You’ve spotted a beautiful old home and it has that perfect older charm that you’ve been looking for. The only downside is that older homes can sometimes have potential security issues if you don’t know what to look for. You can still enjoy the process of getting into an older home while using a few tips to increase your home and family’s security.
Check out these tips below for better home security, from updating the locks to installing an alarm system.
It probably doesn’t have an alarm system
The first thing you’ll notice about an older home compared to a newer home is that older homes tend to have no alarm system. This is an easy fix though as you can easily get one installed that will be new and all set up for your family.
Older homes don’t have these because they didn’t have these back then and the ones that do have them were probably fixed up and modernized. If you see a basic alarm system from when they were first introduced, you’ll want to update it with something new. To ensure you don’t have to deal with a robbery or intruder, having a decent home alarm with sensors on the entryway and your windows is the first step.
You can get one installed with a security company that will alert you when there is suspicious activity and can call the police if a situation happens. You’ll just have to arm or disarm it with your cell phone each day.
This is great while you’re away from the home since many systems can live stream from your phone or record pictures. Add a doorbell camera to your home to allow you to see who comes to the door as well.
The locks are old
With an old home comes old locks. That means they are going to be easier to break into or even break. You’ll likely find that the home has antique locks on the entries and gates that look beautiful but don’t keep the home secure.
With all of the wear tear from use and the weather, the locks are going to be much easier to attempt to pick and break into. This would be the perfect time to update to all new locks that are difficult to lock-pick and sturdy. Consider a smart lock that will allow you to control it from your smartphone.
What’s inside the walls are old
Another issue with older homes is that you are looking at older plumbing, older wiring, and older everything. You might be looking at this as a fixer-upper project in which you can replace or repair anything needed to make this your dream home.
Start with the locks and the security system, and then dive into the rest of the projects with a professional. You may need new pipes, new wiring, and electrical outlets installed. You may also have an old HVAC system with missing air filters, and even a roof that has damage. All of these things will need to be looked at and assessed by plumbers, electricians, and more.
Old garage and windows
This may be a good time to update your windows and garage door. Sometimes these things don’t get tested for a long time and won’t keep your home protected in their current condition. Talk to a specialist about investigating the condition of these units so that your security is protected.
Lastly, be sure to update your detectors for smoke, fire, floods, and carbon monoxide. Keep your family safe from these hard-to-detect hazards.
Use these tips to avoid a potential security issue in your new-to-you, older home