9 Privacy and Home Security Tips for Homeowners

Your home should feel like your castle, your private sanctuary where you can relax at the end of every day. The last thing you want is to have to worry about privacy intrusions – like nosy neighbors peering into your home from the street or next door – or more serious issues, like burglary.

The good news? You don’t have to turn your home into Fort Knox to seriously increase home security. The even better news? The best home security tips and tricks are pretty easy to implement! Let’s look a little closer.

1. Add locks to windows and doors to increase home security

Your Triad home’s windows and doors might have locks, but they probably aren’t the toughest you can get. If you install additional locks to doors and windows throughout your home, you can pick particularly durable locks to double down on home security.

For example, deadbolts are great security additions for entry doors and back doors. Deadbolts are easy to install and are usually enough to deter potential burglars looking for easy entry points. Smart locks are also excellent options; they require passwords or number codes to unlock their doors, so only family members or trusted friends can get in without you.

What about windows? You can opt for key locks on first-floor windows, although these locks can be a bit inconvenient if you like to open and close your windows all the time to enjoy a breeze.

Window stops might be better options for windows you like to open all the time, such as Alside’s Fusion Quality Vinyl Windows. They only allow your windows to open a few inches, but not enough for anyone to squeeze through the gaps, and they’re great additions to any energy-efficient windows in your home!

2. Install a secure storm door

Storm doors don’t just safeguard entry doors from storm-related wear and tear, like hail damage. Some come with security gates, deadbolt locks, and other features that make them top choices for Triad homeowners looking for some extra peace of mind. Plus, many come with removable screens, stylish windows, and other features. Choose the right storm door, and you’ll bump up your home’s curb appeal, security, and fresh air convenience all at the same time!

3. Use thick curtains or blinds for more home privacy

Depending on the types of windows you have in your home, a new set of curtains or blinds could make them look better than ever and give you some extra privacy. You can’t go wrong with this low-tech solution! Curtains are also handy if you want to make sure your home isn’t an easy target while you’re away on vacation.

Say you have a brand-new living room entertainment center in front of a set of Simonton Double-Hung Windows. Before you leave for a family visit, draw your curtains in front of the windows – that way, opportunistic burglars won’t be inspired to break into your home and try to steal your entertainment equipment.

4. Move your valuables away from the windows

Don’t want to hang curtains in front of a given set of picture windows or replace them with barred security windows? Move any valuables you have away from those windows or out of sight – then they won’t be as at-risk.

Not only will this make it harder for people to see valuables inside your home in the first place, but it’ll also make your things less likely to be stolen from someone passing by on the street if you keep your windows open for fresh air. It’s a win-win.

5. Install exterior lights with motion detectors

Most burglars are easily spooked if they think they might be spotted. So it’s a good idea to boost your home’s security by setting up some exterior lights, complete with motion detectors.

These handy tools will automatically flicker on when they detect motion in your driveway, in your backyard, or anywhere else you set them up. The best part about this home improvement is you don’t actually have to include cameras – most would-be burglars, upon realizing that they are easily seen from the windows or from the street, will abandon any attempts at breaking in without checking for cameras.

6. Invest in a home security system

Of course, you can always invest in a complete home security system that does include cameras, warning alarms, and much more. Brands like Vivint, SimpliSafe, and ADT are popular choices for homeowners who want to invest in whole-home security.

The benefit of these systems is that they can protect you and your family from lots of different potential risks, like carbon monoxide poisoning or fires. While installing a complete home security system is more expensive than many of the other tips in this article, you might think it’s well worth the cost for the peace of mind it can bring.

7. Keep your backup keys hidden well

Plenty of homeowners keep a spare key hidden somewhere around the front porch just in case they get accidentally locked out or they need to let someone else into the house to check on pets. You can keep doing this; just hide your spare key with a little creativity. For instance, don’t put it beneath your welcome mat in front of your entry door.

A better idea is to use a fake plant or rock that holds the key inside. Alternatively, keep your spare key in a tiny lockbox under your porch’s loose floorboard. You can also stash the key in furniture, like underneath the cushion of your front porch sofa.

8. Set up lattice panels in your backyard

Spending time in your backyard just doesn’t feel very relaxing or private if your neighbors (or people walking down the street) can easily see into your property. If you don’t want to set up tall fences, there are a few other options you can pursue.

For instance, decorative lattice panels and walls serve the same purpose as fences while being a little more aesthetically pleasing. Sure, someone can still peek through the tiny gaps in lattice panels, but they don’t permit enough visibility to let anyone snoop with ease or subtlety.

9. Or grow tall plants for extra privacy

Alternatively, you can bring a little green into your backyard by growing some privacy plants along its perimeter. Species like arborvitae, boxwoods, and bamboo are some of our favorite options. You can always opt for classic trees or hedges, too – it all depends on how long you want to grow your plants and how much of a green thumb you have!

Just a few of these ideas could seriously boost your privacy and improve home security, making it much less of an attractive option for would-be burglars. However, many of the most effective home security upgrades are best completed with the help of expert contractors.

You don’t have to look far! At Window World of the Triad, we’ve got lots of experience bolstering the security of our clients’ windows and doors. Whether you’re looking to replace old windows, install a new entry door, or have a different project in mind, make sure your remodeling project secures your home perfectly with our help. Visit our showroom or request a free quote today!