Five Inexpensive Home Improvement Purchases that Protect You and Your House

When the economy is relatively stable, there are certain home improvements that traditionally pay off with increased home values - from kitchen remodels to new decks. However, during a recession, it might be just a smarter move to invest in home purchases which increase residential security.

Why? Because even in good neighborhoods, crimes may be on the rise, as in the case of this couple who had their home invaded, losing not only their peace of mind but a flat screen tv, computer and even their car.

In our area as well, neighborhoods that have traditionally been considered safe have been more vulnerable, with crimes ranging from break-ins to blocking people's driveways and forcing occupants to hand over money before getting into their homes.

With an active Neighborhood Watch in place, the email updates have been coming more frequently. It is a worrisome - but perhaps inevitable - part of a turbulent economy. Perhaps potential home buyers should be looking for excellent security systems instead of all the latest kitchen upgrades and state of the art appliances, at least until the economy improves.

So Which Inexpensive Home Improvement Purchases Help Protect Your Home - and You?

The first and most important improvement should be no surprise. A good security system is a necessity, even if homeowners work from home or feel that they live in safe neighborhoods. There are many options for burglar alarms or security systems and homeowners can decide how much they want to spend to protect their homes.

Some security systems have computer monitoring options, allowing buyers to watch their homes even while at work, as long as they have the monitoring system in place and/or get permission from the employer to check it occasionally.

If a burglar alarm or home security system comes with special stickers or signs, feel free to use them but don't assume burglars will be fooled by placing a simple sign in the yard - or sticker on the door- not without having the actual burglar alarm in place. Pros aren't fooled by stickers and signs.

The second home improvement that helps protect your home while also lending a bit of curb appeal? A special mailbox that protects against identity theft because it has a lock on it. There are many models out there and the Mailguard Secure Mailbox, shown here is just one example. For those who have mailboxes attached near their entry door, there are also models available online which also lock. Protecting your mail from being stolen can also prevent identity theft and leave more money available for other projects. With prices in the $100 range, it really costs very little to protect yourself from having to deal with stolen documents and bills. Plus, if a potential thief sees that even the mailbox is secure, it might protect against home invasion as well. First impressions count...even for burglars.

Another excellent addition to home security is a strong steel door, one that isn't easily kicked in or opened. This also happens to be among the most valuable home improvements, cost for the door, with the full price of the door adding to home value. Steel doors not only impress buyers but many look attractive and are also energy-efficient, helping to keep homes warm in the winter and cool in the summer. When our Neighborhood Watch Association met, we learned that burglars like to kick in front doors, grab what they can and get out quickly. A good steel door prevents that. So consider upgrading from a flimsier door to a nice, sturdy one.

If you have a garage door, consider getting one that locks when you'll be away from home for long. Call garage door installation services and compare prices and benefits of having a locking garage door system. That way, you won't have to worry about someone gaining entrance to your garage and your home by lifting up the garage doors. Some are easily pried up or broken - surprisingly so! While you're at it, make sure that any windows leading into the garage are equally secure, even if that means putting metal bars over the windows.

Finally, for relatively little money, you can make sure your home isn't targeted by having excellent lighting all around your home. Consider installing motion detectors for areas of the yard which could be prime spots for a burglar to use when sizing up your home. Having a bright light come on not only surprises a potential thief but makes their actions all too visible.

As the economy rebounds, perhaps other home improvement projects and renovations, including granite counter tops and high end appliances will become priorities as well. For now, though, we're putting our extra money into protecting what we have and minimizing the chances of our home being an attractive target for thieves.

Sources
Personal experience and Neighborhood Watch emails
Home Invasions Also Stole Sense of Security, Columbus Dispatch, Jan. 28 here
The Mailguard Secure Mailbox, here