When designing a custom home, safety and security sometimes take a backseat to aesthetics. Ideally, we find a balance that allows you to have the home you have always dreamed of while still being able to provide you and your family with a safe and secure environment. We have compiled a quick list of ways to enable you to incorporate safety while not sacrificing style and appeal.
Using a Smart Home System
If you are tech-resistant, your home security is one area where you will want to give in a little bit. The most significant advances we have seen over the last decade in home security are due to smart-home technology. Smart home technology, however, is not some eyesore, often adding to the home’s aesthetic appeal rather than taking away from it.
Architectural Integration
I can remember walking through some pretty nice neighborhoods when I was younger only to see these massive eyesores, such as security grilles and shutters, that were put in place to help secure the home. Now, these security features can be customized to fit the home décor, making them less noticeable but still able to keep the home secure.
Strategic Landscaping
Hedges and bushes are about more than just curb appeal. Proper placement and design can also serve as security features for the home. For instance, a nice thorny bush placed under all windows will help prevent thieves from having such easy access to the window. At the same time, we want to ensure the landscaping does not provide hiding spots where some nefarious character can lie in wait to attack you.
Natural Surveillance
Natural surveillance refers to things such as windows overlooking public areas, making sure you have unobstructed sightlines around the home, and ample lighting. This is a nice way to show possible intruders that the home is well-monitored over and above the security devices you have installed in the home.
Materials and Craftsmanship
This is one reason why we stress using the best materials and builders we can find. A great-looking home means nothing if you are using subpar materials to build it. For instance, a solid wood-designed door or a high-quality steel door will go a long way when it comes to being able to keep your home secure from break-ins.
Let’s Talk
We know that it is not easy to work home security into the design of a home, but that is why our team at Build Better Now is here to help. Consider using an expert member of our team as construction consultant or residential construction project manager and the worry of how to integrate these security features into your home design goes on our plate, not yours. For more information about how we can help you design your custom-built home, call us at 888-402-4180.