Home Security Upgrade Recommendations

Overview

Beyond locks, a comprehensive home security approach involves multiple layers. As a locksmith, you're often the first security professional a homeowner consults. This reference covers the upgrade conversation.

Layer 1: Door + lock

Front door:

• Single-cylinder deadbolt (Grade 2 minimum)
• Quality knob/lever (Grade 2)
• Both same key OR keyed differently per customer preference
• Long screws (3"+) on hinges + strike plate

Back / side doors:

• Same deadbolt + knob standard
• Sometimes overlooked; equal-quality lock essential

Door material:

• Solid wood or steel (most secure)
• Hollow-core doors easy to break through (interior only)
• Glass-panel doors: glass can be broken, hand reach through to thumbturn

Door frame:

• Soft pine jamb: kickable
• Hardwood jamb OR steel reinforcement: much more resistant

Hinges:

• Hinge pins on inside only (otherwise pop hinges + remove door)
• Hinge bolts (vertical bolts that protrude when door closed, lock door into frame even if hinges removed)

Layer 2: Windows

Window locks:

• Cam locks on sliding sash: factory-installed; replace if broken
• Auxiliary locks: secondary security on each window
• Sash locks for double-hung: prevent vertical sliding from outside

Window film:

• Plastic film bonds to glass; resists breakage
• 7-mil security film + impact-resistant
• ft installed
• Not perfect but slows entry significantly

Bars / grilles:

• Steel bars on basement + ground-floor windows
• Aesthetic concern; safety concern (egress)
• Code: must be openable from inside without tools

Skylights:

• Often overlooked
• Polycarbonate vs glass; security models available

Layer 3: Exterior lighting

Motion-activated lights:

• Triggers at any movement near house
• 360° coverage of perimeter
• installed

Continuous lighting:

• Steady illumination
• Higher visibility at all times
• Higher energy cost
• Combined with motion: dim until triggered

Solar lighting:

• No wiring needed; sun-powered
• Lower light output but improving
• Battery life: 6-12 months typical

Smart lighting:

• Automated schedules (varies hours randomly)
• Remote control via app
• Integration with alarm system

Layer 4: Alarm system

Monitored systems:

• 24/7 professional monitoring
• Police dispatch on alarm
• Monthly fee
• Companies: ADT, Vivint, Brinks, Frontpoint

Self-monitored:

• App notifications to phone
• No professional monitoring
• One-time install; no monthly fee
• DIY: Ring Alarm, SimpliSafe

Hardwired vs wireless:

• Wired: more reliable but expensive install
• Wireless: most modern; battery management; potential signal issues

Components:

• Door + window sensors
• Motion detectors
• Glass-break sensors
• Smoke + CO detectors
• Panic button

Layer 5: Cameras

Doorbell cameras:

• Records visitors
• Smartphone notifications
• 2-way audio (talk to visitors) -; some require subscription for cloud storage
• Examples: Ring, Nest, Eufy

Property cameras:

• Multiple cameras around exterior
• DVR or cloud storage
• 1080p minimum; 4K available
• Battery + wired options
• for multi-camera system

Privacy considerations:

• Don't aim cameras into neighbor's property
• Audio recording laws vary by state
• Some HOAs restrict visible cameras

Layer 6: Smart home integration

Connecting security devices to:

• Smart lock: see when door opened, by which user
• Alarm: arm/disarm remotely
• Cameras: live feed + history
• Smart home routine: "leave home" disables interior automation

Hub options:

• Apple HomeKit
• Google Home
• Amazon Alexa
• Hubitat / SmartThings (Z-Wave / Zigbee)

Layer 7: Behavioral / lifestyle

Not products but habits:

• Lock doors + windows always (even when home)
• Don't post vacation plans on social media
• Use timers to make home appear occupied
• Trust neighbors / neighborhood watch
• Inventory valuables + serial numbers
• Photo documentation of valuables (insurance)
• Safe for important documents + jewelry
• Don't leave keys under mats / fake rocks

Layer 8: Safe

Categories:

• Fire-rated: rated for time-temperature exposure (e.g., UL 1 hr at 1700°F)
• Burglary-rated: rated for tool attack time
• Combination: both

Quality ratings:

• TL-15: 15 minutes against tools
• TL-30: 30 minutes
• TRTL-30x6: 30 min against tools + torch on all 6 sides

For most residential: fire safe (smaller, less expensive) for documents + photos; gun safe (larger) if applicable.

Customer security assessment

Visit checklist:

1. Doors:

• All exterior doors solid?
• Quality locks?
• 3" screws on strike?
• Hinges secure?

1. Windows:

• All locked + lockable?
• Ground-floor reinforcement?

1. Garage:

• Side door to garage often forgotten; secure?
• Garage door access from garage to home?

1. Lighting:

• Perimeter coverage adequate?

1. Alarm:

• Existing system functional?
• Monitoring active?

1. Documentation:

• Inventory + photos of valuables?
• Safe for important docs?

Document findings + provide written recommendations.

Cost-vs-security ROI

Best ROI for the dollar:

1. Quality deadbolt ( installed) - much harder to defeat
2. Doorbell camera () - deterrent + documentation
3. Motion lighting () - deters night entry
4. Restricted key system () - prevents unauthorized duplication

Insurance discounts

Many homeowner insurance companies offer:

• 5-10% off for monitored alarm
• 5-15% off for fire monitoring (sprinklers)
• 2-5% off for smart lock + camera package
• Verify with customer's insurance

When customer doesn't want recommendations

Some customers:

• Decline alarm: respect; sell what they're buying
• Decline upgrades: at least install what they asked
• Don't pressure; build relationship for future needs

When to refer

Some security work requires specialists:

• Vault installation
• Security guard service
• Specialty alarm systems (commercial, high-net-worth)
• Cybersecurity / network security
• Background investigation services

Maintain referral relationships.

References

• Crime prevention through environmental design (CPTED)
• Manufacturer specifications for security products
• Insurance industry security ratings
• Manuall internal: Install a Deadbolt, Lock Types + Mechanisms Reference