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• A secure home starts with secure locks. Upgrade to Grade 1 deadbolts on your exterior doors, which are more secure and resistant to lock picking and jimmying.
• Smart locks help make your home less vulnerable to break-ins because they don’t use keys at all. They also provide excellent security features such as remote activity monitoring and automatic door locking.
• Security goes beyond your door locks. A few easy DIY home security ideas include installing security cameras, adding window treatments, securing your door hinges, and fortifying your windows with security film and locks.
• Hiding your keys is risky business. Mount a lock box to keep your spare key safe from unwanted visitors - better yet, install a keypad lock so you don’t need to hide keys at all.

Deterring burglaries and break-ins is a significant priority for many homeowners. But how do you go about strengthening security when you’re short on time and have a tight budget?

The good news: You don’t need to spend a ton of time or money upgrading your home security. You just need a few tools and a few hours. Here are easy (and practical!) DIY home security ideas and tips you can tackle this weekend.

Strengthen Exterior Doors with Deadbolts

According to the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors, 81% of burglars in the US enter through the first floor, with 34% entering through the front door, and 22% through the back door. This makes it crucial for homeowners to have strong locks on exterior doors.

Deadbolts provide superior security compared to standard spring-latch locks. They’re built with a steel bolt that extends into the doorframe, making them harder to force open. And because they don’t have a spring mechanism, they prevent intruders from using standard methods like jimmying to open the door.

ANSI/BHMA Grade 1 or BHMA “AAA” ratings offer the highest levels of security, durability, and finish. Achieving the BHMA “AAA” rating even involves subjecting the deadbolt to an impact test, which replicates an intruder using a sledgehammer by hitting a locked deadbolt consecutively with a 22 lb. weight.

It’s also recommended to inspect the strike plate where the deadbolt extends into your door frame. Many times, these are only held in the door with short screws. Kwikset and Don-Jo offer high-security deadbolt strikes, which include longer screws and multiple screw holes to affix the strike plate to a stud to ensure your strike plate and the door frame are not the weak point.

Choose From Single and Double Cylinder Deadbolts

Deadbolts are available in various options to meet your needs, including single-cylinder deadbolts (key on outside, thumbturn on inside) and double-cylinder deadbolts (keyed on both sides). Double-cylinders provide maximum security, but they can be hard to use in emergencies and might not meet your local building code. Weigh the pros and cons of single vs double cylinder deadbolts to determine which is best for your home.

You should look for deadbolts with Grade 1 security from a trusted brand like Kwikset or Schlage. Kwikset’s latest deadbolts feature the brand’s SmartKey cylinder with BumpGuard, with many Grade AAA BHMA certifications. BumpGuard uses a side locking bar to provide superior protection against lock bumping, while SmartKey enables easy rekeying and is resistant to lock picking and drilling. Schlage’s deadbolts feature premium metal materials, a Grade 1/AAA certified BHMA rating, and a 1” deadbolt with anti-drill plates and anti-pick pins.

Upgrade to a Keypad Entry System

Do you have a tendency to lose your keys, or do you frequently hide a key just in case? Do you need to let service professionals into your home while you’re away? Get smarter, literally, with your locks. Upgrading to electronic door locks is a simple yet effective DIY home security idea to help prevent unauthorized access, as no keys are needed. Keyless locks range from simple keypad locks that accept a code via the keypad to the most advanced, which can be remotely monitored and controlled via a Wifi connection and an app.

Kwikset and Schlage are two of the most trusted brands when it comes to these locks. Many Kwikset and Schlage touchpad deadbolts offer easy user code management and auto-lock for peace of mind. Some include features like built-in tamper alarm sensors and can be integrated with your smart home technology.

Fortify Your Windows

Don’t underestimate the importance of window security. Weak and unlocked windows provide easy entry points for intruders. This even includes second-floor windows.

Start by assessing your home’s windows. Is the glass thin and breakable? Are some of your windows unlocked? Take note of any weak points.

Installing new windows isn’t your only option! You can make your windows more resistant to break-ins and burglaries with these DIY home security tips and ideas:

• Install Security Film - Security film prevents your window glass from shattering when struck. This stops intruders from reaching in or climbing through your windows.
• Replace Your Locks - Swap your standard window locks for heavy-duty or tamper-resistant ones for greater security.
• Add Sash Stops - This window hardware gets installed on the inside of window frames to restrict how far window sashes can open.
• Use Wooden Dowels - You can place dowels into the sliding tracks of glass windows and doors to make it harder for the windows and doors to open from the outside. Make sure to measure the length of the tracks and cut your dowels so they don’t get jammed in place!

Secure Your Door Hinges

Manipulating your door hinges is often a burglar’s backup option for gaining entry. That’s why every secure home should have both quality locks and door hinges.

So, how can you reinforce your security? Inward-facing hinges are more secure because they’re inaccessible to intruders. Many newer homes already have these door accessories. However, many exterior doors to garages and patios do not. You may also have a home with outward-facing hinges. If that’s the case, you can:

• Tighten the screws on your existing hinges
• Install longer screws for better support
• Secure hinges with exposed pins
• Add security studs
• Install security hinges with non-removable pins

Get a Security Camera or Video Doorbell

Security cameras and video doorbells add a great second layer of security for homes. These systems enable you to monitor your front door and get real-time motion alerts remotely, allowing you to see exactly who’s at your door at any moment. Many even provide night mode so you can monitor your door in low-light conditions.

Another bonus? The visible presence of cameras often deters thieves and intruders.

Invest in a Lock Box

Many homeowners have a hidden key under the mat or a nearby planter. This is a big security faux pas. Burglars know where to look for your keys, and they won’t hesitate to use them.

You should invest in key storage if you need a backup. Permanent key storage is more secure and resistant to hammering, sawing, and other tampering thanks to reinforced bodies. Plus, they provide controlled access and help prevent lockouts in case of emergencies.

Mount your key storage box in a discreet but accessible spot and attach it securely so it can’t be pried off easily.

Add Window Treatments

Window treatments aren’t just for aesthetics. They make your home less of an easy target by obscuring whether anyone is home. They limit the visibility of high-value items like televisions and computers.

Curtains, blinds, and intelligent systems you can control from your phone are all great and effective options.

Install Motion Sensor Lights

No burglar wants to get caught! Startle and scare away intruders by installing motion lights outside of your home. These security tools flood your property with light when motion is detected, deterring intruders and alerting you to any activity.

You’ll need basic wiring knowledge for this DIY project. Unfamiliar with wiring? Solar-powered lights are the easiest to install because they don’t require any wiring at all.

Upgrade Your Home Security With Door Locks Direct

Upgrading your home’s security doesn’t always mean hiring professionals. All it takes is easy-to-install door locks and a few simple DIY home security ideas. Door Locks Direct can help with both. We have a large selection of premium door hardware built for safety and style, including deadbolts, hinges, and more.

Place your order online now or call to talk to an expert!