Whether you live in an apartment building or a single-family home, there are security options available to help protect you, your family, and your property. Not sure which one is best for you? Take a look at these choices to help narrow down your search.
Solutions for Apartment Dwellers
While there may be fewer security options for those living in apartments than those who own a freestanding house, there are definitely ways you can take advantage of today’s technology to protect your home. When considering home security solutions, be sure to think about the following:
- Cost and your budget
- Contract requirements
- User-friendliness
- Ease of installation
- Self-monitoring options
- Internet requirements
- Integration with smartphones and home hubs
- À-la-carte elements to add on later
- Adherence to apartment or condo rules
- Portability if you move
- Buyer reviews
Doorbell cameras and smart locks that can be controlled and viewed via your mobile device are by far the most popular with apartment residents. You can let in nannies and dog walkers without being home and keep an eye on your packages.
Other apartment options include door and window sensors. These sound an alarm when doors or windows are opened, giving you added reassurance if you live alone or worry about intruders in the night.
Consider these other common apartment security features:
- Panic buttons
- Loud sirens
- Extreme temperature and water leak sensors
- Carbon monoxide detectors
- Outdoor cameras for balconies and patios
- Motion sensor lighting
Single-Family DIY Home Security
Security for single-family homes isn’t that different from apartment security nowadays. This type of home security takes apartment-level features up a notch for larger properties and yards.
The biggest sellers for single-family homes are whole-house alarm systems, doorbell cameras, and smart locks. These function similarly to those used by apartment residents, as described above, and can be controlled remotely via smartphone. Cameras allow owners to view what’s happening on their property from afar, which is ideal if they’re away on vacation or if parents have left the kids in the care of a babysitter.
With more outdoor space to protect, security for single-family homes often includes more lighting options, such as motion sensors and photocell lighting that comes on automatically when it gets dark outside. These frequently deter would-be home intruders before they ever try a door or window. Another feature not often needed in apartments is a garage door monitor that can alert homeowners if the door has been left open or if someone tries to raise it.
Using Professional Security Companies
For both apartment and single-family security, working with a professional security company is often an option. Pricing is usually offered at different tiers, depending on the amenities provided.
If an alarm is triggered, the security company is immediately notified. They may investigate on their own, or they may work with local law enforcement to respond. Typically, they will call the home right away and stay on the phone if someone needs medical help or is in danger.
The pros of hiring a security monitoring company include:
- Equipment is often included with a contract.
- You get signage for your yard to deter intruders casing the property.
- The company does the installation and any maintenance for you.
- If you’re not home, there’s someone to respond to an alarm.
There aren’t many disadvantages to using security professionals. Outside of the additional cost, users cite paying for false alarms that bring the police as their only other chief complaint.
Finally, whatever method you choose, there is one more advantage to using some sort of home security. You may save on your home or renter’s insurance. The amount you save may be enough to make the entire system worthwhile, in addition to the peace of mind it brings. Contact us today to review your home insurance needs.