Top 5 Cost Effective Methods to Protect Your Home

Home security systems can be as sophisticated or as expensive as you want them to be, but how can you safeguard your property if you are on a budget? Good news-there are a whole host of cost effective methods that can keep burglars at bay. Here are 5 of your best options.

 

1. External Motion-Activated Lights

A recent survey has shown that the majority of burglars acknowledge the value of deterrent devices, so don't underestimate the value of this type of protection. An external motional light and sensor outside your property will switch on at the first sign of movement and bathe your intruder in a healthy glow.

The light will attract attention and raise suspicion of anybody around, and in the vast majority of cases your thief will move away from your home and the general vicinity and not bother you again. Motion detectors work effectively and are an inexpensive first line of defense for your home.

 

2. Grade One Deadbolts

Don't assume that every deadbolt system on the market is cost prohibitive, because this simply isn't the case. Deadbolts are graded and at the top end of the scale, grade one sets are designed to provide an effective level of security on most properties.

But what does grade one actually mean? In reality this type of deadbolt has been tested and proven to withstand up to ten direct hammer blows. It projects one inch into your door frame and will have been designed to operate on 250,000 open and close cycles so once again, this a cheap way to keep your property safe at external door points. These deadbolts may not be the cheapest around but they are certainly the strongest and definitely worth the extra bucks.

 

3. DIY Wireless Security System

A home security system might seem like a big investment, but when you take out certain variables-such as installation fees, surplus equipment costs, and long-term contracts-many are worth their quite manageable prices. For example, Simplisafe offers a system you can easily install yourself, custom packages that fit your home, and a low-cost monitoring service with no contract or hidden fees.

With a system like this, you get comprehensive protection in all areas of your property, and you can easily monitor your home in real time via your cell phone or other device. Isolated deterrents such as motion sensors and deadbolts are good options, but this is your best and most cost-effective solution if you want full security coverage.

 

4. Gravel under key access points

In addition to the specific security equipment that's on the market, there are a number of things you can do simply by using regular household material. Gravel on your driveway and in your backyard will inevitably make a noise when anyone walks on it. In the dead of night when all else is quiet, your would-be burglar will make his arrival known. If you don't want to cover your entire garden area, simply spread the gravel around key access points.

 

5. Animal Protection

At the very basic end of the security scale you could purchase 'Beware of the Dog' signs for your property. You could even back up the illusion with a bowl and a leash outside your home. Alternatively, you could always buy a real dog! This may not always be a complete deterrent for the career criminal, but it should be enough to keep those opportunists away.

Here are a number of cost effective options with a wide range of price points to help you protect your property, but how have you saved money securing YOUR home?

This guest post was written by Kevin Raposo, a blogger for SimpliSafe Home Security. Kevin typically covers issues related to home security, crime, safety, and tech. When he isn't writing, he's usually lifting weights, playing drums, or just hanging out with friends. SimplISafe is a leader in the wireless home security field.