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Moving Home
Sometimes one of the last things you consider when your moving home or have moved into a new home is security. Your busy thinking about decorating rooms, getting furniture etc. However, it’s really important to take a little bit of time to consider your new home’s security – whether that’s the windows, doors, outbuildings or alarms.
Before you move in
Before moving into your new home, it’s a good idea to make sure you've asked the previous occupants of the home (or the estate agent) for all the keys, alarms codes, alarm remote controls, any manuals or instructions etc that you may need for any doors, windows or pre-installed security devices that will stay after they leave.
You should be given keys for the doors, windows, garages, sheds etc – make sure you ask for all of keys and all the copies. Sometimes additional keys are given to neighbours and other family members and you’ll want to make sure you have all the keys available, so none are left in circulation that your unaware of.
When you move
It’s a good idea once you’re in the new home to look around at the windows and doors on both the main house and also any outbuildings such as sheds, garages etc. to determine if the security is adequate or perhaps needs to be upgraded (see the sections below on how to check).
It's also a good idea to check the overall property security - are there any alarms, cameras, floodlight etc? Are these working, do you know how to operate them, or do they perhaps need to be upgraded too?
Moving can be expensive and you can’t always have 'new' straight away. But you can take steps to upgrade the existing security in the property - sometimes just a little bit of DIY can make a big difference. We have a great range of products that can be used to update/ upgrade existing security cost effectively.
Updating your door security
Start with checking your doors – the main entrance door and back door (if you have one). Depending on your door there are several types of lock – it’s a good idea to seek advice if you’re not sure. Ideally a door should be fitted with a British Standard five-lever mortice lock or a BS Nightlatch on a timber door. For PVCu doors you need a multi-point lock with hooks and a British Standard 3 Star Cylinder.
One of the simplest things to check and update is the cylinder. On the front of the cylinder there should be a Kitemark symbol with a number of stars – 3* is essential for the best security. If you have anything less than 3 Stars, your door cylinder can be easily upgraded to a new 3* high security cylinder that is British Standard kitemarked to the latest security standards. It’s simple to do – it’s just a case of measuring your current cylinder, purchasing a new one and then swapping it over. A video is available on how to do this on our website. It’s best to swap this as soon as you move in if possible, to ensure your door is secure and you also have a new set of keys that you can circulate your chosen network only.
It’s also useful to add a door chain to a door if your worried about security, this is a great retro-fit device that can make opening the door feel a bit safer. Alternatively take a look at our doorstep security section below as we have option such as intercoms and smart doorbells too.
Updating your window security
Fitting new handles can give existing windows a fresh new look and is relatively simple to do. The Architectural handle is a great upgrade to any old tired handle and brings a more modern updated look to a window. It’s also available in a range of colours to suit your style, so you can refresh the windows to match the new décor.
It’s also worth considering what the rooms in the new house will be used for, take some time to look around and make sure the room has everything it needs. For example, a bedroom that may now be used for a children’s bedroom should perhaps have adequate safety measures in place. A window restrictor is ideal, as it can be retro fitted to any window to safely prevent children failing from windows by restricting the initial opening. Allowing ventilation to the room while maintaining safety.
Devices such as Sash Jammers can bolster security on existing windows to strengthen them using a simple face fit solution. They are also handy if your home is left unoccupied for any length of time to ensure your windows are completely protected.
Bolster your doorstep security
It may also be worth considering installing doorstep security too. There are a number of options from the humble wireless doorbell to the latest in smart video doorbells. You may not be familiar with the area around the new house, so establishing who is at your door before you open it is a great way to prevent any unwanted visitors and make you feel safer in any new home.
If you want to be able to see who is at your door even when you aren’t at home, then you can opt for a smart video doorbell. This not only allows you to check the visitor at your door from your smartphone while you’re at home, but from wherever you are, ideal for those deliveries when you’re not at home. It also comes with built in motion detection, so you can set a perimeter around the entrance to monitor too. And with a handy plug in chime for when you’re at home.
Don’t forget an alarm
If your new home is already fitted with an existing alarm, it’s a good idea to familiarise yourself with how it works, how you change the settings and how to update the admin code. That way you can ensure its working for your needs. It may be the alarm could do with a service, depending on how long it’s been fitted – it’s certainly a good idea to start with checking the batteries to make sure everything is working.
If the new home doesn’t have an alarm or you want to upgrade the one you have. We have a wide range of home security systems suitable for any home or budget.
Having an alarm at home, especially one with an external siren, provides an effective visual deterrent against any opportunist intruder as they will often look for such indicators before attempting anything. In the event of a trigger, depending on the alarm, it will send audio/ written cues to alert you, or your selected network of contacts that your home may have been accessed.
You may want to consider what type of alarm you choose - do you go 'Smart' or more 'Traditional'? A smart alarm will give you the great advantage of being able to monitor your home while on the move, with notifications, messages or phone calls to your designated contacts in the event of a trigger. You can also add other useful bits to the system, so it becomes more than a Alarm - items such as cameras, doorbells, lights can all work within the integrated smart alarm system, to fully protect the entire home. Or do you opt for something more traditional, with a simple PIR, Siren, Keypad - the choice is yours. And, if you live in a flat or shared accommodation, we have alarms that don't need an external siren but will still alert you to a trigger.
How about a camera?
You can also extend your security with home security cameras to keep an eye on your new home when you’re not there. They provide a further visual deterrent on the outside of the property or on outbuildings to any potential intruders. Floodlights are too equipped with PIR's to not only light the area but also trigger recording and send you a notification.
With the latest technology, wireless outdoor security cameras and floodlight cameras, can be installed easily and with footage viewed from your smartphone, remote monitoring is then simple.
