Home Security Assessment Service

Professional Home Security Assessment

A home security assessment reveals vulnerabilities criminals could exploit and provides a roadmap for cost-effective improvements. Think of it as a home inspection focused entirely on security.

We evaluate your home through the eyes of a burglar, identifying the easiest entry points and weakest defenses. Then we recommend practical, budget-appropriate improvements prioritized by impact and cost.

What We Assess During Your Home Security Evaluation

Exterior Doors & Locks

Front door, back door, side doors, garage entry:

• Lock quality (Grade 1, 2, or 3 rating)
• Deadbolt throw length and construction
• Strike plate strength and screw length
• Door construction (solid core vs. hollow)
• Door frame condition and reinforcement
• Hinge security (exposed vs. protected)
• Peephole or doorbell camera
• Lighting at entry point

Common findings:

• 80% of homes have Grade 3 locks (easily forced)
• 70% have strike plates with short screws (easily kicked in)
• 60% have hollow back/side doors (easily broken through)

Windows

All accessible windows (especially ground floor):

• Lock type and condition
• Frame strength
• Accessibility from ground level or roof
• Visibility from street
• Security film or reinforcement
• Secondary locks or pins
• Easy-open window near door locks (can reach through broken window to unlock door)

Risk factors:

• Ground-floor windows hidden by landscaping
• Windows easily accessible from porch roof
• Older windows with worn locks
• Large windows near valuable items visible from outside

Garage Security

Vehicle entry and service door:

• Automatic opener security features
• Service door lock quality
• Windows in garage (visibility of contents)
• Keypad code strength
• Opener remote security
• Door from garage to house (often weakest door)

Common vulnerabilities:

• Weak service door locks
• Visible garage door opener hanging from visor
• Old openers without rolling codes (easily cloned)
• No deadbolt on door from garage to house

Lighting & Visibility

All entry points and property perimeter:

• Motion-sensor light coverage
• Dark areas where burglars could hide
• Street visibility (can neighbors see your doors?)
• Landscape lighting
• Timer or smart light automation

Ideal lighting:

• Motion sensors at all entry points
• Well-lit pathways to front door
• No dark hiding spots near windows/doors
• Visible from street (psychological deterrent)

Landscaping & Access

Property features that affect security:

• Overgrown bushes hiding entry points
• Trees providing access to second story
• Fence security and gate locks
• Hiding spots for package theft
• Visibility of interior from street

Security vs. aesthetics:

• Keep shrubs below window sills
• Thorny plants near ground-floor windows
• Clear sight lines from street to doors
• Gravel near windows (noise deterrent)

Smart Security Integration

Existing security systems and devices:

• Security cameras (coverage, blind spots, recording)
• Video doorbells (field of view, night vision)
• Smart locks (battery backup, encryption)
• Alarm system (sensor placement, monitoring)
• Smart lights (automation, motion detection)

Integration opportunities:

• Connect devices for layered security
• Automate lights when away
• Coordinate camera and light motion detection
• Smart lock notifications

Our Security Assessment Process

Step 1: Exterior Walkthrough (30-45 minutes)

We walk your property perimeter as a burglar would, identifying:

• Easiest entry points
• Hidden approach paths
• Visibility from street
• Lighting gaps
• Access from neighboring properties

Step 2: Entry Point Inspection (30-60 minutes)

We examine every exterior door and accessible window:

• Test lock strength
• Measure strike plate screws
• Check door/frame construction
• Evaluate window security
• Photograph vulnerabilities

Step 3: Interior Security Review (15-30 minutes)

We assess from inside:

• Visibility of valuables from outside
• Secondary security layers
• Safe locations
• Escape routes
• Smart device integration

Step 4: Report & Recommendations (15-30 minutes)

We review findings with you on-site:

• Priority vulnerabilities
• Cost-ranked improvements
• DIY vs. professional installation
• Timeline recommendations
• Product suggestions

Step 5: Written Report Delivery

You receive:

• Detailed report with photos
• Prioritized improvement list
• Estimated costs for each upgrade
• Product recommendations
• Implementation roadmap

Security Improvement Priorities: What to Fix First

Priority 1: Critical Vulnerabilities (Fix Immediately)

Issues that could allow entry in under 60 seconds:

• No deadbolt on any door
• Hollow-core exterior doors
• Broken or missing window locks
• Weak strike plates that allow kick-in
• No lighting at entry points

Typical cost to fix: $200-$500 Impact: Prevent 80% of break-in attempts

Priority 2: High-Impact Improvements (Fix Within 3 Months)

Upgrades that significantly increase security:

• Grade 1 lock upgrades
• Strike box installation
• Motion-sensor lights
• Sliding door secondary locks
• Door frame reinforcement

Typical cost: $400-$800 Impact: Make home unattractive to most burglars

Priority 3: Additional Security Layers (Fix Within 6-12 Months)

Enhancements for comprehensive protection:

• Smart locks with monitoring
• Security cameras
• Landscape security improvements
• Window security film
• Safe installation

Typical cost: $500-$1,500 Impact: Maximum security for high-value homes

Cost-Effective Security Improvements

Low-Cost DIY Improvements ($50-$200)

You can do these yourself:

• Install 3” strike plate screws ($20-$40)
• Add sliding door security bars ($15-$30 each)
• Install motion-sensor lights ($40-$80 each)
• Add window pins ($5-$10 per window)
• Improve landscape visibility (pruning, $0-$50)

Total impact: Significant improvement for minimal cost

Professional Mid-Range Upgrades ($400-$800)

Best value for professional installation:

• Upgrade 4 doors to Grade 1 deadbolts ($600-$800)
• Install strike boxes on primary doors ($100-$150 each)
• Add security-rated deadbolts ($150-$200 per door)
• Replace hollow doors with solid-core ($200-$300 per door)

Total impact: Makes home too difficult for most burglars

Comprehensive Security Systems ($1,000-$3,000)

Maximum protection package:

• High-security locks on all doors
• Smart lock system with monitoring
• Security camera system
• Motion-sensor lighting throughout
• Window security upgrades
• Safe installation

Total impact: Bank-level home security

Austin-Specific Security Considerations

Neighborhood Crime Patterns

We factor in your specific neighborhood:

• Recent break-in locations
• Time-of-day patterns
• Entry method trends
• Targeted home characteristics

Data sources:

• Austin Police Department crime maps
• Neighborhood watch reports
• Local crime statistics
• Our service call history

Common Austin Home Features

Security considerations for typical Austin homes:

Older Central Austin homes:

• Original locks 20-50 years old
• Single-pane windows
• Weak door frames
• Hidden side/back entrances

Modern suburban builds (2000s+):

• Builder-grade Grade 3 locks
• Hollow-core side/back doors
• Minimal strike plate reinforcement
• Garage as primary entry

Ranch-style homes:

• Many ground-level windows
• Often corner lots (more access points)
• Detached garages

We tailor recommendations to your home style and neighborhood.

Security Assessment Report: What You Receive

Comprehensive Written Report

Professional documentation includes:

• Executive summary
• Photos of each vulnerability
• Detailed findings by category
• Prioritized improvement list
• Cost estimates (low/mid/high range)
• Product recommendations with links
• DIY vs. professional guidance
• Timeline suggestions

Prioritized Improvement List

Each recommendation includes:

• Security issue description
• Why it matters (risk level)
• Suggested solution
• Estimated cost (DIY and professional)
• Implementation difficulty
• Time to complete
• Priority ranking (1-3)

Product Recommendations

Specific suggestions with details:

• Lock models and grades
• Strike plate specifications
• Light fixture recommendations
• Smart device compatibility
• Where to purchase
• Professional vs. DIY installation

Insurance Discounts & Security Improvements

Homeowners Insurance Benefits

Many insurance companies offer discounts for:

• Deadbolt upgrades
• Security system installation
• Fire-rated safes
• Smart home monitoring

Typical discounts: 5-20% on premiums

Our role:

• Document improvements for insurance
• Provide receipts and photos
• Recommend insurance-qualifying upgrades

Annual savings example:

• $1,200 annual premium
• 10% security discount = $120/year saved
• $800 security improvements paid back in 6-7 years
• Plus: Avoided break-in costs and peace of mind

After Your Security Assessment

Implementation Support

We help you act on recommendations:

• Install recommended upgrades ourselves
• Provide DIY guidance and product links
• Coordinate with alarm companies
• Follow up after improvements

Phased Implementation

Can’t afford everything at once?

• Start with Priority 1 critical fixes
• Add Priority 2 improvements over 3-6 months
• Complete Priority 3 enhancements within a year

We work with your budget and timeline.

Follow-Up Assessment

Optional 6-12 month follow-up:

• Verify implemented improvements
• Address new concerns
• Update recommendations
• Check new security products

Who Should Get a Security Assessment?

New Homeowners

Ideal timing: Within 30 days of moving in

• You don’t know previous owners’ security habits
• Unknown key distribution
• Fresh perspective needed
• Budget planning for improvements

After Neighborhood Break-Ins

React proactively, not reactively

• Learn from neighbors’ experiences
• Identify similar vulnerabilities
• Prevent copycat crimes
• Peace of mind for family

Before Extended Vacations

Secure your home before leaving

• Identify vulnerabilities criminals could exploit
• Quick improvements before trip
• Peace of mind while traveling
• Lower risk during absence

High-Value Home Contents

Protect valuable possessions

• Electronics, jewelry, collectibles
• Art, firearms, documents
• Home office equipment
• Irreplaceable items

Feeling Unsafe

Trust your intuition

• If something feels wrong, investigate
• Neighborhood changes
• New construction nearby (workers)
• Suspicious activity

Schedule Your Home Security Assessment

Call (512) 354-0025 to schedule your professional home security assessment.

Most assessments take 1-3 hours and provide actionable recommendations to significantly improve your home’s security. If you implement recommended upgrades through us, the assessment fee is fully credited - making the assessment essentially free.

Don’t wait for a break-in to discover your vulnerabilities. A $95-$150 assessment could save you thousands in stolen property, insurance deductibles, and the emotional cost of feeling unsafe in your home.

Protect your Austin home with professional security expertise. Schedule your assessment today.