Protecting Your Happy Ending: Keeping Your New Home Safe

Buying a new home can feel like the ending of a long adventure story. After months of anticipation, paperwork, and stress, the feeling of coming home is a welcome relief.  But if you are looking for a "happily ever after" at the end of your story of getting a home, there are a few things to consider first. Here are a few safety measures that you need to take in order to protect your new home and your future.

Change the Locks

One of the first things that you need to do after closing on your new home is to have the locks either changed or re-keyed. This will help to ensure that your home is safe from break-ins by people who may have gotten a copy of the previous key. It also offers you the convenience of having one key that will fit every lock in your home. A professional locksmith can do either one of these tasks for a service fee of less than $100 plus a charge for each lock.

Change the Codes

Another thing that needs your prompt attention is changing the codes for your garage door opener and your home security system if you have one. This allows you to set up a code that you will remember, as well as preventing access to people who may have a generic code for your garage or system. 

Install Alarms

If your new home does not have a security system, it may be worthwhile to consider having one installed. This will help to deter intruders, as well as notify you or the police if there is a break in.

However, in addition to protecting your home from break-ins and theft, it is also important to protect your family in the event of a fire. In addition to a security system, you also need a high-quality smoke and carbon monoxide detection system. Make sure you install a heat detector in the kitchen as well as smoke detectors near bedrooms and in any other parts of the house that may be exposed to potential fire hazards, such as the laundry room or the entryway to the garage. Some higher-end smoke detectors also include carbon monoxide detection. These types of alarms are especially helpful in garage entryways and rooms with fireplaces or wood-burning stoves.

By taking these important steps to ensure the safety and security of your new home, you can feel confident that moving into the perfect house will truly be the happy ending that you have been dreaming of.