Last night, you sat down and made a list of all of the improvements you want to make to your home. Things like paint the master bedroom, add baseboards to all rooms, and add a backsplash to the kitchen all made the cut.
The one improvement that you have not decided on quite yet is investing in a home security system. You live in a nice neighborhood where everyone looks out for each other and you are part of a Neighborhood Watch program, so you are not quite sure if a home security system is necessary.
While you are wise to plan your home improvement investments carefully, you definitely should consider adding door and window alarms, smart security cameras, and other safety devices to your list. Here are four solid reasons why:
Peace of Mind is Priceless
It’s great that you live on such a nice street with caring neighbors, but in reality, no one is really watching your home 24/7. To get that kind of vigilant monitoring, as well as the peace of mind that goes with it, nothing beats installing smart home cameras with motion sensors and other security devices. When everyone is at work or school, a home security system will help to safeguard your home. At any time, you can not only control the cameras, smart locks, lighting, and other devices from your phone—all that you need is an internet connection—but you can also keep an eye on your property. Many security camera systems also feature night vision, which means if you are on vacation and some crook decides to test your garage door, the camera will still be able to capture clear footage that you can then give to the police.
You May Save on Home Insurance
Another good reason to invest in home security is that it may help you to get a discount on your home insurance policy. If you are concerned about the cost of the system, over time these savings can help the security devices pay for themselves. According to GEICO, a home security system will typically result in savings of 5 to 20 percent off the home insurance policy. It is definitely worth calling your agent and asking him or her to check on which devices will save you the most money.
Save Your Home and Family From Fire
When you think about a home security system, you may understandably focus on preventing theft or vandalism. But a security system can also include an early warning service in the case of smoke or fire. As FEMA notes, about 3,700 people perished in 2019 in house fires. If a smoke alarm is not functioning due to a dead or missing battery and everyone is out of the home, a fire could quickly spread in the home. A monitored home security system that includes a smoke and fire detector will send you an alert as well as the local authorities that something is wrong.
Discourage Burglars
Pretend for a moment that you are a crook who is looking to burglarize a home. Will you choose the house with an obvious camera near the front door and a light with a motion sensor over the garage or the home with no cameras in sight? While you don’t like to think about criminals casing your home, it is also wise to do what you can to discourage them. Security cameras that are installed high up and out of reach and are also highly visible to people walking by may encourage a criminal to look elsewhere.
Home Security is a Wise Investment
Your list of desired home improvements is a good one and you don’t have unlimited money to spend. But adding a home security system to your wish list makes all kinds of sense, including emotional and financial. Start by calling your insurance agent and then invest in a smart camera and door lock or two. Then add to your devices as the budget allows—you will be glad you did.