Building a new home means building a new life, so it makes sense to want to protect both. Unfortunately, homes can be dangerous places with potential accidents and hazards. However, homeowners can be proactive in adding protective features. Here are eight life-saving features every new homeowner should consider adding to their blueprints.
1. Fire Safety Measures
Fire safety and protection measures, such as smoke detectors and fire extinguishers, are standard features to include in a new home. Fire sprinklers are another particularly effective way to protect you and your family from fires. These systems automatically activate when they detect a certain amount of heat. They keep you safe from physical harm and can save significant money on property replacement after a fire.
2. Secure Entry Points
When building a gate or installing a front door, it’s essential to prioritize safety. Weak or unsecured entry points can make it simple for intruders to enter your home. To enhance the security of your property, it’s essential to fortify your defenses with robust doors, high-quality deadbolt locks, and strategically positioned security cameras. These steps can significantly enhance the safety and security of your home, giving you peace of mind.
3. Home Security Systems
Cameras enhance your home’s security but are only one piece of the puzzle. Modern home security systems can include window sensors to alert you to break-in attempts and motion sensors that detect movement when someone enters or exits a room. Many of these systems also allow for smart home integration, which means you can control locks, lights, and other aspects of the system from anywhere. Choose a reputable company to ensure proper functionality and a professional installation.
4. Good Lighting
Many homeowners understand the importance of good lighting for aesthetic purposes, but few know how instrumental it can be in keeping you and your loved ones safe. Lighting up dark areas of your home or property can discourage potential intruders. Even beyond the threat of external dangers, lighting up areas inside the home, such as stairways or hallways, can help prevent tripping and falling. Consider installing motion-activated lights, which are highly effective for security and convenience.
5. Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Carbon monoxide detectors are essential for home safety. However, just like fire safety measures, your detectors must work effectively. You should invest in high-quality carbon monoxide detectors, place them strategically throughout your home, and test them regularly to ensure they function correctly. Don’t forget to replace the batteries as needed to ensure continuous protection for you and your family.
6. Emergency Escape Routes
Fortunately, escape routes are one of the cheapest and easiest safety features to build yourself. Once you have a better idea of the home’s layout, establish an escape route for emergencies. It should include a meeting spot outside and a plan for conducting emergency drills. You’ll also want to ensure that everyone in the family is aware of the path so they can do their part to keep it clear of obstructions.
7. Anti-Slip Surfaces
Falls pose a real threat and can lead to serious health issues, especially for older adults. Using anti-slip surfaces such as textured flooring materials can help prevent these incidents, especially in areas more susceptible to moisture, like bathrooms. These surfaces enhance safety and add visual appeal to the space.
8. Structural Integrity for Natural Disasters
Natural disasters can happen without warning, so building your new home with this in mind is important. Use materials designed to withstand weather events such as earthquakes or flooding. The exact measures will depend on the types of common disasters in your area. For example, people living in flood-prone areas might choose to elevate their home’s foundation or install sump pumps.
Build Smart, Save Lives
Remember these safety features as you set up your new home to create the haven you deserve. Depending on your building plan, these features may require substantial upfront investments. However, incorporating them will provide you and your family peace of mind, which money simply cannot buy.