For new homeowners, picking furniture, choosing paint schemes, and finding bath towels with the right fluff factor tend to be top priority. Home security, however, ought to be the first item on the list.
If that sounds like paranoia to you, relax—today’s DIY smart security systems and devices not only help foil burglars and other miscreants but also make life far more flexible and convenient.
Smart home security is more than just alarms and cameras. It encompasses anything that can provide a little peace of mind, whether that’s making sure the kids get home on time, checking that everything is locked up when you’re leaving the house, or even just ensuring that you don’t stub a toe when you’re scrounging for a midnight snack in your new surroundings. Although there’s no end of gadgets that you could install, we have a short list of must-have devices (and a few extras) that will do the trick for most everyone.
Before you begin adding any new gadgets, confirm whether your new home already has any smart devices installed. If so, and the previous owner hasn’t relinquished control of them, then that’s a major privacy and security no-no (and a potentially big hassle). Contact your real estate agent or the home’s seller before inking your mortgage to find out what devices are installed (and where), as well as what accounts are linked and whether any may be subject to long-term contracts—an issue with some home security systems. If there are legacy devices, you’ll need to establish a handover of accounts, which you can secure with new passwords. If you find devices after the purchase is complete, reach out to your real estate agent or the device manufacturer for help on how to disable or transfer ownership.
