Everybody loves home improvements – a loft conversion here, a conservatory there and, most importantly, jealous neighbours. But while this is all well and good, there are potential pitfalls involved in the decision to move ahead with home improvements. Go about it the wrong way and your home could be left less secure. Here we provide a guide for those wanting to safely renovate their homestead.
Locks
The lock is a symbol of safety and security. However, if you are making home improvements you may well need to rethink how many locks you have around your house. Windows on the ground floor are often more secure than those on the second or third level, for obvious reasons, but home improvements can change things. The last thing you want is for your new porch or roof to provide a stepping stone for a local thief. If renovations do compromise the higher levels of your home then locks should be applied to these windows too.
Doors
Doors are the main entry point for burglars, and if the improvements you are making to your home include the installation of new doors, it is vital to ensure that they are adequately secure. Door sets that comply with British Standard (BS) PAS 24-1 represent the most effective way to guarantee quality. After all, fitting a high quality lock is useless if the door frame that surrounds it is weak. One strong barge and down it comes. When thinking about new doors for your property it is also essential to consider whether there is a window. Should you choose a composite door, which often lack glass panes, it is a good idea to request that a spy hole be fitted as the door is constructed.
Gardens
Gardens can contain many elements that help burglars in their attempts to access your home. Taking a few precautions can reduce this risk significantly. For example, garden sheds close to the house should be avoided, and in many cases an unlocked shed will provide all the tools a burglar requires to break in, while any newly constructed garden fences should be at least 2m in height. Extra safety measures include trellising on top of the fences so as to make them harder to climb.
Renovating your home is a joyful time and should not be ruined by small little details. In addition to the precautions above, a visit to your local police station for some advice can never hurt. Enjoy your refreshed home.