Home security on a budget: 5 cost-effective hacks to keep burglars at bay

Home Security on a Budget: 5 Cost-Effective Hacks to Keep Burglars at Bay

August 13, 2024 by

When you think about what makes a home, it is not just where you spend most of your time or store your things. Your home should also be a safe haven—your most reliable place of refuge from threats of all kinds. 

That being said, if you truly want to take the safety of your home seriously, you need to take an active approach to ensure that you, your family, and your property are kept secure at all times. The best way to do that is by installing security measures.

Home security systems serve as a first line of defense against potential intruders, significantly reducing the risk of burglaries and other criminal activities.

By installing robust security measures, such as alarm systems, surveillance cameras, and sturdy locks, not only will you increase the chances of intruders being apprehended in case of an attempted break-in, but you will also deter them from attempting such robberies in the first place.

In addition to preventing financial losses, ample security will give you peace of mind, as you will always be confident that your house is secured 24/7, whether you are at home or not.

Best Ways to Improve Home Security Without Breaking the Bank

Today, there are several high-tech home security systems, ranging both in type and complexity. Although many of these fancier systems come in at higher price points, if you do not have a budget for an expensive security system, don’t worry, as there are also plenty of affordable hacks for boosting your home security.

1. Reinforced entry points

One great way to increase the security of your home for less than $100 is by installing sturdy deadbolts on all exterior doors. Examine the current state of your exterior doors. If you notice they currently have builder-grade screws, replace them with those that are at least three or four inches in length.

In addition, if you have glass sliding doors, you can secure them with a rod or wooden dowel by placing them in the track to block the door from opening. For a slightly more durable option, you can install step-on sliding door locks, which come in several varieties and may even have a keyed lock.

2. Upgrade the doors and windows

Of course, if there are any exterior doors or windows in your home that are broken, this could introduce some serious vulnerabilities to your security, so fixing them should be a priority.

If you are living in an older home that has undergone much wear and tear, consider whole window replacements rather than repairs so that you can have full confidence in their integrity. 

Even if you do not fully replace some, make sure you at least repair weak or worn out locks with new ones. Think about going with keyed window sash locks on your ground-floor windows, which you can get for a relatively good price.

3. Install window film

Another cost-effective security feature that will make a difference is window film. This clear protective film will reinforce your glass windows, making it incredibly difficult for an intruder to break them. Investing in window film will only set you back $10 to $20.

Not only will this film protect you from burglars, but it can also help prevent injuries sustained from broken glass in case one of your windows is ever accidentally broken by something like a stray baseball.

In some cases, it is also possible to purchase a one-way privacy window film that will allow you to see out of your windows from within your home while preventing others from looking in if they are outside. This will stop potential intruders from monitoring your home’s interior and plan ways to get inside.

4. Install cost-effective alarms

Although some alarm systems are quite expensive, there are many cost-effective systems to choose from. These budget-friendly alarm systems are typically the type that emit a loud sound when someone tries to break in through your door or window.

Such an alarm will likely scare off any potential intruders the moment they begin a break-in attempt by drawing attention to your house right away. Many security companies can offer you a basic alarm system at no cost when signing a contract for professional security monitoring services.

5. Display security signage

While the technical features of a good security system are a big part of what makes it so effective, half of the effect comes from making it known to everyone that your house is equipped with such a system. Most burglars would much rather break into a house that is an easy target rather than one that has all kinds of security features. 

Putting up a sign or a sticker in your window that advertises your house is protected by a security system will generally have this effect. The beauty of this is that most security companies will provide this at no cost to you when getting a security system installed by them.

How Canadian Security Professionals Can Help Equip Your Home With Cost-Effective Security Solutions

If you would like to have the peace of mind that comes with added security measures in your home, and you are looking for a home alarm system or other affordable security solutions, Canadian Security Professionals can help. 

We are well-equipped to assist you in protecting your family and your home from burglaries, home intrusions, fire emergencies, environmental emergencies, and more by providing you with systems that are tailored to suit your specific needs. 

We carry everything from smart locks and video monitoring systems to security cameras and smart doorbells. So, no matter what you require, we are confident that we can offer you a suitable solution.

We are a leader in the home security industry for a reason: we do everything necessary to ensure our customers’ homes stay secured 24/7, 365 days a year. Our top-of-the-line devices will protect the people and the things you love the most. Although it is hard to put a value on that, we will certainly help you to stay well within your budget while securing your home. 

To prove our dedication to your home security, we even offer free consultations so that we can get a good idea of your individual requirements and you can understand everything that we have to offer.

For more information about how we can set you up with a home alarm system that will keep you safe, or to learn more about the other security solutions we have to offer, call Canadian Security Professionals at 1-877-494-9911 or contact us here.

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