You deserve to feel safe and secure with total privacy in your house. Your home should also be a place where you can be yourself, do whatever you want, and act in whatever way you desire. However, if you believe your home isn’t as private and secure as it should be, you may feel uneasy and relatively uncomfortable staying there. In that case, it is crucial to fix the problem. According to recent information, more people, including children, are victims of stalking. Besides the purposeful invasions that breach the privacy of your home, there are also discreet ways unwanted and unauthorised people can compromise your home’s security and privacy. So, how can you ensure that your home is safe from prying eyes? Here are a few basic ways to improve the privacy and security of your property.
Identifying people snooping around your house and trying to get into your personal affairs is usually the most effective way to spot the culprits and discourage others from doing so. Installing several security cameras can help if you suspect someone is regularly breaching your home’s privacy. You must place these cameras in locations where you believe intruders will most likely try to gain access to your home. By doing so, you are ensured that you would capture culprits in the act and take the necessary steps.
You should also consider using very discreet camera options. This way, these unwanted parties would be unaware they are being watched. Another essential advantage of security cameras is peace of mind. They can increase your home security by allowing you to check in on your property from anywhere, view a live feed of your home on your smartphone or computer, and receive fast notifications if anything unusual occurs.
Secure your windows
The windows of your home serve the vital role of brightening the house and allowing for good ventilation. However, they can be a security risk if the proper measures are implied. It may seem like blinds and curtains offer protection in some cases, but this is not always the case. For a more effective solution to secure your windows, you should consider changing up your windows. You choose to have your windows tinted, iced, or glazed. Such options allow your windows to serve their purpose to your home while obstructing outsider visibility. Fortunately, these solutions are available at very affordable rates.
Use smart blinds
Although regular blinds may not always do the trick in terms of your home’s security, smart blinds can. Smart blinds have grown in popularity as a result of their attractive appearance and numerous valuable features. Did you know that smart blinds may make it appear as if someone is at home even when the house is empty? You can use your smartphone to control your bright lights and blinds. Then you may lower the blinds at night, turn on the lights, or play random music from afar. The intruders will believe that someone is at home as a result of this. As a result, they won’t even try to break in. Smart privacy glass is another such option. It employs proprietary technology that allows users to alter the transparency of windows.
While windows are essential to consider when designing a secure home, the front and back doors of the house are equally vital. Therefore it is important to select the right doors when designing your home to ensure security. For instance, a sliding glass door may make an excellent addition to your home as it may create a unique design for your home or maximise the amount of natural light you receive. However, it would most likely not give you the security and privacy you seek. Security Doors ensure that intruders and other unwanted parties cannot gain access to your home.
On the entrance door, avoid glass features. Even small windows can be shattered and utilised to gain access to keys or an internal lock. However, if you want a glass door design, you should consider stained or textured glass if you pick doors with glass windows as a design component in the building to keep burglars from seeing where keys are hanging or stored near the entryway.
Consider getting a guard dog
A dog may seem like an odd addition to a design element, but dogs do add to the personality of your home. As man’s best friend, dogs do more than add character to your home or a cuddly companion. They can also serve as effective watchdogs. To deter loiterers and scare away invaders, dogs do not need to be well trained. Your animal buddy can give you an affectionate playmate as well as alert you to intruders by barking. You may even let your dog run around in your yard if you put up sturdy fences and walls around your property.
Trim overgrown trees and hedges
For intruders to spy on your property, they need a good view, and your trees and overgrown shrubs and hedges do that. Trees and shrubs may add to the aesthetic appeal of your home, but they can provide a convenient hiding spot for burglars. By leaving your trees and hedges overgrown, you make it easy for intruders to climb onto your property. Therefore, trees and plants near your home that could be used for the cover should be pruned regularly.
You can also choose smaller flowers and bushes instead. Remove any trees that are close to windows or strengthen those windows with extra security. Cutting down overgrown vegetation not only improves privacy but also makes your home less enticing to burglars who take advantage of these barriers.
Your home should be a quiet, peaceful haven away from the outside world. Living close to other people has benefits such as new friends, opportunities to socialise, borrowing a missing ingredient, etc. But it also has its drawbacks, one of which is noise.
Whether it’s a loud unmelodic guitar practice, a little too much fun at a night party, or simply a generally noisy and nosy individual, everyone has had at least one experience with an irritating neighbour. It is frustrating, and if you’re losing sleep or patience because of it, it’s time to take action. The level of sound audible to those outside should be considered part of your home’s privacy precautions. Neighbours may only need to stand next to your fence to hear what you have to say. Soundproofing your walls could be beneficial. These steps can often serve as insulation, keeping your home warm and preventing sound from leaking into the open for all to hear.
Use external sensor lights
External lights that turn on when motion is detected are an effective deterrent. They may also make a property look more inviting and aesthetically pleasing if they are designed to suit the overall outlook of the house. Motion sensor lights, especially bright lights that illuminate doorways, passageways, or potential access sites, are the most effective deterrents.
Consider where burglars are most likely to break into a building when developing a new structure and plan to add motion-activated lighting in these spots. If your project doesn’t have the resources to install these during construction, ensure that the room is accessible for the future homeowner. Installing a light in a tunnel is a crucial element if the structure is entered through one. Both the back garden and the front access areas should have sensor lighting installed.
Lastly, smart locks are a fantastic solution that is both secure and fashionable. Intelligent locks are connected to your smartphone and allow you to operate your home security systems while you are away. For example, if a motion sensor is triggered, you will receive a notification and an instant live broadcast of your home. If that’s not enough, smart locks come with a slew of extra functions, including the following: fingerprint scanner, cameras, pin codes, security tokens, and sensors. Having a sound security system doesn’t mean your house has to seem like a fortress. Although you must spend on instruments to improve your home’s security, you may always choose more fashionable options. They don’t have to look out of place in your home.
Install a fence
A privacy fence is an excellent way to keep the eyes of your neighbours away from your backyard activities. A fence allows you to enjoy your activities in privacy, whether it’s relaxing in your hot tub or gardening at your leisure. With varied styles to pick from, you’re likely to find one that complements your house while also providing some additional privacy. Consult a fence specialist about precise height requirements to ensure that your fence is tall enough to keep curious eyes out.
If you are thinking of selling your home, it’s a great idea to get everything in good order. A nicely decorated property with no outstanding issues is a far more appealing prospect than one that has clear problems that the buyer will have to deal with. Often it is the case that the money you spend doing up the property is more than made back in the eventual difference in sale price.
But even knowing this, many homeowners often overlook a key part of their property that could be easily renovated and made over; the garage. Garages are so often a maligned part of the home – a depository for unused exercise equipment and various accumulated junk.
A garage that is in great shape and has a purpose is definitely a huge selling point for buyers, so it is not something that you should overlook.
However, there are many different ways that you can do up your garage before a sale. Here we take a look at some of the optimal opportunities you can take advantage of when renovating your garage.
There is no doubt that visual appearance plays a big part in the decision making of potential home buyers. When you renovate your garage before a sale, it’s a great idea to focus on some of the issues that make your garage appear attractive. For example, if your garage door has seen better days, now might be the right time to freshen it up or buy a replacement.
Of course, if you’re looking to wow potential buyers with your garage it could be a great idea to invest in an automatic garage door. In many cases, it is possible to simply automate your existing door rather than having to buy a new one.
“Most modern garage doors which are from leading manufacturers can be automated, whether you have roller door, sectional or an up and over style door,” says Mascha Lipscomb of Wessex Garage Doors, “but it does depend on the model – if you’ve had your door in place for many years, you may need to do some research into the specific type of door you have to ensure the operation works with automation.”
Invest in a modern garage
One use for your garage that is sometimes underrated is traditional; simply as a space for your car. A good quality garage can make a big difference to a property – it can lower your insurance premium, keep the car in good condition for longer, and minimise any risk of theft or damage. These are all positives from a potential home buyers perspective.
But renovating your garage could also be an opportunity to embrace the future, and put an electric charging point in place. It can be a huge plus for those with electric vehicles to know that there is already a space that is ideal for charging.
It may be that you think the space is better used as a storage area, but it can still be a great idea to put the effort into a renovation. Take the time to clear out your garage and get rid of everything you don’t need. You can also put in some useful storage solutions to ensure that there is space for the things you choose to keep.
Of course, the real idea with renovating the space is showing potential buyers the possibilities, so it could be a great idea to put in more storage than you need.
Consider conversion
Another possibility that could be a great idea for some homes is conversion. Converting your garage is certainly the most financially beneficial renovation option for your garage. Adding a bedroom adds significant value to a property – up to 10% of the value of a home, by some estimates.
But the conversion doesn’t necessarily need to be a bedroom to add value. According to HomeHouseBuyers, “extending a property can add a tremendous amount of value to it. After all, a four-bedroom property typically sells for a higher price than a three-bed home in the same area. Of course, you don’t have to use the extra space you create as a bedroom.”
Converting can be expensive, and a big project just before you sell – but it can definitely be worth it in terms of recouping the investment.
There are many different renovation options that could be perfect for your home. Perhaps the greatest advantage of all is the renovation forces you to sort out everything currently in your garage. This provides the double benefit of ensuring you have less clutter around the home when you sell and removing all the unwanted items from your property.
Roof windows are an important choice when it comes to home interior design. They can be used in a variety of ways, including as part of the roof or as window panes that open up onto your living space below.
Whether you’re interested in adding more natural light into your house or just looking for something different than traditional glass windows, there are no shortage of options. In this guide we will go over some of the best types and features available on the market today, so you have all the information you need on how you can incorporate them into your home
Roof Windows & Interior Design
There are many reasons why people choose to add roof windows into their homes. Some homeowners want to bring in additional sunlight while others simply enjoy being able to bring the outside in. Whatever the reason, these additions can really help elevate your living space.
Here are some examples of what they could do for your home.
Bring More Natural Light Into Your Home
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If you live somewhere with lots of shade during the day but still desire more natural lighting throughout your rooms then roof windows may be perfect choice for your home
Roof windows are available in a wide range of sizes and styles, making it easy to find one that suits your needs perfectly. Although the concept of installing a roof window may seem intimidating, if you are unsure, the experts on hand can provide you with a step by step guide. Or even recommend a roof window fitter to help with the install.
Roof windows also work well if you’re trying to create a modern look without spending too much money. A lot of homes and roofs already have built-in skylights, which tend to cost less than installing new ones. However, by using roof windows instead, you’ll not only save money, but you’ll get exactly the kind of illumination your home needs.
Provide A New Viewpoint From Inside The House
Another benefit of having roof windows installed is that you get to take advantage of the view outside, whilst you are in the comfort of your own home. Whether you like watching nature change through the seasons or prefer to watch the sunset every night, rooftop windows give you access to both at once and help create your own oasis at home.
Give You An Edge Over Other Homes In The Area
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With such high demand right now for properties near the coast and countryside in particular, now is the perfect time to plan for adding unique features to your home. Whether you want to create the best view of the coast, or make the most of the space available. Roof windows provide the added bonus & can make all the difference when marketing your home. Especially if you’re lucky enough to land yourself a spot close to an area of natural beauty, you’ll definitely appreciate the extra views and outdoor spaces you’ll gain by installing roof windows.
Add Variety Of Style And Functionality
While roof windows aren’t always meant for practical purposes, they can certainly serve a purpose beyond aesthetics. For example, if you notice that certain areas within your home seem darker than other parts, installing roof windows in that area can help provide better visibility and allow for even illumination across multiple rooms.
Installing roof windows allows you to control ventilation levels whenever necessary. Plus, they also offer a convenient way to ventilate rooms directly above your garage or basement.
No matter what type of roof window you decide upon, whether it has solar panels integrated or not, or whatever style you end up choosing, remember that quality matters when it comes to these projects. Look for products made from durable materials, ones that won’t crack easily, and ones that keep their colour well after installation. That said, there should never ever be an excuse to skimp on safety measures either. Make sure all components meet industry standards so as not to risk injury or damage in the future.
When it comes to property prices, location often plays a big role. A lot of people are looking for homes located in desirable locations because they want to live somewhere nice but still affordably priced.
However, some homeowners find that adding a little bit more value to their home will make them stand out among others. One thing that many people overlook is putting roof windows into their houses. These types of windows add a unique look to any place while providing great benefits too. They can increase the overall appeal of your home, making it easier to sell at higher values.
With this information in mind, we hope that you’ve found our guide helpful. We know how important it is to ensure that everything gets done correctly, especially when dealing with major renovations. So, use the tips provided here to help you plan out the best possible project for your home.
If you are going to be buying a home, we suggest that you stop and slow down for a minute. Too many people are trying to rush through the process so they are not taking their time to really go through all of it. This can become a problem when you end up with either an agreement that isn’t what you wanted or a house that isn’t what you thought it was. In this post, we’re going to be taking a look at some of the things that you have got to do before you buy a home, so keep reading if you would like to find out more.
It doesn’t matter what either lawyer says, or anyone else for that matter, you need to read all of the paperwork that you sign. Don’t listen to all the people who are reassuring you that everything is fine, see for yourself. You might not understand all of the legal jargon that is in the contract, but you should be able to spot if there is anything out of the ordinary in there, or if there is something that has been slipped in at the last minute. For example, you want to check the start and end date of the home warranty to ensure that you are getting exactly what was advertised to you. Double check things like move in dates so that you’re not trying to get in early, and everything in between.
Do not put your name on anything that you haven’t read. If there are parts that you don’t understand then you should ask your lawyer what they mean. Do this as many times as you need to until you understand the document as you are the one who is attaching your name and agreeing to the terms written.
Had It Checked By A Surveyor
Have you had the home checked by a surveyor? If the answer is no then do not complete the purchase of a property until you have. It’s important to have these checks done because you have no idea what is hiding in the house. A lot of people have been left in the situation where they have been purchasing a property, everything has looked great on face value, but when you go a little deeper you will find that there are monsters under the bed so to speak.
Asbestos is one of the things that they are going to be watching out for as this has been linked to certain types of cancer. It’s not dangerous unless it is disturbed, but you still want to avoid it as much as you can. Also the foundations and everything else will be checked to ensure that it is safe and not going to cost you a fortune in hidden problems. You probably won’t be able to afford thousands in repairs, especially not now that you have paid big bucks for the house itself.
Checked The Area It’s In
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It is essential that you are checking the area out that the home is in. If you purchase a home somewhere that is known for having a high crime rate and you have a family, you are always going to be on edge that little bit more. However, if you take the time to research the area that you are looking to buy in, you will know if it’s worth going to see or not. If it isn’t, then you can look at surrounding areas to find the safest one for you to move to.
This is important because your kids will go to school, they will play out in this area and so on. We’re not saying that everyone that lives in a bad neighbourhood is dangerous, but if you have the option you should probably look into alternatives. Also, make sure that you are looking at what the crimes actually are as this might make a difference to sway your decision.
We hope that you have found this article helpful, and now see some of the things that you need to have done before you buy a home. It’s important that you take the correct steps before purchasing a home to ensure that everything is in order and that you are getting what you wanted. The very last thing that you want to happen is for you to end up purchasing a home that isn’t what you thought it was. We wish you the very best of luck with this.
If you’re thinking about how to get your first mortgage to buy a home, you should be aware of the different factors that could affect your eligibility. These include your credit score, length of time in your current job, current debts, whether you’re self-employed, and the size of your deposit. Follow these tips to get the mortgage you want.
Your Credit Score Matters
Before you apply for a mortgage, get a copy of your credit report. This is held by credit reference agencies, like Experian or Equifax. This will let you see what lenders can see when they look into your application.
If your credit rating doesn’t look too good, there are simple ways to improve it. Make sure you’re on the electoral roll and close down any credit card accounts that you aren’t using anymore.
Start With Your Own Sums
Sit down and work out what your budget is before you start applying for mortgages. You will need to be sure that you can borrow enough to cover the purchase of the property and that you will have enough money left over to cover all the other costs and fees that come with buying a home. A mortgage broker, like Avail Mortgages, could help you find a mortgage that fits your budget.
Monthly mortgage repayments will depend on how much you want to borrow, over how long, and the interest rate charged.
Most lenders will want to see that you have been with your current employer for a decent length of time before they will agree to give you a mortgage. If you’re thinking of making a job change anytime soon, it’s a better idea to sit tight until after you have your mortgage in place. Usually, you want to have been in your job for at least three to six months before you apply for a mortgage.
If you have recently changed your job, don’t worry. It doesn’t have to be a problem, but if you are still in a probationary period, it is a good idea to double-check how your lender will feel about that and whether or not that will be happy to lend before it finishes. Even in this case, there should be lenders out there willing to consider the situation.
Debts Don’t Help
If you are applying for a mortgage, remember that the absolute late thing any prospective lender is going to want to see is that you owe a lot of money on credit cards or that you have a lot of outstanding loans.
Before you apply for a mortgage, put some time into trying to reducing any debts that you currently have. The more you can lower them, the more this will show that you are able to manage your money responsibly, which will mean that your application will have a better chance of being accepted. It will also mean that you will potentially be able to borrow more when it comes to a lender’s affordability calculations.
