A home security assessment is a systematic evaluation of your property's vulnerabilities to burglary, break-ins, and other security threats. Burglars typically target homes with easy entry points, poor lighting, and minimal deterrents.
10 steps across 1 sections
1. Steps Process
- Think like a burglar — Walk around your property and honestly evaluate its vulnerabilities. Look for unlocked doors/windows, hiding spots, easy access points, and valuable items visible from outside.
- Assess the perimeter — Check fencing for gaps, sagging, or damage. Ensure gates have working locks. Trim hedges and shrubs below window height to eliminate hiding spots. Remove ladders, tools, and ...
- Evaluate exterior doors — Check that all exterior doors are solid-core (not hollow). Install Grade 1 or Grade 2 deadbolt locks with a minimum 1-inch throw. Reinforce door frames with 3-inch screws ...
- Inspect windows — Verify all windows have working locks. Consider window security film to prevent easy break-in. Install window sensors. Check that basement and first-floor windows are especially s...
- Assess outdoor lighting — Install motion-activated floodlights at all entry points and dark areas. Ensure the front door, back door, garage, and driveway are well-lit. Use timer-controlled indoor l...
- Review your alarm system — Test that the alarm triggers properly. Update access codes regularly. Verify monitoring service contact information. Post visible alarm company signs and stickers as dete...
- Check security cameras — Ensure cameras cover all entry points and have adequate resolution (1080p+). Test night vision capabilities. Verify cloud or local recording is working. Position cameras vi...
- Evaluate your garage — Garage doors are a common entry point. Ensure the automatic opener works properly and the manual release is not accessible from outside. Lock the door between garage and house.
- Assess your daily habits — Do you lock doors when leaving, even briefly? Do you leave windows open when away? Do you hide spare keys outside (under mats, in fake rocks)? Do you post travel plans on...
- Review your neighborhood — Is the neighborhood well-lit? Do neighbors watch out for each other? Consider joining or starting a neighborhood watch program.
Common Mistakes
- Hiding spare keys outside
- Relying solely on an alarm system
- Posting vacation plans on social media
- Ignoring the garage
- Dark entry points
Pro Tips
- Many police departments offer free home security surveys conducted by trained...
- Smart home devices (video doorbells, smart locks, connected cameras) provide ...
- A barking dog (or even a "Beware of Dog" sign) is one of the strongest deterr...
- Consider a home safe (bolted to the floor or wall) for valuables, important d...
- Reinforce the door between the garage and the house with a solid-core door an...