Moving into a new home is filled with so much excitement. You may be thinking about all of the wonderful things you can do to spurs up the new pad to make it all your own. In the midst of the excitement, however it is also very important to remember that living in a home and most certainly if living alone can pose some dangers. Home security is not something that a lot of new homeowners like to think about at first, because the expense of home security options may overshadow your good judgment. Although moving into a new place can leave you in the red about the cost of moving services, down payments etc, don’t forget to budget for home security options well in advances.
Most people know to change the keys on all their locks when moving into a new home, because the movers, Realtor and previous owners may still have a copy of the key. However, you should consider taking your security one step further. Here are a few home security options to consider before making your move.
High Fences – If your new home is not already guarded with fences, consider getting them installed. High fences provide the dual function of privacy and also making it difficult for intruders to into your yard. There are different kinds of fences, from metal to wooden. Prices vary based on style. They can be purchased at any home improvement store and may run an average of $50/pallet.
Guard Dog – Having a security dog in your yard is a great way to scare off intruders. Most dogs are natural guardians, but some dog breeds are better than others for the purpose of protecting their owners. Guard dos can run anywhere from $3,000 to $5,000. Here are the 5 most popular choices:
- Doberman Pinscher
- Rottweiler
- German Shepard
- English Bull Mastiff
- Pitt Bull
Alarm System – This is a great way to protect your home. Alarm systems set off an aggravating sound that will alert your alarm system provider, you and your neighbors of any force entry. Most times, the sound alone will steer away intruders.
There are various types of systems. Some are connected directed to the police department, others come with surveillance. Depending on the kind of alarm system you want, costs will vary drastically and most have annual rates and installation fees. Visit our home security page for more information.
Handgun – Some people opt to get licensed hand guns to protect their homes. The laws for gun ownership vary from state to state, but proper training in caring for, storing and using a handgun for protection is highly recommended. The following a great resource for handgun laws in the US.