Secure your home against break-ins and package theft with a layered approach. Covers locks, lighting, cameras, alarm systems, smart home integration, and neighborhood awareness — no monthly monitoring subscription required.
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Locks & Entry Points
Change all exterior locks on day one
You have no idea how many copies of the old keys exist — previous owners, contractors, neighbors, cleaners. Rekeying costs $50-$100 per lock from a locksmith. Replacing locks entirely costs $100-$200 per door but gives you brand-new hardware.
Replace or rekey front door, back door, and side door locks
Replace garage door opener codes or remotes
Install deadbolts on all exterior doors
A deadbolt with a 1-inch throw bolt and reinforced strike plate is the single most effective deterrent against forced entry. Standard door strikes have 3/4-inch screws — replace them with 3-inch screws that anchor into the door frame stud.
Secure sliding doors and windows
Sliding glass doors are easy to defeat — a $10 security bar placed in the track prevents the door from being forced open. For ground-floor windows, install window locks or pins that prevent them from being opened more than 4-6 inches.
Install a security bar on all sliding glass doors
Add window locks or pins to ground-floor windows
Verify all window locks engage properly
Reinforce the front door frame
Most break-ins happen through the front door by kicking it in. A door frame reinforcement kit ($60-$100) strengthens the weak points: the strike plate, hinges, and frame. Installation takes 30 minutes with a drill and is the best $60 you'll spend on security.
Exterior Lighting & Visibility
Install motion-activated lights at all entry points
Mount motion lights above the front door, back door, garage, and any side entrances. Position them 8-10 feet high so they can't be easily reached or disabled. LED motion lights cost $20-$40 each, use minimal electricity, and last 10+ years.
Install a motion light at the front door
Install a motion light at the back door and patio
Install a motion light at the garage and driveway
Add landscape lighting along walkways and dark corners
Solar-powered path lights cost $3-$10 each and eliminate dark spots where someone could hide. Focus on areas between the street and your front door, along side yards, and near basement windows.
Set indoor lights on timers or smart plugs when away
A dark house signals nobody's home. Smart plugs ($10-$15 each) can randomize light schedules in 2-3 rooms to simulate occupancy. Place them in the living room, bedroom, and one other visible room.
Cameras & Monitoring
Install a video doorbell at the front door
A video doorbell with two-way audio lets you see and speak to visitors remotely. It also records package deliveries and deters porch theft. Choose one with night vision, motion alerts, and at least 1080p resolution. Budget $100-$250.
Add 2-4 outdoor cameras covering key areas
Position cameras to cover: the driveway, back yard, and any blind spots not visible from the street. Wireless battery-powered cameras cost $80-$200 each and install in 15 minutes. Wired cameras (PoE) are more reliable but require running cable.
Install a camera covering the driveway and front approach
Install a camera covering the back yard and rear entry
Choose local storage over cloud-only recording
Cloud storage subscriptions run $3-$10/month per camera, adding up fast. A camera system with local storage (microSD card or network video recorder) gives you recording without monthly fees. Some systems offer both options.
Post visible security camera signs
Alarm System & Smart Home
Choose a security system that fits your budget and skill level
DIY wireless systems cost $200-$500 upfront with optional monitoring at $10-$25/month. Professional systems cost $0-$200 upfront but lock you into 2-3 year contracts at $30-$60/month. DIY systems are equally effective and more flexible — you own the equipment.
Install door and window sensors on all ground-floor entry points
Sensors cost $15-$30 each. Prioritize: front door, back door, garage entry door, and ground-floor windows that aren't visible from the street. Most DIY systems include 5-8 sensors in the starter kit.
Add a smart lock to your front door
Smart locks let you create unique codes for family members, dog walkers, and guests — and revoke access instantly. Look for one with auto-lock, tamper alerts, and a physical key backup. Budget $150-$300 for a quality smart lock.
Set up a centralized app to control all devices
Pick one smart home platform and buy devices compatible with it. Mixing 4 different apps to control locks, cameras, lights, and alarms is frustrating and means you won't use them. Consolidation is the key to a system you'll actually maintain.
Neighborhood Awareness & Habits
Introduce yourself to immediate neighbors
Neighbors who know you are your best security system. They'll notice unfamiliar people, pick up packages, and call you if something seems off. Introduce yourself within the first week and exchange phone numbers.
Join your neighborhood watch or community group
Create a daily security routine
Lock all doors and windows before bed and when leaving
Close the garage door every time (set a timer reminder if needed)
Bring in packages immediately or use a lockable delivery box
Prepare for extended time away from home
Ask a neighbor to collect mail and packages. Set lights and a radio on timers. Don't announce vacations on social media until you're back. Pause newspaper delivery. In winter, arrange for snow removal so tracks show activity.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a home security system cost per month?
Professional monitoring plans range from $15-$60 per month depending on the provider and monitoring level. Companies like SimpliSafe and Ring offer self-monitoring at $3-$10/month with app-based alerts only (no police dispatch). Professional monitoring through ADT or Vivint typically requires a 3-year contract and includes 24/7 dispatch, which can qualify you for a 5-20% homeowners insurance discount.
Are DIY security systems as effective as professionally installed ones?
DIY systems from Ring, SimpliSafe, and Abode perform comparably to professional installations in independent testing, with identical sensor technology and response times. The main trade-off is installation quality — professional installers hardwire sensors and position cameras at optimal angles, while DIY relies on adhesive mounts and battery-powered devices. For renters or homeowners comfortable with basic tools, DIY systems save $200-$500 in installation fees and avoid long-term contracts.
Do security cameras actually deter burglars?
A University of North Carolina study found that 60% of convicted burglars said visible cameras would cause them to choose a different target. Cameras with motion-activated floodlights are particularly effective as a deterrent, combining surveillance with an immediate visual response. For maximum coverage, position cameras at the front door (where 34% of burglars enter), back door, and ground-floor side windows.
What happens during a power outage with a home security system?
Most professionally installed systems include a backup battery that powers the panel and sensors for 4-24 hours during an outage. Cellular-based monitoring (used by nearly all modern systems) continues communicating with the monitoring center even when internet and power are down. Battery-operated cameras like Ring Spotlight Cam Battery and Arlo Pro 4 continue recording during outages, while hardwired cameras without battery backup go offline until power returns.