We all want our homes to be safe havens for our families, especially when we have children or seniors living with us. But, what can you do to keep your home safe outside of installing a security system? Our advice: start from the bottom and work your way up! Follow along with Investing With a House Hack as we outline a few important pointers.
Why Flooring Matters
Your floors are an important component of your home, especially if you have a senior or someone with mobility issues living with you. Those that use a wheelchair or a walker may do best on a smooth surface, such as rustic engineered hardwood floors.
Look at the Walls
Your walls are easily the largest collective surface in your home. Make sure that they are painted in the right kind of colors if you or a member of your home have low vision. Maureen A. Duffy of Vision Aware explains that contrasting colors on doors, cabinets, and uneven surfaces are easier to see than washed-out colors.
Check Your Home Office
If you’re one of the many millions of Americans that run a business or work from home, security is paramount to your financial well-being. It might be wise to have a separate security system added to your home office, especially if it is an outbuilding, such as a shed or heated and cooled garage. The right system will integrate with your current smart technology and allow you to control things like the HVAC and office equipment directly from your smartphone. A good surveillance system also includes video and audio monitoring, which can help deter vandals and thieves.
Check Your Roof
We don’t recommend climbing on the roof if you’re afraid of heights or if it is a steep pitch. However, if possible, get a view of your roof to see if there are any holes or damage that might allow water to seep in. The American Lung Association asserts that mold and mildew can trigger allergic reactions in sensitive people. Further, people with asthma and other sensitivities may experience persistent sore throat, coughing, and congestion in the home with mold. Plan to repair any damage, or call a roofing professional to get it done for you.
Take a Walk Around the Perimeter
Our homes are not made up of simply what’s inside our walls, but also what is outside of them. If you live in an area prone to high winds, tornadoes, and hurricanes, identify any hazards, such as downed tree limbs and large children’s toys, that might be blown into your home during a weather incident. You can also reinforce your windows and doors and have a designated safe room in case of an emergency.
Fill Holes in the Yard
Chances are, you do not walk the entirety of your yard each day. But, your children and pets might. Squirrels, moles, insects, and chipmunks can wreak havoc on your lawn by digging holes. These are easily filled but do increase the risk of someone twisting (or breaking) an ankle. While you are strolling the lawn, you’ll also want to make a point to pick up any loose rocks, bricks, or other debris that might inadvertently become a projectile the next time you mow the lawn.
Consider Renovating or Buying
If you’re thinking about buying a home to make it safer, you may want to consider renovating a home instead. Depending on the extent of the renovations you’re planning, it could end up costing you a lot of money – especially if you own an older home. You can get an idea of current housing prices in your area by looking at listings online, then determine whether cash-out refinancing is a good solution for freeing up much-needed funding for either renovating or buying. A cash-out loan replaces your current mortgage, and if you’re able to drive down the interest rate and closing costs, you may be able to also lower the monthly payment.
You may find that you can get more house for your money by buying a new home rather than spending a fortune on renovations. Also, a new home is more likely to have all the latest safety features already built in. So if safety is your priority and you need it right away, buying a new home may be the best option.
There’s no reason that your home can’t be a safe haven. From having professionally installed flooring that caters to your family’s needs to ensuring your home office is secure and tripping hazards remedied, the above tips can get you started on the path toward having a safe, healthy, and cozy home for everyone.
Investing With a House Hack outlines the strategy of living in your primary residence while making rental income. Let us know if you have any questions!
