In the real estate industry, many brokers look for the best real estate agents who can help grow their company. They don’t hesitate to get started on improving their recruitment process to better assess whether a real estate professional truly makes a great addition to their team.
In a similar sense, you must carefully assess a property before purchasing it to make sure it can fulfill your and your family’s needs. For example, if you have a big family, you need to ensure that there’s ample living space for everyone’s comfort. Also, safety features that can help protect you, your valuables, and your loved ones are important considerations.
To help you find a home you and your family can be happy and safe in, read this house buyer’s guide to home safety.
Check the Windows and Doors
When buying a home, you must always check the windows and doors because these are the point of access for many criminals. In particular, if you’re considering an older home with double-hung windows, unlock and open all the windows to ensure they haven’t been painted shut and can open easily. Check if the locks on the window are secure or if they can be easily opened from the outside using tools like a screwdriver.
Additionally, see that all exterior doors are made from solid wood or steel rather than hollow cores. The former are stronger and more resistant to break-in attempts than the latter. If there are glass panes in the door, you may need to install a better locking system to prevent criminals from breaking the glass and reaching inside to unlock the door.
Ensure the Security Locks and Systems Are Working
Aside from inspecting the state of the home’s doors and windows, check the security locks and systems as well. In general, all exterior doors must have at least one inch of deadbolt installed into a reinforced wood or steel doorframe. If you can find homes with more advanced security systems, they’re likely a better choice. If possible, look for homes equipped with an exterior keypad to enter the garage and video doorbells for better security for you and your belongings. Upon ownership of your new house, you should arrange burglar alarm servicing as soon as possible to ensure your intruder alarm is in working order.
If the house you prefer doesn’t have such safety features, allocate a budget for installing new security features before or when you move in. Keep in mind that property crimes like burglaries continue to be a problem across the United States, with such incidences becoming increasingly sophisticated. Shocking burglary stats uncovered by Security Explorer add to the importance of equipping your new home with advanced security systems.
Here are some features of advanced home security systems to consider:
- High-Decibel Alarms: these are loud alarms designed to produce powerful sounds once triggered.
- Security Cameras: these are surveillance cameras you can place in different locations within your property, such as the front door, garage, and parking area. They are effective in deterring intruders.
- Activity Sensors: these are motion sensors designed for doors, windows, and other areas that alert you when they detect movement.
Assess the Lighting System
Ideally, a house should have floodlights or at least ample exterior lighting to discourage intruders at night. These lights must be positioned near entrances to keep these crucial areas illuminated. Lighting the doors will also help you open them quickly.
A house’s indoor lighting is also an important consideration. Poor or low lighting can contribute to slips, falls, and similar accidents, which can lead to injuries. If the house doesn’t have proper lighting installed in hallways and corners, take note of the upgrades you have to make to keep all spaces safe for your entire family.
If you can, make a nighttime visit to your potential home. It will help you better assess whether the property has sufficient lighting or if you’ll need to add more once you move in.
Look for Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
All homes are required to furnish every room at every level with smoke detectors. These devices alert people when there’s a harmful amount of smoke present in the air, making them essential safety features to look for in a house. If the property you’re considering has a gas fireplace or appliances, it’s crucial to have carbon monoxide detectors as well.
Before you buy the home, inspect the smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and ensure they’re working properly. The easiest way to test them is to press the button and wait for the alarm to go off. If any detector doesn’t work, have it checked and repaired or replaced before you move.
Consider the Home’s Layout for Emergency Exit Plans
Another home safety consideration you need to factor in before purchasing a home is its layout. It must be easy to navigate, so everyone can immediately exit the house should they need to evacuate. This is especially important in case of fire, earthquake, or other emergencies.
Some things you need to take a look at are the hallway and exit paths. The hallways must be wide enough and there aren’t potential obstructions like beams or columns that can restrict exit. Additionally, if you’re considering a multi-story home, it must have an emergency ladder so people on the upper levels can safely exit the house should they need to.
Conclusion
Aside from looking for a home you and your loved ones will be happy and comfortable living in, it must also have essential safety features to protect you from burglaries, fires, and other emergencies. When you’re house-hunting, use this guide to check out the home’s safety features. While you can have some of these home safety features installed when you move in, it’s better to find a home with these elements already present. It will save you from costly repairs and upgrades in the future.
