Prewire Your New Home for Security and Automation

Building a new home is very exciting! But it can also feel overwhelming. There are decisions to be made and hiccups along the way that you’ll have to work out with the builder and contractors.

Some of the decisions are fun, such as picking out cabinets and flooring. Others are not as fun but certainly essential. For example, plumbing and electrical wiring aren’t the most exciting features of a home, but they are much easier to install when the house is being built.

Also, if you consider what you want from your home in the long-term (i.e., bathroom in the basement, home theater system), you can have all the inner workings ready to go when the time comes, significantly reducing labor and expenses.

In this post, we want to discuss the importance of pre-wiring your new construction home for security and automation.

Let’s begin!

It’s faster and easier.

When your house is being built, it’s much quicker and simpler to run wires and cables for home automation. The walls aren’t drywalled and painted yet, so there’s not much standing in the way of an ideal setup. Plus, you don’t have to deal with messy cords on the outside of your walls in the long run.

You have more options for customization.

When you’re in the process of building your home, you have a wider range of home automation and security options available to you. Decide ahead of time what types of features you want for your home (i.e., camera surveillance) so that all products can work seamlessly together.

It’s worth noting that you don’t have to purchase everything upfront. You can have the proper wires run for future home automation, but you can choose just a security system at first.

You have time to learn the software.

Many home security and automation products do come with a small learning curve. It takes time getting used to the cameras, security system, home automation features and mobile app. If you’re going to make the investment, it’s important that you use it to the fullest potential. Installing a home alarm system early on gives you time to learn the software before moving in.

It offers peace of mind.

New construction homes are often built in newer neighborhoods. You don’t know your neighbors, so you can’t ask them to watch over your home. You may not have blinds or curtains up yet, so people can see through your windows. A home security system offers an additional layer of protection during this change in your life.

Call Texas Security & Surveillance, one of the most reputable alarm companies in Austin to learn more about installing a home security system in your new construction home.  

Did You Know that Most Burglars Live 2 Miles from the Homes They Target?

It’s an unsettling fact: most burglars live just a couple of miles from the homes they target. They tend not to be the stereotypical “professional” burglars who break into a home armed with a weapon and threatening the homeowners. Instead, the more common scenario is a local criminal who finds an opportunity to break into a home.

These criminals are also more likely to go after the types of items that are easy to sell such as jewelry, electronics and other gadgets. Their motive is to turn these items over quickly and make a cash profit.

While there are no guarantees, there are many steps you can take to make your home less attractive to burglars and keep your valuables safe. Let’s take a closer look at the types of items that local criminals look for and the vulnerabilities that make homes a target.

What Do Local Burglars Steal?

In 2010, more than $13 billion of property was reported stolen, and the majority included:

• Money
• Electronics
• Jewelry
• Firearms
• Household goods
• Office equipment
• Clothing and furs
• Consumable goods

Of the billions of dollars of property that was stolen, only 21% of the value reported was recovered.

What are Some Other Things that Make Homes Vulnerable?

Burglars have two things on their mind: Getting the most valuables they can and getting out of the home as quickly as they can. This is why burglars are more likely to target the homes they know because they have a better idea of the types of possessions in the home and the residents’ habits of coming and going.

On average, burglars spend between 8-12 minutes in a home, and they tend to go through the front or back door. Also, homes in the middle of the block are more likely to be broken into than ones on corner lots. Once in, criminals tend to go after the following rooms:

• Master bedrooms: Burglars look for valuables like cash hidden in drawers and jewelry.

• Home offices: Criminals look for collectibles and electronics.

How Can I Keep My Home Safe?

There are many things you can do to keep your home safe from burglars. While nothing is a guarantee, being alert, aware and realistic is key. It’s also important to do the following:

• Have secure locks on doors and windows
• Install and maintain a home security system
• Have a secured safe
• Invest in motion-sensored lighting
• Keep shrubbery and vegetation trimmed

To learn more about keeping your home safe this summer and beyond, call Texas Security & Surveillance.

Can a Home Security System Lower My Insurance?

If you own a home, homeowners insurance is a must. This type of insurance policy is designed to protect your property in the event that damage occurs to either the home or the possessions inside. Homeowners insurance also provides liability coverage against accidents in the home or property.

The costs of home insurance vary widely from state to state, but there are things you can do to lower your premium each month. One of the best ways is to invest in a home security system. On average, it can reduce your monthly premium by as much as 20 percent!

Why Does a Home Security System Make a Difference?

According to the FBI, every 15 seconds, a home burglary occurs in the US. Properties without security systems are three times more likely to be targets. Insurance companies recognize that home security systems play a significant role in keeping homes safe. By having a monitored home alarm system, you send a signal to potential burglars that your home is being watched 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Furthermore, insurance companies know that a home alarm system has additional built-in features that protect a home and keep possessions safe. Monitored security systems reduce the risk of costly fire or water damage, for example.

At the end of the day, there is a lesser chance of needing to file a claim with your insurance company when you have a home security system installed. This reduces your risk significantly in the eyes of your carrier. As a result, some of the savings are passed down to you.

How Much Money Can I Save?

Many homeowners report seeing as much as 20 percent off their monthly premium. It really depends on your insurance provider and other factors.

The best thing you can do is to speak with your insurance company about the savings you can see by installing a home security system. You may even obtain several quotes to see what your monthly premium would look like with other insurance companies.

A handful of factors are taken into consideration when determining your monthly premium, but for insurance companies, it’s all about reducing your risk and making yourself and your property look good.

To learn more about installing a home security system for your property and saving money on your homeowners insurance, call Texas Security & Surveillance.  

Are Small Businesses More Likely to be Targeted by Burglars

 

Burglars can attack any business, but there are some that are more at risk than others. Retailers, for instance, tend to be a prime target for robbers because they have items that can be easily traded in for cash. Small businesses can also be frequent targets because they don’t always have the budgets to invest in high-tech security cameras and surveillance equipment.

Let’s take a look at some of the factors that can make your small business more likely to be targeted and what you can do to keep it safe.

What Makes Small Businesses Attractive to Burglars?

There are a handful of things that burglars look for. If your business has the following, it can be at a higher risk for theft or burglary.

• Cash register
• Products that can be turned into cash
• Evening business hours
• Few employees working
• No alarm system
• No surveillance cameras

Some of the most commonly burglarized retail stores include convenience stores, service stations, supermarkets, jewelry stores and liquor stores.

If your business does not fit the above profile, do not assume that it is safe from burglars. Criminals don’t care about who they steal from. Their intent is to get as many products as they can sell, barter or consume. While certain factors can make your business more or less attractive, there is risk to all businesses.

Employee Theft is Also a Concern

Consider that small business owners lose $25,000 to $33,000 every minute to shoplifters, according to the University of Florida National Retail Security Survey. In another survey, it was found that 64 percent of small businesses fall victim to employee theft.

Even more startling is that 95 percent of employees admit stealing from their employer. If you think that your business is exempt from theft and burglary, it’s time to think again. Think smarter, think safer.

Protecting Your Small Business

There are many steps you can take to decrease theft and burglary, but one of the best is by installing security cameras. Business surveillance cameras make all people - employees and burglars - think twice about stealing from you. If they know they can be caught on camera, it’s just not worth it.

Additional steps you can take include:

• Provide good visibility
• Install an up-to-date alarm system
• Put in lots of lighting
• Keep your property in good condition
• Post signs that prevent trespassing

When you think about how much money you can lose from theft and burglary, the cost of surveillance cameras doesn’t seem so bad, does it? To learn more about protecting your small business, contact Texas Security & Surveillance. We look out for our local businesses!