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5 Ways to Improve Home Security Without Spending a Fortune

home security

Keeping your home safe should be a top priority. But with burglars getting smarter and trickier these days, securing your biggest investment may require you to go beyond the basic. This can mean more devices- and more expenses.

Fortunately, however, that isn’t always the case. With the right ideas, there are still ways for you to augment your home security without burning holes in your wallet. Here are 5 of them.

1.   Upgrade your locks

Aside from installing a budget-friendly home security system, upgrading your locks is also necessary. As lock pickers and bumpers are becoming more common, you need to make sure your locks are resistant enough.

Deadbolt locks are one of your best options. Although they are not as expensive and advanced as smart lock systems, they are tough when it comes to brute force and lock picking.

The importance of keeping your doors locked at all times, particularly when you’re going out of your home isn’t rocket science. If you want your locks to be effective, you have to make sure you use them constantly.

2. Improve your landscaping

Increasing your yard’s visibility is one good way to keep intruders out. When your yard is clear of overgrown bushes and clutter, it will be easy for you and your neighbors to see who’s prying around your property. Aside from trimming plants, you can also add low thorny bushes to your yard. They are best placed on the areas near your windows and the sides of your home.

It can also help if you can increase the lighting in your yard. Although any type of lighting can be useful, it’s still a good idea if you can invest in motion activated lights. These lights can be triggered at the slightest sign of motion and can be used to alert your neighbors of possible trespassing. They are also good in sending intruders scampering away from your property.

3. Start or join your neighborhood watch program

Neighborhood watch programs are effective burglar deterrents. They encourage the community to be more proactive when it comes to security. They also make everyone in the neighborhood more vigilant, especially in knowing who goes in and out of the area.

If your neighborhood doesn’t have one yet, you can start your own group by inviting the people in your area for a short meeting. You can seek the help of your local police so that there won’t be anything amiss in the program. Working directly with your local authorities also makes their response time a lot faster.

4. Secure your garage

Because garages typically connect to a home, a large number of burglars use them to gain access to properties. This makes your garage as important as your front and back doors.

Your garage should always be closed or locked even if you’re home. As long as you’re not inside it or you’re not using it, keep in mind to secure its door. You should also push back any valuables further inside it so that they won’t be easily seen by prying eyes. It’s also a good idea to lock motorcycles and bikes inside.

5. Lock away your tools

Screwdrivers, hammers and even your ladder should not be left in sight as burglars can interpret them as a clear invitation to break into your home. The same thing goes for your pry bars and garden tools.

Instead of having them lying around, gather and tuck them inside your home. If you have a separate storage area in your yard, make sure that it can’t be easily seen by other people. It will also be helpful if your storage can be locked.

 Author’s Bio: 

Rose Cabrera is one of Top Security Review’s lead content writers. She’s highly passionate about writing home security system reviews and sharing budget-friendly home security ideas.

 

Internal Doors: A Surprisingly Effective Upgrade for Your Home

interior doors

Not a lot of things shape the interior of a home better than a good interior door. They are an important part of your house, and have an impact on its appearance, overall look and style. They might look like a small component, but they should not be overlooked that easily. As an object we use every day they are bound to leave an impact on us. Investing a little in better internal doors can really add to your home’s style and visual appearance. Here are some helpful tips on what to look for when in market for good internal doors.

The size

Before getting the new internal door you have to take measure. Most doors are common size (762mm x 1,981mm), but it varies from home to home depending on their age. If the doors are not standard size you might need to get a custom made doors. It doesn’t have to be standard to look good and stylish in your house, think about tall or extra wide double wing doors.

After you make the opening for the door, along with the door itself you have to buy the linings for it as well. This is the timber kit that fits and goes along the edges of the door opening. The doors are later hung on it. If you don’t feel like hiring a professional to do it, don’t worry, you can handle this by yourself without a problem. Or you could simply buy doors that are already delivered by being hung on a frame.

Internal Doors: A Surprisingly Effective Upgrade for Your Home

Solid vs Hollow

Doors in your home are usually made with hollow core or panels. Those that are made out of panels are from solid wood and have a higher price than their hollow core counterparts. The number of panels varies, usually from two to eight and they can also be glazed. Internal doors that have a hollow core are usually made out of laminate or wood veneer, and are literally hollow aside from some fillings usually cardboard. They are much cheaper than solid wood doors.

Internal doors also come with an option of solid core. Similar to hollow core these are veneered, but unlike hollow core these have steel in the center to add weight and resemble solid wood doors.

The style

Sometimes it can be quite hard to choose the right door for your interior. You don’t want your internal doors to jump out of the whole theme, you want it to complement the house’s style. If your house is decorated with antiques and has that older style look, choose the doors accordingly. Paneled doors would match really well with this style.

If you own a country style house, then you might want to go with ledged braced doors. These are made out of wood and are held up by horizontal ledges or braces. Minimalist flush doors go really well with modern houses. If you are short on space, sliding or folding doors are a great choice for your home. If you can’t find doors that suit your needs in shops, you can shop online for some elegant internal doors.

Materials

No matter the style, solid wood doors go with everything. Different types of timber are used for doors including cherry, oak and pine. Aside from wood you can buy doors that are made entirely out of glass or metal. Materials used for metal doors are usually aluminum or steel, and they give your house a very industrial look.

Follow these tips and choose internal doors that complement your house the best. Choose the doors that fit into your home style.

Lawn Care: How to Nurture Your Yard This Summer

The hot summer months can cause severe damage to your lawn. The grass can become dry, which can lead to it turning brown and brittle. A few simple steps can help keep your lawn healthy.

Lawn Care How to Nurture Your Yard This Summer

Fertilize
In order to have a healthy lawn, you need to give it the proper nutrients. Before the summer season, take the time to fertilize the lawn, watering it after the fertilizer has been spread. This will provide the necessary nutrients that it will need to grow in the spring and summer and will often make the lawn greener.

Landscaping
If you don’t have the time to care for the lawn, then consider hiring a landscaping company, such as Nature Safe. Most companies will work with your schedule and can come on a regular basis depending on how often the lawn needs manicured. A landscaping company can do everything from mowing to adding mulch around the flowers in order to keep the moisture near the roots so that the flowers and other plants will grow.

Water
When you’re hot, you probably drink cold water. The same concept goes for your lawn. When it’s hot outside, the moisture is quickly taken from the ground. It’s best to water the lawn in the morning or in the evening. This will prevent the sun from draining the water that you just put on the lawn in a short amount of time.

Mowing
Your lawn will need to be mowed in the summer to remove the dead blades of grass on the top layer. Adjust the height of the mower so that it’s not cutting close to the ground as this can end up burning the grass. About half an inch to an inch from the top of the grass is ideal depending on how fast your lawn grows.

Bugs
There are many bugs that like making your lawn their home. Treat the lawn for grubs, beetles and June bugs that tend to lay their eggs in the middle of the summer. An exterminator can come to spray the lawn with products that are safe for both the grass and the family, especially if you spend a lot of time outdoors.

Caring for your lawn in the summer is easy if you follow a few tips. You don’t have to look at brown blades of grass throughout the season as long as the lawn stays watered and manicured. Landscaping companies can help keep your lawn in the healthiest condition possible if you don’t have the time to provide proper care.

 

Factors that help to decide Fireplace Construction Specialist for Home

Fireplace Construction

Fireplace is a cozy place from age old generations. Adding the style quotient to the fire place is on the rise for a few years now. If you are planning to follow it as well for your home, you need fireplace construction specialist. Hence, it is best to employ a specialist who is certified to undertake the task. You will have to hunt for a service provider who offers the services at highly competitive prices.

Fireplace Construction Specialist

There are several other factors when you have to hire the fireplace construction specialist for home:

  1. Local Services:
    Always look out for fireplace construction services that are local or practice near your neighborhood. It is easier to contact them and meet as many times as required to discuss the fireplace layout or design. Besides, it becomes easier to get the installation done within the decided time period. More importantly, if there is any emergency post construction of the fireplace, you can contact the fireplace construction specialist to your house at the earliest.
    2.  Alternatives:
    The fireplace construction specialist for home should be able to offer you with a wide range of options in fireplace designs. Be it bricks, steel or stones; it should be able to accommodate the pattern or layout that you want for the fireplace at your home. At the same time, the executive should guide you with the benefits and problem areas of each material. In simpler words, it should assist you in choosing the right material and layout for the fireplace.

    3.  License:
    The most important criteria when you are searching for fireplace construction services, you should ask for the work license and certificates. This will ensure that you hire only the experts who are authorized to undertake such work. Additionally, you will not have to worry about the work done shabbily. The professionals will take every care and caution while building the fireplace and would not damage the existing structure.

    4.  Previous Work:
    While you check upon the work certificate of the fireplace construction specialist for home, you should run a check on their past work. See if the company can offer you with their portfolio or references. If you are checking the work online, you can call up on their previous clients and learn if they have done a good job. The bottom line is to see if the service provider will finish your work satisfactorily within the set deadline.

    5.  Customized work:
    If you are looking forward to an embellished fireplace, then you will need such workers. So, you will have to clearly mention the same to the fireplace construction service provider. Check if the service has skilled labor that can undertake carvings or embellish the fireplace. Be it a classic style or a contemporary look, the service provider should be able to understand your requirements and offer you a fireplace as per your expectations.

    6.  Warranty:
    The fireplace construction specialist for home should assure you that the fireplace will serve you for a long time. See if the service can offer you with some complimentary services like cleaning and maintenance or repairs for a time period. If there are any cracks, dents or any damage to the fireplace within the short span of installation, the service should cover the same for you.

    License:
    The most important criteria when you are searching for fireplace construction services, you should ask for the work license and certificates. This will ensure that you hire only the experts who are authorized to undertake such work. Additionally, you will not have to worry about the work done shabbily. The professionals will take every care and caution while building the fireplace and would not damage the existing structure.

Fireplace

As a service seeker, you should understand that considering all these factors will help you find a good service. You can easily spot a specialist who can do a great job for you. Also, when you are comparing different services, make sure you go beyond the prices. Compare the work they have been offering to their clients so that you choose a specialist.

Guest post by: 

Jack Louis is a content creator, blogger and founder of blog ambitions. He provides useful information which help readers to get more ideas.

 

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