Home Security Doesn’t Need to Be Ugly

Invest in a wireless alarm system

Setting up a conventional, hard-wired alarm system requires a professional installer to drill holes and snake wiring under carpets and behind walls and baseboards. Once set up, these systems are extremely difficult to disassemble, relocate and expand.

However, high-tech wireless systems have begun to replace the hard-wired variety as the industry standard. These systems can be installed in as little as a few minutes – oftentimes by the homeowner themselves – and are easy to expand, take apart and relocate.

From a security standpoint, wireless systems are generally more secure than their hard-wired counterparts. Remember, burglars can disable a traditional system by cutting or tampering with the wires that lead to the home. Furthermore, since they rely on your home’s electrical system to function, hard-wired systems can become inoperable during a power outage.

On the other hand, wireless systems are not vulnerable to these types of scenarios. Since they communicate using radio waves (much like a wireless network), cutting wires will not disable the system. Additionally, wireless alarms don’t use your home’s power grid to function, so they can still remain functional on a backup battery during an outage.

On top of offering more protection, you’ll find that wireless systems are much more accommodating to your interior design scheme. To begin with, the lack of wiring, drilling and alterations to your home’s infrastructure give them a lower profile. Since they are incredibly flexible, you can easily move, add and adjust components to fit in with the feng shui of a room.

The good news is that you can install one of these systems in your home for a relatively affordable price. ADT, for instance, is currently offering professionally monitored protection for just $9 per week. Check out www.securitysystemspecials.com/ if you’re interested in learning more.

Install outdoor lighting

Many homeowners install outdoor lighting to emphasize gardens, colorful foliage and other landscaping features. Combined with good landscaping techniques, lighting can not only draw attention to certain parts of your yard, but also serve as an effective deterrent to theft.

Remember, burglars typically target homes that are easy to get in and out of without being seen or heard from. A well-lit yard makes it considerably more difficult for an intruder to sneak around without being noticed by the homeowner, neighbors or any passersby.

Add solid-core doors

Doors do much more than just close off rooms – they can also be your last line of defense against intruders. Not to mention, they are a key component of your design scheme. By investing in solid-core exterior doors, you can enhance your décor and bolster your home security at the same time. Solid-core doors have a center made of solid material (wood, foam chipboard) and are laminated with steel or plywood. These doors are both attractive and durable, and come in a variety of colors and styles.