us towards our tailored security design plan to fit yours.

New Technology: Design trends are at Yoop: from smart systems to smart materials, making that we proactively view our ideas and hence enhance their virtue.

Internal Consultation: If you are unsure quite where to start or what exactly you want, our team will take you through the entire process from discussing risk assessments to selecting the best fit for you and your home.

Secure Your Home Today

It is now the perfect time to invest a little more for added security at home! It will lower anxiety and increase the comfort and satisfaction you will have. When you plan an extension or build a new space, you can call over to Yoop Architects, and they can come up with a distinctive facility for you, one pleasing to the eye but secure in its place.

Don’t be depriving yourself any further of a beautiful interpersonal space. What are you waiting for? Go ahead and call Yoop and put your path to a secure Custom Home.