10 DIY Home Repairs That Can Actually Make Your House Less Secure

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DIY is a great way to save some money and put your own personal spin on your space. But not all DIY repairs are a good idea when it comes to security. In their enthusiasm to improve or fix something around the house, many homeowners unknowingly change things that actually make their homes more vulnerable to break ins. Some DIY projects can go wrong and leave you exposed whether you’ve changed door locks, added lighting or installed a tech gadget.

Let’s look at some of the common DIY security repairs that can actually compromise your home security. If you know what could go wrong, you can take smarter decisions, keep your home safe and maybe even avoid a headache down the road.

Removing Tree or Bush Cover Without a Plan

According to a ReasearchGate study, greenery can be an added layer of security, something that many people might not think about when they trim trees or cut back bushes. Intruders can’t sneak around in the shadows near your windows or doors if there are tall trees and bushes. If you’re going to clear out landscaping, you’ll need good lighting or other secure measures in place to make up for the lost cover.

Adding Outdoor Lighting Without Motion Sensors

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According to Smartsecurity, lighting is enough to deter unwanted visitors when it’s bright, but lighting that stays on at all times isn’t as effective as lighting that turns on when someone approaches. Adding a floodlight might sound like the right thing to do, but intruders are often ready for static lighting. Motion sensors are much more effective, and they are unexpected and can startle would be intruders. If you’re doing this upgrade on your own, pick lights with top notch motion detectors to up your chances of scaring off intruders

DIY Security Cameras

When trying to secure your home, the first thing people think about are security cameras. A poorly installed camera can do more damage than good. If intruders can easily reach cameras — or if the cameras are in obvious places — they might tamper with the cameras or disable them completely. Not to mention that poorly configured cameras can have blind spots that leave critical areas of your property unmonitored. Setting up notifications, and placing your DIY camera setup properly, are crucial to making sure your camera setup works.

Replacing Door Locks

It’s easy to take an old lock out and put in a new one, but if you don’t know what you’re doing, you will surely get it wrong. A lot of people buy budget locks at big box stores and think they’ll work just fine. The problem is that some of these locks are easier to pick or bypass than others. You might end up installing something that doesn’t actually provide the security you need without even knowing it. If you’re going to replace a lock yourself, it’s worth doing a bit of research on brands and lock types that offer good protection.

Installing Window Film the Wrong Way

Two Brown Wooden Framed 6-lite Window Panes — Photo Credit: Pexels

Cheap window film can offer privacy, but it’s not always that easy. When poorly applied, window film can bubble, peel or, worse, fall off, leaving potential intruders with a clear view inside. If it’s supposed to be shatterproof film, poor installation could result in a window that breaks more easily than you might think. I’m sure this one should be best left to the pros for security film.

Replacements for Windows That Do Not Have Security Features

Another favorite entry point for intruders is windows. If you are replacing your windows, you may be thinking about energy efficiency or appearance. And if you don’t have secure locks or reinforced glass on your windows, installing windows and not having built in security features could actually leave you with a less secure setup. Rather, install windows with double locks, laminate glass, or elements offering another layer of defence.

Setting Up DIY Alarms

Ingenious DIY Inventions You Can Make at Home with Recycled Materials! — Photo Credit: MART PRODUCTION/Pexels

A DIY alarm system offers some control over your home’s security, but some can be weak. Most DIY alarms use Wi-Fi and if someone knows what they’re doing, they can easily disrupt your alarm. Your alarm goes down if your Wi-Fi goes down. A professionally monitored system, or at least one with backup cellular connectivity if the power goes out, is a good idea for true peace of mind.

Painting Over Door or Window Sensors

DIY projects like home repairs can be as simple as a fresh coat of paint. But if you paint over your security sensors, you may have disabled them without even knowing that you did. Door and window sensors are magnetic, and a layer of paint can throw their alignment off or render them nonfunctional. Double check that you’re not covering any important security devices before you pick up that paintbrush.

Replacing Doors Without Reinforcing Frames

Installing a new door can improve curb appeal and energy efficiency, but security shouldn’t be an afterthought. Most people think that the door itself is what matters, but the frame is equally important. It is easier to replace a door and if you replace your door without reinforcing the frame then someone can easily kick it in. With that said, I recommend strengthening the door frame by screwing in longer screws or by installing a security strike plate.

Sliding Door Locks Installation Mistakes

If you’re thinking of adding a lock to sliding doors, you may think that’s a smart idea, but most people who do not install a lock are surprised to find that it’s actually a weak point in home security. Poorly installed locks can actually be more of a hazard than a help. Most DIY-ers don’t consider the leverage points of these locks when they install them — which means it’s quite easy for intruders to lift the door right off its tracks. If you want to increase the security of a sliding door, then adding a rod or dowel to the track is a good idea.

Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.