Home Security Checklist

With advances in technology, there are now plenty of options for building layers of protection around your property. But before you invest in an expensive security system, it’s important to consider what basic measures will protect you immediately. Hence, we’ve created this comprehensive home security checklist so you can strengthen your home’s defenses easily — no contractors or major investments required!

Make sure your house is well lit

First of all, be sure to add lighting to your home’s exterior areas. A poorly lit yard, driveway, or walkway can be inviting to burglars who seek out an opportunity to conceal their actions.

Inspect the area around your home and take steps to maximize lighting by replacing light bulbs, installing flood lights, placing path lights along walkways, and installing smart lighting systems that can be controlled on personal devices or by motion. Source: Modernize

Install strong locks

About 58% of burglaries involve forcible entry, which can be deterred by strong locks. All locks should ideally be changed before you move into a new home, and all deadbolts must be in working order.

Source: MyMove

Remove potential hiding spots

Trees located near windows or shrubbery that might shield a burglar from view can be major flaws in your home-protection plan. Consider your landscaping plan in light of your protection needs.

Source: Home.HowStuffWorks

Protect your identity

Put your street number, not your name, on your mailbox. Displaying your name is not necessary for mail to be delivered and will only increase the risk of identity theft.

Source: RealSimple

Put up signs that state your home is monitored

Be sure to display the yard and window decals that your home security company provides you with. We recommend placing these decals on the windows that face the side and rear of your home, as well as in the front, because burglars enter through windows and doors in over half of all unoccupied break-ins.

Source: SafeWise

If you need help installing the right home security system or have any other questions about keeping your home secure, give us a call!

 

Contact:

Prime Locksmith

(778) 868-4628

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Tips You Should Know Before Doing a DIY Carpet Installation

Do you feel like installing a new carpet on your own? Although this can be a great way to save money, it’s important to remember that installing the perfect carpet can be tricky. So, before you go ahead and take on the task, read the tips below to ensure you have everything ready.

Buy a little more

Measuring and cutting mistakes often occur when performing a do-it-yourself carpet installation. Allow a little extra carpet in all directions to compensate for inexperience. It is usually better to spend a bit more on the extra carpet than to ruin an entire piece because of a mistake. Patterned carpeting generally produces more waste than other varieties because the patterns must be properly aligned at each seam. It is usually best to purchase approximately 5 percent more carpeting than the actual room measurements call for. Source: WiseGeek

Get the surface ready

Use a hammer, putty knife, and sandpaper to smooth out the surface of the floor by removing any globs of glue, errant nails, or built-up paint. After cleaning away the surface debris, sweep, vacuum, and wash the floor thoroughly, taking this opportunity to check the floor for damage. Source: BobVila

Rent instead of buying tools

To install carpet correctly, you’ll need a number of professional-level tools, available for lease or rent at home centers or rental yards. Depending on the project, you will need a seam iron, a power stretcher, and a knee kicker. These are expensive tools and it is more economical to rent these tools rather than buy them unless you expect to install carpeting often. Carpet knives are indispensable for cutting carpeting. These can be purchased for $10 to $20. Source: TheSpruce

If done wrong, a carpet installation can become costly and create more problems than solutions. If you want to ensure that you’re on the right track, don’t hesitate to call us! We’ll be more than happy to guide you in the right direction.

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What Is an Access Control System?

Are you worried about the security of your business? Do you want added protection for your premises and peace of mind when it comes to knowing who is entering or leaving a certain area? An access control system might be exactly what you need. Whether you run a retail store, an office building, or another type of operation, access control systems can help keep unauthorized people out while granting permission to those people who need access.

Why is it important?

The goal of access control is to minimize the security risk of unauthorized access to physical and logical systems. Access control is a fundamental component of security compliance programs that ensures security technology and access control policies are in place to protect confidential information, such as customer data. Most organizations have infrastructure and procedures that limit access to networks, computer systems, applications, files and sensitive data, such as personally identifiable information and intellectual property.

Source: TechTarget

Where to begin?

Therefore, the first step to choosing an access control system is to take a realistic look at your needs. This starts with a simple count of the number of openings to protect. Think about both interior, and exterior portals that need to be secured. Pay attention to the type of locks that are already there. If the lock is electronic, it may be able to be interfaced into the access control system. On the other hand, if the lock is mechanical, it will need to be swapped for an electronic one.

Next, think about what level of security will be needed. After all, not everyone needs a Fort Knox security level that is 100% plus secured for their facility. Maybe we are only talking about a few interior doors, such as a few offices, that can be secured with a numeric keypad for a more affordable solution.

In fact, doors can be individually secured with numeric keypads, on an individual basis. This is an inexpensive approach to access control, and often referred to as a standalone system. While the cost is the selling point, be aware that this approach results in a less robust system. Compare it to a networked access control system, where each piece of the system is connected, via the network, to a central control system. This then facilitates a more comprehensive control of a facility overall. In addition, a networked access control system also will be able to track which users went through each portal, and at what time. More complicated questions can also be answered, such as what times are the busiest at the facility, or in case of a security breach, which cardholders were in the vicinity at the exact time of the incident.

Also, take stock of the users of the access control system. This can number into the thousands at a larger facility, like an airport, or just a handful of users are a residence. Also, the number of visitors matters, and how restricted they need to be, and if they are going to need temporary access. Some access control systems can provide visitor access with temporary passes, and even background check visitors against known criminal databases for a significantly higher level of security.

Source: TechRadar

Is it worth it?

After everything, security budget will be the deciding element regarding the right access control system for an organization. Take a good amount of time to assess your business’ budgetary requirements. Talk to the manufacturer or seller about the maintenance and upgrade costs in the long run. Consider the ROI before buying — it is according to your expectations and satisfaction?

Buying an access control system is a huge investment, and this system would become an inseparable part of an organization’s day-to-day operations. It is advisable to not look for the lowest-priced option, but rather the one that gives an organization the most out of their investment.

Source: SecurityMagazine

Investing in an access control system is always a good idea for business owners, no matter the size of your company or the type of industry. If you’re interested in learning more about access control systems or if you’d like to get one installed, call us today to find out how we can help! We’ll work with you to create an effective security system tailored specifically to your business needs.

 

Contact:

Prime Locksmith

(778) 868-4628

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Indoor vs. Outdoor Cameras: Should You Choose One Over the Other?

Homeowners often wonder whether they should opt for indoor or outdoor security cameras. While both options come with their unique benefits and drawbacks, the decision ultimately depends on your security needs and budget. In this blog, we’ll explore the differences between the two to help you make an informed decision about which type of camera is best suited for your home.

Indoor cameras

If a manufacturer intended for a security camera to be used only indoors, then we call it an Indoor Security Camera. The operating temperature and humidity of Indoor Security Cameras is very moderate. These operating conditions are very similar to most electronic devices in our home.

They will not have any weatherproofing system in their design. So, we need to keep them clear of water and snow. Also, indoor security cameras cannot tolerate very high temperatures.

Another important thing about indoor security cameras is that they run on AC Power Supply. Since we install them inside our homes and offices, it becomes very easy to provide the necessary power to these units. Even if there aren’t any outlets near the camera installation point, we can use an extension cable.

Source: ElectronicsHub

Outdoor cameras

While both types of cameras usually come in similar styles and with comparable features, outdoor cameras need to be able to contend with all types of weather and varying light conditions.

Outdoor cameras are also more vulnerable to being tampered with, so they typically have more durable materials, like metal, and may be heavier or even housed in a casing in order to discourage easy removal.

Source: SafeWise

Which one should you get?

Whether to get indoor or outdoor security cameras depends largely on what areas you want to protect. Outdoor cameras are mainly for security purposes, and many have deterrent features built in, such as lights and sirens with motion detection. Additionally, two-way audio means you can talk to whoever is there remotely. If you can deter a criminal from entering your home with outdoor cameras (and studies have shown that just seeing a camera can be a deterrent), then you may not need any indoors.

For a complete home security system, consider both indoor and outdoor cameras. This will give you the best chance of catching any potential trouble on camera no matter where it occurs, which is why some experts recommend getting both. “It’s important when you install cameras that you have both interior and exterior cameras,” Frankel says. He adds that on a limited budget, it’s a good idea to start with interior cameras in central locations like main entrance points, main hallways, or unattended areas like a basement with windows or a walkout exit. Make sure any cameras you get are motion activated and capable of sending an alert to a smartphone and/or your security company the moment they’re triggered. Most importantly, cameras should automatically start recording to a cloud-based server. That way, even if the intruder disables a camera, the footage will be safe and accessible.

Source: USNews

With the right security measures in place, you can rest assured that your family and belongings are safe and secure at all times. If you need help choosing the right security camera for your home, don’t hesitate to contact us! 

 

Contact:

Prime Locksmith

(778) 868-4628

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Choosing the Right Tile Size for Your Bathroom

Nothing completes a bathroom renovation like the perfect tile. After picking your favorite style and finish, it’s important to consider the right size for your space as well. Whether you’re upgrading a small powder room or remodeling an entire master bath, here are some tips you should consider:

Use large tiles for walls

Large-format tiles (greater than 12 inches) placed horizontally on walls tend to make a space feel bigger because there are fewer lines to break up the surface visually. Even with some patterned tile, such as marble, you can still accomplish this feeling if the pattern runs horizontally. And choosing lighter-colored tiles can increase the effect, as they reflect more light.

Especially in a small shower, a larger white tile can make it feel less cramped. (Though if you’re tiling a closet-sized shower, a medium-size tile, such as 4 x 8 and 6 x 8, could work better.) Source: Hunker

Consider small tiles for floors

For shower floors or pans, generally you will want to have smaller sized tiles, from 4 inches by 4 inches down to 1-inch by 1-inch mosaic tiles. The idea is that you need to have tiles small enough so that the tile installer, while laying the mortar bed, can form gentle contours. These contours will allow the flooring to pitch correctly so the water will properly move toward a centrally located drain.

Smaller size tiles also work better for shower flooring because they create better grip opportunities for bare feet. Smaller tiles mean that the installer must include more seams between the tiles and thus a greater amount of grout laid between those tiles. Grout lines can provide much-needed friction when your feet are moving around on wet flooring. Source: TheSpruce

Additional tip to remember

Why invest in so much tile as part of the waste factor? Remember: Running out of materials on any job can be very frustrating. Having to stop mid-job to regroup is bad enough, but—in an even worse case scenario—you might find that the store is out of your particular tiles. Ordering tiles 15 to 20 percent more than you expect to use will help ensure against miscalculations, breakages, and cutting odd sizes to fit the space. It’s also a good idea to have spare tiles in reserve should any tiles become cracked or damaged in the future. Check to see if your retailer will allow refunds for unused tiles or unopened boxes, or start dreaming up projects to make with the spares. Source: BobVila

If you’re planning to replace your tiles because they’re already chipped and worn out, we can help. Call us!

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How Doorbell Cameras Work

Have you ever had a package stolen from your front porch? With the rise of online shopping, porch piracy has become a common problem for many homeowners. Fortunately, technology has provided a solution in the form of doorbell cameras. These small but powerful devices are designed to capture footage of anyone who approaches your front door, providing a valuable tool for identifying and deterring would-be thieves. Take a closer look at how this innovative device can help improve your home’s security.

What are doorbell cameras?

Video doorbells are doorbells that have a built-in camera to help protect your home from package theft and burglary. They are either battery-powered (wireless) or hardwired into an existing doorbell. You can receive activity alerts, talk with visitors using two-way talk, and live stream video from your smartphone.

Source: Security

Do they record all the time?

Yes and no. Most doorbell cameras don’t record 24/7. They record only when the camera is triggered. Then, they send a notification to your phone so you don’t miss the clip.

There are a few cameras that do record all the time. Our favorite is the Nest Doorbell. When you sign up for Google’s Nest Aware Plus subscription plan, the camera will record 24/7 and store footage for up to 10 days.

How long do they record?

Generally, doorbell cameras record until they don’t sense motion anymore. Some cameras, like the Ring Video Doorbell 4, record a few seconds before a triggering event so you can see what led up to the trigger moment. 

Say someone steals something off your porch. Those extra seconds before the porch pirate steals your package could tell you what direction the person came from. This could be an essential clue for the authorities. 

Source: SafeWise

Doorbell cameras vs. security cameras

Video doorbells and home security cameras offer many of the same benefits. Both show you what is going on outside of your home, offer motion detection and motion-triggered recordings, and, in most cases, let you speak to whoever is out there. That said, security cameras lack the doorbell component. If you’re downstairs doing the laundry and your phone is upstairs, a security camera won’t tell you that someone is at the door, but the doorbell will (when someone presses it).

Moreover, unless they are battery-operated, outdoor security cameras require a GFCI (ground fault circuit interrupter) outlet for power, which may limit potential mounting locations. Wired smart doorbells use existing low-voltage wiring and are relatively easy to install (they don’t require a ladder, for instance).

Source: PCMag

With the diversity of doorbell cameras available on the market, choosing the one for your specific needs and budget might be a challenge. If you need help, don’t hesitate to call us! We’ll be more than happy to assist you in choosing the right doorbell camera for your home. 

 

Contact:

Prime Locksmith

(778) 868-4628

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The Best Carpet Types for Your Basement

Is style and comfort a top priority, or are you looking for a flooring option that can withstand wear-and-tear while also balancing cost and durability? Regardless of what type of carpet you’re after, there’s something out there perfect for meeting all your needs. It might be one of the following:

Polyester

One of the best carpets for basements is polyester. This synthetic material is budget-friendly, naturally stain-resistant, and doesn’t retain moisture. While it is a softer flooring option it is tougher to clean than other carpet materials due to the fact that it isn’t oil resistant. That being said, should any part of the carpet sustain damage, it is inexpensive and easy to replace. Source: Wayfair

Nylon

One step up from polyester and one of the most popular carpet options, nylon is more durable, but it’s also more expensive. It has great stain resistance and is easy to maintain, usually needing just the occasional vacuuming to stay clean. If you are able to keep basement humidity low enough to make steam cleaning practical, you’re in luck because steam actually revives the synthetic fibers in a nylon carpet. On the downside, nylon isn’t as soft as other materials, and it generates a lot of static electricity. Source: Hunker

Olefin

Olefin wicks away moisture and does not generate static. It repels stains and is ideal for light entertainment or light use basements. Olefin mimics the look of wool carpet and has many options that will fit in with your décor. 

Triexta 

Triexta gives the durability and appearance of nylon. It has the moisture and stain resistance of polyester. It is plush, which supports foot traffic when installed over the concrete floor of the basement. Triexta is excellent for heavy traffic basements and entertaining. Source: HomeDecorBliss

Natural Wool

Natural wool Berber carpet is the splurge option. It’s super soft, durable, sustainable, and long-lasting. Treated well, it can last the life of your home. Expect to pay about $80 per square yard for a basic wool Berber. Source: Angi

If you’d like some expert advice on which type of carpet will best fit your budget, lifestyle and decor needs, don’t hesitate to call us! We’ll be happy to assist you.

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