Upgrades and Renovations That Will Make Your Home Safer

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Ensuring that you have a safe home is important, but with so many things to consider, it can be challenging to know where to start. This is especially true if you have an older home that may be prone to other more severe hazards. However, by taking things step by step, it is possible to eliminate them so that you can live a happy and healthy life.

In this article, we are going to discuss some different upgrades and renovations that will make your home safer. Want to learn more? Then keep on reading.

upgrades for a safer home

Door Upgrades

Your doors are the main entry points to your home, so you want to find ways to reinforce them as much as possible. If you haven’t changed your locks in a while, consider upgrading them and getting new keys. You might also add another lock, such as a deadbolt, for extra security. Here are a few other additions you may wish to include:

  • Peephole – This allows you to see who is outside your door without alerting them.
  • Hinges – Consider adding more screws to keep them in place.
  • Wooden Rod  Used to reinforce sliding doors. 
  • Security glass – Laminated glass that is robust and shatterproof.  

Window Upgrades

Once you have upgraded your doors, the next thing you want to look at is your windows. These are a little bit harder to secure, but there are ways to reinforce them. You might change your locks, add window bars or install a window sensor that will alarm when they are tampered with. Another good idea is to consider planting thorny shrubbery outside them to make them less accessible. The more precautions you take, the less chance you have of being broken into. 

Something to bear in mind when you have had new windows installed is how the rest of the exterior of your home looks against the new windows. If you find this has exposed other issues or damage, you might need to consider external renovation work to complement your new windows and improve insulation. Contract a siding contractor, Smart Exteriors, for your options.

Lighting

Lighting is important for a variety of reasons, so installing extra both inside and outside your home can make a big difference in your overall safety. Not only will it scare off intruders, but you will be able to see easier and reduce your risk of injury. If you are worried about your electricity bill, look into getting motion sensor solar-powered lights that will turn off and on when triggered.

Electrical

Many people forget about checking the electrical state of their house as it is something we often take for granted. However, with fire risks and the possibility of electrocution, you want to make sure that everything is functioning correctly. That being said, you should never try and carry out electric work yourself. Whether you wish to upgrade your federal pacific electric panel or install a new outlet, it’s better to leave it up to the professionals. 

Plumbing

Water leaks and plumbing problems can lead to a variety of issues that can jeopardize your safety. This can include structural weaknesses, mold, and electrical problems (which we discussed above). If you notice any issues, and they are frequently happening, it can be worth upgrading your system to something sturdier. It can save money towards your water bill and contribute to healthier living.

Home Security

One of the most common things that many people choose to do when improving their home safety is investing in or upgrading their home security system. However, it doesn’t just assist with surveillance and alarms; there are many technology upgrades to choose from. Here are a few that may be included:

  • Smoke/Carbon Monoxide DetectorSmart Locks
  • Smart Heating/Cooling
  • Smart Lighting
  • 24/7 Company Monitoring
  • Asset Protection

Yard Maintenance

As important as your property’s inside is, maintaining your garden is also essential if you want a safe and healthy home. By cleaning up, you can reduce trip hazards, eliminate hiding spots and even reduce the number of harmful pests such as snakes and spiders. Check out these yard maintenance tips to get started! You never know, gardening may just become your new favorite hobby.

Railing and Stairs

The stairs are probably one of the most dangerous places in the house and can cause hundreds of injuries every single year. However, there are a few things that can make them safer; you just need to make some changes. Carpeting can help reduce the risk of slipping, and installing a side railing can be a wise decision. If you live in an older home, you may consider remodeling them altogether. It’s an expense that will certainly be worth it and can prevent many accidents.

Childproofing

The term childproofing can actually cover quite a few different areas. You can do many upgrades and renovations to ensure that your little ones can’t get into anything they shouldn’t. Here are a few to take into consideration:

  • Place baby gates at the top and bottom of stairs, as well as in doorways where you don’t want them to be. 
  • Secure cupboards and furniture directly to the walls.
  • Move up window blind strings to prevent strangulation. 
  • Install childproof locks on all cabinets that are within reach.
  • Plug sockets with outlet covers.
  • Cover all corners with table guards.
  • Remove stove knobs and lock the dishwasher/fridge.

Extras

Finally, the last upgrade/renovation you may consider doing to make your home safer, is to install some type of safety room. To enhance the safety of your home, consider the addition of underground storm shelters, or a bunker that is secure and filled with any necessities. While this is not required for every single home, if you live in an area prone to any natural disasters or have extra concerns for your family, it can be worth thinking about. Here are a few things you’ll need to have inside:

  • First aid kit – Gloves, bandages, tweezes, plasters, etc.
  • Water
  • Batteries
  • Tools
  • Non-perishable food
  • Warm clothing, blankets and pillows
  • Sanitation supplies – Tissues, toilet paper, etc. 
  • Personal documents

Final Thoughts

And that’s it! These were some different things that you can do to make your home safer. By reading through the above, you can pick and choose what works for you or even give your home an assessment to see how protected you really are.

What do you think? Are there any other tips, upgrades, or renovations that you would recommend?

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