Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late: 9 Home Security Tips Every Homeowner Must Know

To be honest, most of us don’t really care about home security until something bad happens. A break-in happened down the street. A shipment that was stolen. While they were at work, someone kicked in the door of a neighbour. That’s when the fear starts to set in. And I understand; I’ve seen it happen more times than I want to admit.

But the truth is that burglaries happen all the time. There is actually one burglary in the U.S. every 26 seconds. That’s more than 3,000 homes every day. What else is surprising? A lot of these crimes happen during the day, not at night like most people think.

I get it if you think, “I live in a safe area” or “I have a dog, I’ll be fine.” But so did hundreds of other folks I’ve talked to who felt the same way. Not simply thieves are a concern for home security. It’s all about feeling safe. It’s about being sure that your family, your memories, and the things you’ve worked hard for are safe, even while you’re not home.

What is the problem? Most articles give the same old advice: “lock your doors,” “put up lights,” and “get a camera.” Yes, those are vital. But what truly important is how you use those tips and what you might be missing.

In this article, we’ll show you how to solve it.

I’m not trying to sell you a system that costs $1,000. I’m here to show you what really works, based on research, professional guidance, and what real homeowners (like you and me) are doing to remain ahead.

So, let’s start by making your home a location that criminals don’t even want to go.

Do you know someone who has had a break-in? What did they want to do sooner?

1. Secure All Entry Points — Start with the Basics

I don’t care how nice your video system is; if your front door lock is weak, you’re asking for trouble. Most individuals assume they’ve covered this area, but they haven’t. So, let’s be very practical.

• First, your front and back doors. A simple key-in-knob lock isn’t enough. If that’s all you have, it’s simply too easy for someone to kick in or pick open. You need a lock, and a Grade 1 or Grade 2 one is best. Even better? A smart lock that locks itself and needs two forms of identification to open. Some good brands are Schlage, Yale, and August. Just make sure it’s not one of those cheap, unencrypted models that are all over the internet.
• Next, don’t forget about your windows, especially the ones on the ground. A lot of burglars don’t break glass; they just leave a window open or poorly secured. Adding things like window sensors, pin locks, or even simple dowels can give you more time or scare off someone who is trying to open one. People have used broomsticks in sliding doors in interesting ways. It’s cheap and it works.
• What about the garage? It’s the entry point that people miss the most. You should treat your garage like another front entrance if it connects to the house. Always lock the door inside and never leave a remote in the car parked outside. A Reddit user reported they put in a smart switch that turns off the garage door opener while they’re not home. What a great idea!
• The most important thing to remember is that the shell of your home is only as strong as its weakest spot. You don’t have to make it like Fort Knox, but you do need to make it a lot harder for someone to break in than it is for the man next door. That’s usually plenty.

Quick tip: Move around your house like a thief. If you had to, where would you break in?

2. Make Your Home Look Occupied — Even When It’s Not

Most robbers don’t want to fight. They’re not searching for trouble; they just want easy targets. So, if your house looks empty, you’re making their work easier. That’s why it’s smart to make it look like someone is constantly home, even whether you’re on vacation, at work, or out for the night.

Begin with the lighting. But don’t use those old-fashioned plug-in timers; they’re too easy to guess. Use smart plugs or lamps like TP-Link or Philips Hue that enable you change your schedule at random. Are the lights in separate rooms going on and off at different times? That’s great. Put it next to a TV simulator, which is an inexpensive gizmo that makes a real TV flicker. It seems like someone is watching Netflix at 9:30 p.m. from the outside.

And then there’s the driveway and mailbox. A parcel or a stack of newspapers on the porch for two days? A quick sign that no one is home. If you’re going to be gone, ask a neighbour to stop or pick up your packages. If you have things delivered often, Amazon lockers are a good choice.

Some homeowners go over and beyond by leaving a pair of dirty boots at the back door, hanging a vest that can be seen from a distance on a hook outside, or putting a dog bowl on the porch, even if they don’t have a dog. I know it sounds dumb, but these small mental tricks really work. They make burglars doubt themselves, which makes them move more slowly.

If you’re going somewhere, don’t post about it online in real time. Thieves also scroll, and yes, they look at location tags.

3. Let There Be (Smart) Light

Strategic outdoor lighting is an easy and cheap approach to scare off burglars. I’m not talking about lighting up your house like a stadium; just enough to make someone think twice about sneaking around your garden.

Here’s why it matters. Most burglaries occurs when it’s hard to see. But it’s not just about the dark; it’s also about control. Thieves want to go where they won’t be noticed. A motion-activated floodlight near your entrance points can spoil that plan in a matter of seconds. Light comes on suddenly, which makes people fright and run.

That being said, motion lights can occasionally not work right or go off too often. I suggest a mix:

• Lights that turn on when you go in the side yard, garage door or back gate
• Lighting that stays on from dusk until dawn for driveways and front porches

Don’t use bright floodlights that irritate your neighbours; instead, use warm, low-wattage LEDs. Some products, like Ring or Wyze, even combine cameras or alarms with lights. That way, you’ll also get a notification when a light goes out.

You may also light up your garden walks and walkways. Not just for style, but also because it takes away places to hide. The same is true for cutting back plants that are too big near windows.

What is the goal? Don’t let intruders have a spot to sit and contemplate. Give them a cause to go on.

Quick check: Go outside at night. Take a walk around your property. Where are the dark spots? That’s where you should put your lights.

4. Visible Cameras = Invisible Threats to You

Let me make this clear: a camera that you can see is one that works. Not because it will catch the evil guy, but because it might stop them from trying in the first place.

Most thieves don’t want to be spotted, let alone filmed. That’s why having a camera, especially near your front door or driveway, can be enough to make someone back off.

But here’s where folks go wrong: they either hide the cameras or point them in the wrong direction. I’ve seen cameras pointed at the sky or set up too high to get a good look at a face.

This is what really works:

• Front entrance, at eye level, slanted down to see faces
• The second most prevalent way to get in is through the backyard or side gate.
• Driveway: to catch people who steal packages or registration plates
• Windows on the first floor, especially if they can’t be seen from the street

You don’t need ten devices. A couple of well-placed cameras can make a big difference. And certainly, fake cameras can help too, but don’t depend on them alone.

One thing I usually tell people to do is to use cameras with cloud backup or local storage and make sure they let you know right away. You’d be surprised at how many people have cameras that they never look at until it’s too late. Some cameras only record if you pay for a premium plan, which is even worse. Check your settings again. If you’re thinking of using a smart system like Frigate for camera-based home security, make sure to read this guide on 5 things I wish I knew before setting up Frigate — it can save you time and headaches.

Tom’s Guide says that most homes put cameras too high or too late, after something has already happened.

Don’t put it off. Cameras not only help catch criminals, but they also make you less likely to be a target.

Do this: Stand in front of your door. Is there someone watching? Would a stranger know it?

5. Tech-Savvy = Security-Savvy (But Don’t Ignore Digital Risks)

Smart home technology is great—until it’s not. Cameras, alarms, smart locks, and motion sensors all provide you more control. But if you’re not careful, it might also become a weak point.

Let’s take it apart.

First, there are alarm systems. You have two main choices:

• Systems that watch over things and let the police know (like ADT or SimpliSafe)
• You get app notifications and select what to do with self-monitored systems.

Both will work; it all depends on your budget and how much work you want to do. Just be sure to set up your zones correctly so that one activated sensor doesn’t set off your complete system. Also, don’t dismiss false alarms. They make people stop taking alerts seriously, which is the last thing you want.

Smart locks and doorbells are also available. With brands like Ring, Eufy, and Google Nest, you can see who’s at your door even if you’re not home. You can let family or deliveries in by unlocking the door. Pretty cool. But this is the bit that most folks miss: security hygiene.

Because you know what? None of this matters if your Wi-Fi password is “12345678.”

A few things that can’t be changed:

• Set a strong, one-of-a-kind password for your router and devices.
• Use two-factor authentication (2FA) whenever you can.
• Regularly update your firmware. Old gadgets are easy targets.
• Stay away from inexpensive, no-name products that don’t offer assistance or encryption. With the rise in digital risks, especially deepfakes and fake alerts, it’s crucial to stay informed about AI-powered scams that target homeowners.

A study paper from arXiv said years ago that smart home gadgets could be hacked if they aren’t protected. That warning has stood the test of time.

If you regard smart tech like a front door, it can definitely make your home safer. Because it is in a digital way.

When was the last time you changed the firmware on your lock or camera? It’s probably time if you have to think about it.

6. Don’t Ignore the Backyard, Garage, or Side Gate

A lot of people assume they’re safe when they lock the front door. But the truth is that robbers don’t often come in from the front. They look for quieter ways to get in, including the backyard, garage, or a side gate that isn’t latched well.

Let’s begin with the garden. It is normally gated off, private, and out of sight, which is what a thief desires. That’s why you should think of your backyard as a second front. Put motion-sensor lights at the back door, keep the fences in good order, and think about using gravel walks that produce noise as you walk on them. It’s easy and works.

The next thing is the side gate. A lot of people forget to lock it, or they utilise a small latch that can be opened with one kick. A heavy-duty padlock or gate bar is best. You may even put a simple contact sensor on the gate that sends a message to your phone when it opens. No need to sign up.

Now, the garage. If yours links to your house, it’s a big security concern. It’s not that hard to break into a garage door from the outside and get past everything else.

This is what helps:

• Lock the door to the garage (really, really)
• A smart garage door controller will let you know when it’s open.
• Don’t keep your remote hooked to the visor in your automobile.
• Also, if you keep tools or pricey gear in the garage, put a camera inside as well as outside.

The point is that thieves go where they think you aren’t looking.

So check there first.

Quick tip: Take a walk around your property. Where would you try to sneak in if you were locked out?

7. Hide Valuables Like a Burglar’s Already Watching

What do you believe someone who breaks into your home is looking for?

They aren’t going through your books or opening every drawer. They want little, valuable things that are simple to grasp, such cash, jewellery, watches, passports, laptops, and even extra keys. And if those objects are just sitting there, or in their typical “hiding spots,” they’ll be gone in a matter of minutes.

This is what I mean by “usual spots”:

• The top drawer of your nightstand
• Under the bed
• Shelves in the closet
• In a box that says “important” (yeah, really)

That’s where a thief will go first.

Instead, think of things that are unexpected. Decoy boxes, fake containers, and even books or vents that have been hollowed out perform better than the usual hiding spots. But what’s even better than hiding? Locking. A modest, bolted safe in a closet or built into the floor makes a big impact. Just don’t leave it open; thieves have taken the whole safe before.

Also:

• Never leave automobile keys or garage remotes near doors.
• Don’t leave expensive electronics out in the open where people can see them.
• Don’t keep vital papers in a kitchen drawer; keep them in a fireproof lockbox.

This isn’t about being paranoid. It’s about being careful enough to stay ahead.

Do this: Go outside for ten minutes, then return back and gaze through your front window. Do you notice anything that is worth stealing?

8. Low-Budget, High-Impact DIY Hacks That Actually Work

You don’t need to spend a lot of money on a security system to keep your home safer. Some of the best modifications I’ve seen cost less than $5 or $10. They work because they are simple, smart, and surprising.

It’s hardly high-tech, but it’s loud, and loud makes criminals anxious.

And then there’s the broomstick in the sliding door track. Yes, it’s simple, but it works quite well. Even when locked, most sliding doors can be opened with force. If you put a solid wood stick or metal rod in the track, it will stop right away.

Other tricks that don’t get enough credit:

• Put cheap touch sensors on doors and windows. Wyze and Aqara are two brands that perform well and don’t need professional installation.
• Put phoney security cameras where people can see them, like at the back or side entrances.
• Even if you don’t have the service, put up signs that say “Protected by XYZ Security.”
• Put a bowl of water for your dog by the door, or hang a leash on the porch.
• Put gravel or crushed rock under windows or fence lines. It makes a lot of noise when you step on it.

I’ve even seen folks utilise motion lights that run on solar power from local hardware stores. They’re really cheap and surprisingly bright.

Adding layers is the purpose here, not faking security. Turn up the volume, slow things down, and make them less predictable. That’s what thieves hate. If you’re ready to level up, here’s our full comparison of the best DIY home security systems that actually work without breaking the bank.

You’re not making a stronghold. You’re making enough friction for someone to quit.

Do you have a door or window that slides? Get a stick or rod that fits in the track. You just put up another barrier, and it didn’t cost you anything.

9. Think Like a Burglar: Regularly Audit Your Home

A question that most individuals never think to ask themselves is, “How would I break into my own house?”

That’s how burglars think, so be careful. And you should do the same.

A monthly or seasonal home security check doesn’t take long, but it can find things that you might not notice every day, such a fence that is starting to droop, a light bulb that is burned out, a lock that is rusty or a back door that doesn’t close all the way anymore. These are all small problems until someone utilises them to sneak in.

Take a walk around your property as if you were a stranger.

• Do you have bushes in front of windows that someone may hide behind?
• Is the gate on your side open?
• Do you leave your garage door open a little bit so air may flow through?
• Can you see a TV or laptop from the street?

Then look at your systems.

• Do you have enough power in your camera batteries?
• Do the motion lights still work?
• Did your smart lock automatically update last month?
• Are all of your window locks still working?

No matter how good your security is, it will get worse if you don’t take care of it. And the smart burglars are always hunting for the one thing you forgot to fix.

Homebuilding.co.uk says that most burglaries involve some kind of forced entrance. This implies that your task is to make that procedure as loud, slow, and dangerous as possible. Small upgrades and regular checkups work better than buying something once.

Get into the habit: Put a note on your phone that says, “Check home security on the first of every month.” It takes a quarter of an hour. It could spare you years of regret.

Home Security Isn’t About Fear — It’s About Control

This is the one thing I want you to remember from this guide:

• You don’t have to be afraid. But you do need a plan.
• Most break-ins aren’t random; they happen because a house seems easier to break into than the one next door. That’s all. That’s the bar. The idea isn’t to make your home impossible to get into; it’s to make it unpleasant to folks who want to get in quickly.

And the good news? You’ve already gotten a head start.

Here is your easy plan of action:

• Take a walk around your house today. Find one clear weak point and fix it.
• Choose one piece of advice from this article and put it into action by this weekend.
• Set a reminder for “Home check-up” on the first of every month.

Don’t think too much. Just keep adding smart, easy precautions on top of each other.

Because let’s be honest, it’s better to make one adjustment today than to regret it later.

How about you?

What is the one issue about your home security that you know you’ve been putting off? Put your views down here so that this conversation will be helpful to others as well.

Build Smarter. Live Safer.

At Build Like New, we turn everyday homes into secure, future-ready spaces. Start upgrading your home security — the smart way.

Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional security advice. Always consult a certified expert before making major home security decisions.