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Keep Your Home Security System up to Date


Your Burglar or Intruder Alarm and Home Insurance Coverage may be Compromised During a Remodeling Project

© 2011 by ; content may not be copied, rewritten, or republished without author’s written permission.

A Brinks home security keypad; photo courtesy Kelly R. Smith


A Brinks home security keypad; photo courtesy Kelly R. Smith


This article was last revised on 11/21/20.

There are some among us that never really think about the security of our homes. For example, living in rural areas some people still never lock up their homes and leave the keys in the car ignition most of the time too! That may sound far-fetched in these times of Antifa, BLM, and other insurgents, but it's true.

Such security laxity is unheard of behavior for anyone living in a town or city unless you are talking about life in the last century, of course. For most of us, home security is a vital consideration, especially if you have spent a lot of time and effort renovating the security protocol of your home to make it the perfect haven for you and your loved ones.

A Home Improvement Project can Compromise Your Security System

If you have recently undertaken any home improvement work and have redecorated, or are planning to do so, you may not have considered the implications on your home security.

Interior security systems, or burglar alarms, may be either wireless or hard-wired. Is one better than the other? It just depends on application and other factors. Either way, a renovation can compromise the system.


A Brinks motion detector; photo courtesy Kelly Smith For example, if you take down interior wood framed walls it will most likely affect your alarm system or wiring for any security lights you have both inside and outside. You may have changed windows and doors that could have different locks which may be better or less secure than the ones you had previously.

A wireless system that incorporates a motion sensor may have to be re-configured because any change in walls, case openings, door locations, etc. may result in “dead spots” in which an intruder can operate undetected. Don’t forget to pay attention to these elements.

The Advantages of a SimpliSafe Wireless Security System

One would have to be living under a rock not to have heard of the SimpliSafe wireless home security system -- the ads are all over the airwaves. Here are some advantages:

  • It's wireless; instead, it operates on WiFi. This means that unlike one of those burglar movies, the bad guys can't just cut a home wiring bundle to put you out of business.
  • There's no need to cut holes in the walls.
  • DIY installation takes less than an hour for the whole house.
  • No monthly monitoring fee unless you sign up for it.
  • Superb customer service.


Upgrade to a Video Doorbell

Face it, we live in a world of brave porch-pirates. A growing number of people are members of Amazon Prime meaning lots of convenience, free delivery, and packages left on the porch. One strategy is to upgrade to a video doorbell that allows you to see the porch in real time and intercom with visitors, and capture recordings of anyone who approaches, whether they ring the bell or not.

In my personal experience, I have had one for just over a year now and have been well pleased. The indoor chime can be placed in any room or number of rooms that is convenient. Read my Ring doorbell and chime review.

Your Homeowners Insurance Coverage may be Affected

Remember that quite often your home contents and building homeowners insurance policies stipulate the level of security alarms, locks, and so on, which are required in order for the coverage to be valid.

For this reason, it is critical to ask your insurance agent to visit and sign off on your home when the remodeling project is complete and your intruder and theft monitoring system has been re-configured. Better safe than sorry.

As well as making sure you and your nearest and dearest are safe and secure at home it is also important to make sure that everyone is familiar with the various escape routes in case of a fire or other incidence.

Keep your keys in the same safe places all the time so that everyone knows where they are and make sure keys for window locks are readily available too. Get the kids to practice and make sure they know how to operate the locks and alarms. No one wants to get trapped in their own home if they really need to get out!

Security and insurance are two of the best ways to protect yourself and give peace of mind to everyone in your home. Sleep well knowing you are safe. Keeping your home security system up to date is an integral part of the process.


Visit Kelly's profile on Pinterest.

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About the Author:

Photo of Kelly R. SmithKelly R. Smith was a commercial carpenter for 20 years before returning to night school at the University of Houston where he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science. After working at NASA for a few years, he went on to develop software for the transportation and financial and energy trading industries. He has been writing, in one capacity or another, since he could hold a pencil. As a freelance writer now, he specializes in producing articles and blog content for a variety of clients. His personal blog is at I Can Fix Up My Home Blog where he muses on many different topics.

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