How to Have Peace of Mind in Your New Home in Seattle

Moving into a new home is exciting and a new start. However, it can also be a time of uncertainty regarding its security. Your family's safety is of the utmost importance, and there are some simple and practical steps you can take to have peace of mind in your new home.

Key Takeaways:

• Update Locks: Replace or rekey all locks to ensure no unauthorized individuals have access to your new home.
• Inspect Entry Points: Thoroughly check all doors and windows, including garage and basement entries, to confirm they are secure and in good condition.
• Secure Pet Doors: If your home has a pet door, ensure it is locked or upgraded to a more secure model to prevent unauthorized entry.
• Install a Security System: Consider adding or upgrading a security system to provide continuous monitoring and protection.
• Enhance Outdoor Lighting: Well-lit exteriors deter potential intruders; install motion-sensor lights around your property.
• Maintain Landscaping: Keep shrubs and trees trimmed to eliminate hiding spots and improve visibility around your home.
• Get to Know Your Neighbors: Building relationships with neighbors can create a supportive community that looks out for each other.
• Be Cautious Online: Avoid sharing details about your home's security features or your absence on social media platforms.

Check Out the Doors

The doors of a building are the easiest and most logical way to gain access to a home. A lot is riding on the structure of a home’s doors. When you move into a new home, inspect the doors. Look at the frame, hardware, and the doors themselves. You are looking for signs of damage, loose screws, or door knobs. Any issues should be fixed or resolved right away.

Door Construction

The exterior doors should be solid. Hollow doors are acceptable for use inside a home but not for doors that lead outside. Hinges should be protected, and the hinge pin should be located on the interior side of the door.

Decorative Door Features

If the front door has a mail slot spend time looking at this feature. Determine if it is possible to fit your hand into the slot. Consider if there is a way to unlock the door from the inside by going through the mail slot. If you decide to replace the door consider getting a door without a mail slot and install a mailbox on the exterior of the home.

Update the Locks

Many homeowners opt to replace or rekey the locks when they purchase a new home. The previous owners are supposed to turn over all their keys when selling the home, but that may not always happen. It is possible the previous homeowner gave friends or relatives copies of keys to the home, and those may not have been returned. Since there is no way to know for certain if you have all of the keys it is best to change the locks, so the old key is no longer compatible.

Check All of the Home’s Doors

The front door typically gets the most attention, but remember to check all doors that lead to the outside. Inspect backdoors and sliding doors as well as basement doors. If the home has a garage make sure to check those doors, too. Garage doors can be particularly vulnerable, so inspect the door and the garage door opener. It may be necessary to replace the garage door opener to keep the garage secure. Even if the garage is detached it is still important to consider the security of the building.

Dog Doors

A dog door is a convenient feature for both owners and their best friends. A pet door is also a big security risk. If your new home has a dog door and you do not have pets, secure the door until it can be removed. A lot of pet doors have security features that make it possible to lock and secure the doors. If your new home’s pet door does not have built-in security features and you want to keep the door upgraded to a more secure option.

Inspect Windows

Windows are the second most vulnerable spot in a home. Go over all of the windows with the same attention you gave to the doors. Inspect the glass for damage and ensure the locks work. First-floor and basement windows that are easily accessible from the ground should receive special attention. Remember to also check windows on the upper floors of multi-level homes since these are still access points.

Outdoor Lighting

Install outdoor lighting so the areas around your home are illuminated. Lights should be near every door to keep your home secure. Install motion sensors on outdoor lights, so if an intruder enters your yard and inadvertently turns on the lights they may think twice about approaching your home. Motion sensor lights can also be handy and practical for a homeowner, so the security aspect is an added convenience.

Add or Upgrade a Security System

A security system is always vigilant and can keep a home safe. If your new home already has a security system installed make sure to update the code and any security confirmation questions. Consider if it is worth updating the current system if you feel it does not offer the level of security you feel is appropriate. If your new home does not have a security system look at the community and your home to determine what type of system would be the best fit.

Maintain Landscaping

Overgrown bushes and trees can provide cover for burglars attempting to access your home. Regularly trim shrubs and maintain your lawn to eliminate potential hiding spots. Position larger plants away from windows and entry points to improve visibility and reduce concealment opportunities. A well-maintained yard enhances curb appeal and signals to potential intruders that the homeowners are vigilant.

Get to Know Your Neighbors

Establishing a rapport with your neighbors fosters a sense of community and mutual concern for each other's well-being. Neighbors can be invaluable in monitoring your property during absences, collecting mail, or noticing unusual activities. Participating in or initiating a neighborhood watch program can further bolster communal security efforts.

Be Cautious Online

In today's digital age, oversharing on social media can inadvertently compromise your home's security. Avoid posting specific details about your home's security measures, upcoming vacations, or extended periods when your home will be unoccupied. Such information can be exploited by individuals with malicious intent. It's prudent to share your experiences and photos after returning home and adjust your privacy settings to limit the audience of your posts.

Make Sure Your New Home Is Safe

First and foremost, when you move into a new home, you need to look over all doors and windows to determine their quality and condition. If applicable, check out your home’s security system and make adjustments to ensure your new home is safe and secure for you and your family.

Contact Sevan Locks and Doors Today For A Safer Home

Ready to enhance the security of your new home in Seattle? At Sevan Locks and Doors, we offer expert services to help you safeguard your property, from installing high-quality locks to setting up advanced security systems. Contact us today for a security consultation, and let us help you create the peace of mind you deserve in your new home.