7 New Home Upgrades that Could Save Your Life
One of the best things about moving into a new home is personalizing it and really making it yours. From hanging wall art to arranging furniture to finding the perfect spot for your grandmother's hand crocheted afghan blanket, it's a real joy to decorate.
But are you forgetting about the big investment you just made? Consider the following important home improvements that will protect your home and your family.
Smoke Alarm
Take an afternoon and upgrade all your new home's smoke alarms. Smoke alarms save lives and it's not worth it to assume that just because it's there it's working.
Carbon Monoxide Alarm
Do the same upgrade with your carbon monoxide alarm. If your new home doesn't yet have one, go ahead and pick up the latest model. Even if your home has all electric appliances, it's worth it to have this added protection.
Trim Bushes
It's lovely to have a home that's nestled behind evergreens, but you should know that this gives intruders easy cover around the perimeter of your home. Trim bushes so that they are no more than four feet high so intruders have nowhere to hide.
Outdoor Lighting
Outdoor lighting adds to the curb appeal of your home and deters intruders. Install solar lighting to highlight attractive areas and motion sensor lighting around windows and doors.
Security System
Consider enrolling in a security alarm system for your new home. Several companies offer this option. These systems come with cameras that you can have in/or around your home. The mere presence of cameras is often enough to ward off unwanted people.
Fire Extinguishers
Stock every room with a fire extinguisher. Many times, people only put these in the kitchen, but a candle or electrical fire can break out anywhere, including the garage. This isn't technically an upgrade, but this could save your life and your property.
Door Alarm
If you have children, consider installing a door alarm on your sliding patio doors. This is especially helpful if you have a backyard swimming pool. A door alarm can be picked up at the local hardware store and installed within minutes if you're even a little bit handy.
These seven tips will help to ensure that both you and your home are well protected. After this, you can get back to decorating comforted by the knowledge that you've taken care of the important points first.
Another way to protect your family is to be sure that you have the best financing options available by staying in contact with your trusted home mortgage professional.
Frequently Asked Questions
Upgrading smoke alarms ensures they are working properly to save lives, as old or malfunctioning alarms may not provide adequate protection.
Yes, even with all electric appliances, having a carbon monoxide alarm provides an added layer of protection for your family.
Keeping bushes trimmed to no more than four feet high prevents intruders from using them as cover around your home's perimeter.
Outdoor lighting enhances curb appeal and deters intruders, especially when using solar lights for aesthetics and motion sensor lights near windows and doors.
Fires can start anywhere, not just in the kitchen, so having fire extinguishers in every room helps quickly address emergencies like candle or electrical fires.
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