You might have been putting off important home security improvements because you are afraid of what the cost might be. It doesn’t have to be that way. Follow the tips presented in this article for easy, inexpensive methods of securing your home.

It is crucial that you change the locks as soon as you move into a new residence. The person who previously owned the home may have made copies of keys. To ensure that you are the only one who has access to your house, call a locksmith. If you lose keys, make sure to do this, too.

You should only provide a house cleaner your key if you completely trust them. Be sure any home cleaner you give your key to is trustworthy and reputable. It is best to do a reference check on them. If applicable, call the BBB to inquire about their reputation.

If someone comes to clean your home, only give them a key if they’re trustworthy. Be sure any home cleaner you give your key to is trustworthy and reputable. Check the housekeeper’s references very carefully. If applicable, call the BBB to inquire about their reputation.

Do you keep your dog outside if you leave the home? Your furry friend is also a great storage place for your extra key. You can attach your key to your dog’s collar in order to keep the key hidden. If your pet does not get along with strangers, this will ensure your spare key stays safe.

Is your dog kept outside when you are away? If so, you can use your dog to hide your spare key. Put it on your dog’s collar, making sure it is hidden. If you have a pet that does not trust strangers, this can help you get into your house if needed.

Be smart about where you decide to hide spare keys. Above a door frame or under a mat are not smart ideas. One idea is to hide your key inside the collar of your outdoor dog.

Don’t post information about an upcoming vacation anywhere on the web. You may be very excited about your impending vacation, but there is no need to let potential burglars know when you will be gone.

Look at the prices for all of the security systems that you are interested in. Wild variations in pricing can exist for similar security products. You really owe it to yourself to solicit firm quotes from three different providers before you sit down to pick one.

If you’re going on a trip for an extended period of time, switch the ringer off on all home phones. If a burglar keeps hearing your phone ring, they’ll know the home is not occupied, making it more likely for a break-in to occur.

Don’t let people into your house that you don’t know. Stay true to your safety, even if it appears the person has legitimate reasons for wanting entry. This is the first rule of keeping your home secure.

Ask your friends for advice before you choose a home security system or company. Others have likely had both good and bad experiences that they can share with you that can then save you a lot of stress and time. Ask a few different people to help you make the best choice.

Skylights should be secure. Although a skylight can bring light into one’s home and look good, it’s also a common entrance way for burglars. Check that skylights have heavy duty hardware that can stand up under unwanted tampering.

Hide valuables in spaces in your walls. You do not have to damage your walls to keep your valuables safe. Many places around your house have areas that are already pre-cut. Unused electrical sockets can be great for hiding expensive jewelry.

It is important that you check your home security system periodically, at least once a year. This is a job for professionals; get a security firm to inspect your equipment. The weather and animals are two things that may cause havoc on your home’s security system. If it’s not visible, you might not even know there’s a problem.

Change the locks on any new place you move into. Although other tenants might not have a key anymore, they could have copied it. For maximum security, buy your own locks and install them yourself. This way you can be certain nobody else has a key.

Home security installation technicians should always be in uniform and wearing identification. It is easy for potential thieves to present themselves as representatives of a company in order to gain access to your home. This can be risky for you and your belongings. Be careful to avoid this sort of danger.

Don’t be shy. Be friendly with people that live in the neighborhood. Keep your eye on their houses, and ask for help to keep yours safe too. Listen for gossip too. You might hear helpful information, for instance if strangers have been hanging around.

Add motion detector lighting to the exterior of your home for increased security. These lights will keep your property well lit and give you a good idea of who approaches your home. Positioned correctly, these lights can make it impossible for intruders to get on your property undetected.

Whenever seeking out home-security companies, the Internet can be a valuable resource, so utilize it. You can check out their packages and rates and also read some customer reviews. After narrowing down your top five choices, you can then take the next step by contacting each one.

Whenever you are selecting a home security company, make sure you go with your gut feelings. This is doubly true when you feel unease about the installers. You can decide to use a different company, or ask for a different person to install it. You want your new system to protect you, not be the way the thief gets into your home.

Ask your home security company how long they have been in business before you sign up for service. A long-standing company has a track record in the industry that people can attest to. It’s good to know that the company won’t disappear overnight and leave your home unprotected.

Be sure your home is well lit on the outside. It will be easier for intruders to keep an eye on you and approach your home if they can hide in the dark. Install lights in areas where intruders might come. Don’t forget that this includes ground-level windows as well as doors, garages, and porches.

The walls of your home make for great hiding spots. If you need to protect expensive items in your home, put them inside the walls. Place them in switch plates, phone jacks or an electric outlet. Anything not used currently makes a good spot for hiding.

Equip your home with a system designed for home surveillance. Both hidden and visible video cameras can help keep your home safe. Visible cameras have a deterrent effect, and if they are disabled, hidden cameras can capture the events that unfold. A lot of surveillance systems may be accessed through a cell phone, letting you check on your house when you’re away.

Don’t neglect your garage when it comes to home security. Frost your windows so people cannot look inside your home. If you use your garage for working on projects, don’t forget to lock it when you’re through working for the day.

Ensure that valuables are stored in a hidden area that isn’t visible from outside your home. If you have big windows near your big entertainment system, it can seem like an invitation to thieves. Make sure you keep your blinds closed or arrange your possessions in such a way that they can’t be seen from outside.

Armed with the tips presented here, you are ready to make your home safe and secure. Use them to do the necessary security alterations. You will soon be treated to a home that feels safe any time of the day or night. The only thing you’ll have to worry about is relaxing.