Homebuilding Insights

Now that you have the home of your dreams, your first thought may be how you should go about protecting it – and the most important things in it. The question of whether or not you need a home security system is one that can keep you awake at night. There are many things to consider before you jump into buying a home security system; you may decide that you need one yesterday, or it may turn out that you don’t need one at all.

How do you work through this important question? What factors should go into this decision? At Ernest Homes , we take your safety seriously, so we’re here to guide you through this process as painlessly as possible.

There are positives and negatives when it comes to owning a home security system, and for each family, they’ll carry different weights.

The first thing to take into account is the crime rate in your neighborhood. The lower it is overall, the less need you’ll have for a security system. To evaluate your area, consider reviewing local crime data from reliable sources such as: CrimeGrade or NeighborhoodScout.

Don’t forget, however, to take into account the crime rates of the cities and towns within a 50-mile radius of your home. It isn’t unusual for criminals to venture further afield if they feel they can be more successful outside their immediate area.

Most burglars aren’t sophisticated. They tend to take advantage of “easy scores”…such as homes that look unoccupied or ones that leave doors or windows unlocked. They also prey on homes with weak or easily jarred locks or glass panes located near doorknobs.

You may want to reduce the likelihood of becoming a statistic by upgrading your locks and being more vigilant about keeping them secured.

Evaluate Your Safety Habits

When you’re away, make sure you put your lights on timers and have someone pick up your mail, newspapers or delivered packages regularly. Never post anything on social media that suggests you’re out of town – wait until you’re safely home to share vacation photos or stories.

Another method of home protection is getting a dog, which can be expensive long-term but adds both love and security to your family. You can also install motion-sensing exterior lighting or “fake it” by posting a “Beware of Dog” sign or home alarm stickers, even if you’re not subscribed to a service.

Consider the Downsides of Home Security Systems

Most systems need to be set manually when you leave and turned off when you arrive. If you’re distracted or rushed, your system may not get used properly—or you may set off false alarms. Some local governments assess fines for repeated false alarms.

Most systems also require monthly testing to maintain peak efficiency.

It’s important to remember home security systems vary widely in price. Make sure you’re getting the features you need without paying for unnecessary extras. Interestingly, studies show that price does not always equal quality—some highly rated companies are quite affordable, while more expensive systems may have higher failure rates or poor customer service.

Be aware of unethical companies that use high-pressure sales tactics or fear-based marketing.

How to Research Security System Providers

If you decide a home security system is right for you, take time to research reputable companies in your area. Helpful resources include:

• Better Business Bureau
• Consumer’s Checkbook
• Yelp
• Angi (formerly Angie’s List)
• Consumers Advocate: Best Home Security Systems

So…have you taken stock of these questions and used your answers to make a decision? Is a home security system for you?

If so, make sure to check our blog for the next segment on home security systems, where we help you evaluate system features and choose the right one for your household: Ernest Homes Blog.

If you have questions about securing your new Ernest home, reach out anytime through our Contact Us page.