Many people fear crime, especially when it happens in the comfort of their own homes. Unfortunately, property crimes are rising in the United States, and no one is immune. The best way to protect your home from burglars and vandals is to design it with security in mind. However, good security doesn’t mean your home has to look ugly. Following these five great home designs, you can have both safety and elegance.
Install Elegant But Tall Walls
Your first protection against burglars is your home’s exterior walls. They should be made of solid materials like brick or stone and be at least eight feet tall. To further deter criminals, install spikes or other deterrents on the walls. You can also plant thorny bushes beneath windows to make it more difficult for burglars to break in.
You have various options for these kinds of walls. However, your best option is a reliable pre-cast concrete wall. Pre-cast means the concrete is mixed off-site and brought to your home in ready-made panels. This type of wall is solid and difficult to breach. It’s also beautiful, and you can have it painted any color you like.
Another excellent option for exterior walls is stucco. Stucco is plaster made from cement, sand, and water. It’s commonly used in Mediterranean-style homes and can give your home a beautiful, old-world look. Stucco walls are also entirely secure, as they’re very thick and difficult to break through. However, they are costly when compared to pre-cast walls.
Tighten Up Your Windows
Your home’s windows are another weak spot that burglars will exploit. To make them more secure, install grilles or bars inside the window. This will make it much more difficult for a burglar to break the glass and reach in to unlock the window.
You can also use unique film to reinforce your windows. This film is applied to the glass, making it much harder to break. It’s commonly used in commercial buildings, but you can also have it installed in your home.
Another way to secure your windows is to install sensors that trigger an alarm if someone tries to break them. Various types of sensors are available, so you can choose one that best suits your needs. The best part is that these sensors are hidden, so they won’t affect the way your windows look.
Install Motion Lights
Lighting can add both elegance and security to your home design. For security, install motion-activated lights around your property. These will flood the area with light if someone approaches, making it much more difficult for them to break in without being seen.
You can also use lighting to add a touch of elegance to your home. Install landscape lights around your gardens and walkways. This will give your home a warm and inviting look while deterring criminals.
Smart Security System
Nowadays, you can’t be too careful when it comes to security. An intelligent security system will deter burglars and give you peace of mind. These systems are designed to detect intruders and alert the authorities.
You can also use a smart security system to monitor your home while you’re away. Many of these systems allow you to view live footage of your home from anywhere in the world. This way, you can always know what’s happening at your property.
The best part is that smart security systems have a slick and modern look. Take the Ring doorbell, for example. It’s a small, unassuming device placed on any door or window. But it has a high-definition camera and two-way audio, so you can see and speak to whoever is at your door. As a result, it won’t affect your home’s overall design and fits into any home’s aesthetic.
Landscape Your Garden
Natural barriers can also add security to your home. To create one, landscape your garden with thorny bushes and plants. This will make it more difficult for burglars to sneak around your property. Certain trees, such as evergreen trees and cherry laurels, can also be a natural barrier to your home.
You can also use landscaping to add privacy to your home. Tall hedges or fences are great for this purpose. Just be sure to choose a material that’s difficult to climb, like brick or stone. Additionally, you can install security cameras in strategic positions around your property. This way, you can keep an eye on who’s coming and going.
Installing a security system is one of the best ways to protect your home from burglars. But you don’t have to sacrifice style to do it. There are plenty of attractive and effective security solutions available. Following these design decisions can make your home safe and beautiful.
