10+ Simple Ways to Secure Your New Home

By Rebecca Edwards

Security Expert, Safety & Tech Reporter

Decorating your new home is definitely more fun than setting up security measures. But burglars strike every 30 seconds, so home security should be a top priority.¹ To help you get back to the fun stuff, here are 11 simple things you should do right away to secure your new home.

1. Secure the doors

Don’t help a burglar stroll in through the front door (34% of them do!).² Inspect all of your exterior doors to make sure the door frames are strong, the hinges are protected, and—if your door has a mail slot—that someone can’t reach through it to unlock the door.

If you’re moving into a residence that someone else used to call home, change the door locks. That way you won’t have strangers out there with a key to your house, and you can make sure your locks are the best on the market.

Here are some quick reinforcements we recommend to help you shore up these vital entryways.

• Install a deadbolt. 
• Add a strike plate.
• Upgrade to smart locks.
• Boost security with a video doorbell.
• Reinforce sliding glass doors

Intruders love sliding doors, so make sure yours are protected. You can go old-school and use a window bar or dowel in the track to keep the door from being forced open. If you want a high-tech solution, add a door sensor or glass break sensor. These will alert you if the glass door is tampered with—and should scare off thieves.

2. Lock the windows

According to theft expert Dr. Ben Stickle, windows are “a common entry point for criminals” and may be left shut but unlocked by the previous homeowner. Plus, manufacturer latches on windows aren’t always effective—and sometimes they’re downright flimsy.

If you don’t like the looks of your window latches, beef up security with aftermarket window locks or key-operated levers. But you don’t have to stop there.

We have some other good ideas to help make your windows burglar-proof.

• Reinforce glass with window security film.
• Install window or glass break sensors.
• Add window bars.
• Plant prickly bushes under first-floor windows (but be sure to keep them trimmed).

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Related Article: Practical and Useful Ways of Securing Your Apartment

For professional assistance in improving security in your home call (617) 622-5257. Learn more at www. dorchesterlocksmith.com

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Benefits of Smart Door Locks

September 10, 2021 by Michael Webster

Smart door locks are one of the new technological advancements smart homes are starting to utilize more often. If you’re tired of losing your house key, looking for added security, want your kids to be able to access the home when you’re not home or want to let guests in remotely, smart door locks are what you need.

A smart door lock is just one more advantageous feature to add to your smart home — here’s why:

Remote Management for Convenience

With smart door locks, there’s no more worrying if you locked the doors or not as some models allow you to check on your phone’s app. Smart door locks integrate into your home system and allow you to manage your home straight from your phone or home automation system.

When installing, you’re usually able to keep your existing deadbolt hardware in place too, for an added layer of protection. Many smart-lock systems are very accommodating and allow you to have a spot for a key, making it easy to use for people who have trouble with technology.

Know Who’s Coming In and Out

Smart door locks can alert you when doors open and close, and some systems even allow you to give different people their own passcodes, so you know exactly who is entering.

You can also pair your lock with a smart doorbell camera, allowing you to physically see who’s at your door with the click of a button. The personalized passcode feature is perfect for kids, guests, in-home deliveries, or if you’re renting out your home as a vacation spot.

Enhanced Security and Safety

Adding a smart door lock to your home adds an extra layer of security. Are you still hiding the spare key under the doormat or in a flowerpot on the front porch?

There’s no need to keep up with a physical house key or hide one outside as a spare. Smart locks eliminate the need to make copies of physical keys, therefore, you’ll have fewer methods of entry to your home floating around.

Automate Smart Home Devices

A smart lock can be the cornerstone of an automated home system. The status, whether it’s locked or unlocked, can signal other devices to adjust accordingly. For example, if you unlock the door, the smart lock can automatically change the thermostat to a lower temperature and turn on the hallway lights.

You can choose Bluetooth, Zigbee, Z-WAVE or Wi-Fi compatibility for your smart door lock — whichever matches your other smart-home technologies. The range of Bluetooth smart locks only reaches about 300 feet, meaning you’re only able to control your locks when you’re in and around your home. Meanwhile, the other technologies provide access anywhere there’s an Internet connection, although the battery does drain quicker.

Smart door locks come in many different forms and styles to match your home’s needs. If you’re searching for the extra sense of security and comfort that smart locks bring, we provide many options to cater to your home. Contact us to learn more about our products and services. 

Article Source: Benefits of Smart Door Locks

Related Article: HOW TO SECURE YOUR HOME EFFECTIVELY

If you need professional assistance in installing smart locks or any kind of high security locks, call (617) 622-5257. For more info, visit https://www.dorchesterlocksmith.com/

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What locksmiths do

We all know what locksmiths do; or do we? Locksmiths make keys and help with lockouts; that’s the standard answer, anyway. Like many other things, the more we learn about locksmiths the more we don’t know! Here at Dorchester Locksmith, we are often asked a variety of questions that seem obvious to us that work there but apparently are not so obvious to others. Some of the questions we get are these. Are locksmiths expensive? How long should you wait for a locksmith to show up? Do prices ever change once the work starts? Do locksmiths charge more for after-hours work? Does my locksmith need to be licensed? Won’t I get a cheaper one if no license is involved? Do I need to check ID? Should they bring their own tools? You don’t have to live here in Dorchester, MA for these questions and their answers to apply. They will be the same for you no matter where in the country you happen to live.

When should I use a handyman?

If your task is lock or key related, it’s best to use a real locksmith. We encourage locals to work with a full service locksmith shop whose technicians are licensed, bonded and fully insured. Don’t worry if that sounds intimidating or expensive. Many of the best locksmith shops of this type are very affordable and due to their volume of local business, they can afford to charge much less than you’d think. Besides, you have to weigh the value that working with real locksmith professionals affords you. You’ll know that you are dealing with true lock and key experts with skills, knowledge and field tested experience and that in itself brings peace of mind along with enhances security. How much is your protection and that of your loved ones worth to you? All it takes is a little shopping around to find a local locksmith shop like this. But why not use a handyman for locksmith work? Many local handymen are not licensed, and offer only part time help that can also be used to change light bulbs, move boxes or paint walls. They simply don’t have the training, tools or expertise to do actual locksmith work.

The best locksmiths use the best locks

That goes without saying. What good is quality locksmith work if your hardware is cheaply made and or shoddily installed? Stick with the best and you won’t be disappointed! You can always depend on reliability and quality when your locksmith uses lock hardware from Medeco, Baldwin, Abloy, Mul-T-Lock, ASSA, BiLock, Sentry, Ace, Kwikset, Master, Yale, Falcon, American, InstaKey, Fichet, Kaba, Primus, Von Duprin, Llco, Dexter, Schlage and others of similar renown.

Four Main types

Locksmiths should specialize and be skillful in all four main types of practice; home, auto, business and emergency. Many of these overlap as you can find keyless entry systems in cars and also in homes and businesses. You can add high security locks to your house as well as to your shop. It’s best to work with a locksmith that is comfortable handling any type of lock hardware or service. That way you can deal with one company or shop for all of your locksmith needs no matter where in town you are.

Residential locksmiths

A home locksmith expert can let you back inside after a lockout. He or she can also add to your home security by recommending and installing locks on doors, windows, mailboxes, garage doors and other vital security locations. From basic key cutting to video surveillance installation, a good residential locksmith is truly worth hiring. They can advise you on home security additions like high security locks, gun safes and keyless remotes. They can secure your door with a strong deadbolt and cut extra keys for your main door lock. If you own rentals, they can convert your locks to a master key system and save you time, money and hassle.

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