Published: Jul 08, 2020 | Updated: Sep 26, 2023

Enjoy Your Family Vacation—Without Home Security Worries

Nothing could ruin your vacation faster than finding out after-the-fact that something went wrong at home you couldn't prevent it from happening.

Your family is ready for a week at the beach to soak up some sun or a trip to the mountains to relax in the beauty of nature. Wherever you decide to go to create cherished family memories, feel confident that your home is protected and safe while you are away.

Include home security on your vacation countdown to-do list

You have your vacation packing list ready. You’ve got all the important gear like clothing, sunscreen, extra cash, medication, and tickets.

But have you thought about adding a home security audit to your vacation planner? When you know that your home is well-protected even when you are away, and you can monitor things from wherever you are in the world, that’s valuable peace of mind.

Homes are most likely to be broken into when:

People are away (mail or deliveries are piling up, it looks like no one is home for days).
There is no security system or security sign.
It’s summertime.
You rent your home.
The bushes near the house are overgrown.
Windows are left open.
Windows or doors are unlocked.
There is no dog present.

Most burglars look for an easy target. A place where they will likely not get caught, it’s easy to get in and out, and there may be valuable items inside they can sell. Often, they know their victims.

What level of home security does your home need?

With over a million home invasions in the United States each year (per www.alarms.org), it’s important to understand your family’s needs so that you can protect your loved ones and your property.

Some security options to burglar-proof your home:

Door and window security

Most break-ins involve kicking in a door or breaking window glass. Doors without deadbolts, unsecured sliding glass doors, and homes with lots of easily accessible glass may be easier targets for would-be-intruders.

You can beef up your windows and doors to deter potential thieves with steps like:

Home window security

- You can make sure all windows have sturdy locks and install motion-sensors that connect to your security system or trigger an alarm. Other options include using window security cameras, reinforcing your window glass with security window film, or using motion-sensing floodlights around the exterior of the home for all windows and doors.

Home security doors

- The most effective doors for security are solid metal or solid wood doors with strong deadbolts.

Doorbell camera

- A smart doorbell camera will alert your cell phone when anyone is at your door whether you are home or in another country. You can see who is there. And with some doorbell cameras and security systems, you may even be able to let people in by unlocking your door remotely for packages or pet sitters. You can also see if someone is there to cause trouble and call the police immediately.

A home security system

One of the best ways to protect your home and family is to install a home security system. There are DIY models or there are more expensive types that are professionally installed.

Homes that do not have a security system are 300% more likely to be broken into than homes that do.

Even if you just have a home security sign in your front yard near the porch, your risk of having a break-in drops significantly. Most criminals don’t want to have to deal with the extra aggravation of a security system.

Security options

There are countless choices with home security systems today.

Sensors

Motion-sensing lights
Smart door sensors
Window/door alarms
Flood monitoring
Freeze sensors
Smoke/carbon monoxide detectors that alert 911 if you have a problem
Wireless driveway alarm
Panic buttons

Cameras

Security cameras
Video doorbells (some have two-way audio, motion detectors, wide-angle lenses, night vision, etc…)
Baby monitors/cameras

Smart features

Wi-fi connected/wireless systems
Smart home compatibility
Smart hub
Smart door locks
Home weather stations
Smart lightbulbs/lights (with timers)
Smart thermostats

Home security systems

Wired security systems
Self-monitored home security systems
Professionally monitored systems

Home security cameras

You can choose from almost anything you can imagine for cameras today. Be sure to check that anything you use outside is intended to be for outdoor use. Also, confirm that the field of view for the camera you choose is what you need.

Any of these can help deter potential thieves:

Fake security cameras near entryways
Hidden security cameras indoor/outdoor
Solar-powered security camera
Security camera without wifi
Security camera with wifi
Motion-detecting camera
Night vision cameras
360 security camera

Contact your favorite security camera companies for pricing and availability. And check here for how to set up your smart home.

What is the cost of a home security system?

If you are looking for affordable home security options, choose a self-monitored system with no monthly monitoring fee. All you will have to pay is the upfront equipment cost and any installation costs if you don’t install the system yourself.

If you don’t want to deal with the hassle of installing a system yourself, you can pay for professional installation to be sure your security system is set up properly. Some systems are only available to be professionally installed.

Most home security systems run anywhere from about $100 to $1500 or more. Installation costs range from $200 to over $1600. And monthly fees can range from $10-$35 per month or more.

Think about your family’s home security needs as you design your custom home.

As you think about designing your dream home, be sure to consider what kinds of security and home automation systems you want to include. Home automation controls lighting, home theater/media, lighting, door locks, HVAC, and more.

Then your family can feel safe, secure, and at peace knowing they are well-protected and can enjoy the conveniences of a tech-savvy smart home.