Many homeowners treat home security as an afterthought. Too often, we remember home security after the construction is done and the house is built. Although there are myriad of gadgets and technologies available today, incorporating home security from the very start of the planning process proves beneficial.
With home security as part of your home design, you can take advantage of natural features, such as vegetation, topography, sight lines, existing lighting, and other conditions in the area. For instance, the home’s entrance can be situated in an area where there is an existing lighting. You can also consider the site’s natural topographic separations when building the yard or perimeter.
Proper security planning prevents extra work associated with installation of home security technologies. When these features are incorporated in the design and construction phase, you won’t need any renovation work later. It also prevents unwanted and unsightly dangling wires, screws, or drills common with DIY home security systems.
Surely, you want security technologies that don’t affect your home’s beauty and seamlessly blends with the overall aesthetics.
But most importantly, incorporating home security features into the architectural plan provides permanent solutions that burglars won’t easily overrun. These security features are discreet and more integrated into the home design. They are far from overt visual deterrents that can mess up with your home’s overall look.
This makes it crucial to discuss home security with your interior designer or architect. So, what are some design features that you can add into your home design plan? Let’s check out some.
Water features, such as ponds or pools, are not only for recreational or aesthetic purposes. When placed strategically in your yard, they can also act as moats for modern homes. Back in the days, castles used moats to keep away potential intruders. This can also be done
Build your pool nearby your home’s side wall so intruders cannot get past through. A wide stretch of pool can also give a good defense to your backyard. Trespassers would definitely be seen as they wade through the pool.
Surrounding your yard with high fence can greatly improve your home security. Fencing your property can keep intruders away. However, it can also work the other way around. Burglars can hide beneath it while attempting to enter your property. Make sure there is adequate lighting around the perimeters for better security.
Prevent trespassers from entering your perimeter by building tall walls with clean lines around your home. Half-walls with grille do not provide maximum protection. On the contrary, it can be used as incidental steps of intruders.
Minimalistic walls can give your home a contemporary look; much like the old castles of yesteryears. Choose color and texture that would match the gate and the home’s façade. Bricks and faux-stones are excellent options for the wall. They also complement well with wrought iron and grille. It provides great security, at the same time, beautifies your home.
Covered gates and tall walls can obscure natural light and block views of the outside. As an alternative, use gates with partially see-through portions such as small gaps or mesh. However, avoid stainless, metal or wrought iron gates with horizontal bars. These gaps can be used as incidental steps. Closed-off gates provide the best protection while ensuring visibility of the outside.
If your home design doesn’t permit very tall gate, you can go with a shorter gate with trellises. This is a great way to thwart potential climb-ins.
Stash away your valuables to avoid inviting burglars into your home. The use of one-way mirror glasses is an excellent way to conceal what’s inside your home. It allows you to clearly see people outside while you remain concealed. Aside from keeping your home not visible from outside, it should maximize the use of natural light.
When planned properly, your yard’s landscaping can be a crucial security feature. Planting thorny bushes and plants in blind spots can help drive away burglars. Pavers that produce sound when walked on, such as chips and gravel, can be a discreet home alarm system. Work with your landscape designer to help you come up with a defense landscaping.
Keeping your yard well-lit is an excellent security measure. Use motion-sensor lights, particularly along entry and exit points, such as the front gate, garden, and backyard. Burglars would be startled once it lights up. It should also warn you and your neighbors in case there are any entry attempts.
These landscape sensor lights come in attractive designs that can blend well with your garden design. They come in a myriad of designs; so, you’re free to choose which one to pick.
During the planning phase, ask your architect or interior designer to position the living area in a spot where you can have a good view of the perimeter. Not only will this give you a good spot to lounge around, it should also let you see spot guests (both welcomed and unwelcomed) as they come in. It is best to install a large one-way, mirror window so you cannot be seen from the outside.
As a homeowner, home security should be among your topmost concerns. Ensuring the security of your loved ones should start from day zero of the home building and construction.
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