Why a Security Audit?

Most burglaries are opportunistic. A locked door, proper lighting, and visible deterrents are often enough to redirect a would-be intruder. A home security audit helps you identify the gaps in your current setup — before someone else does. You don't need to hire a professional to do a thorough job.

Start Outside: The Exterior Walkthrough

Walk around the perimeter of your home as if you were an unfamiliar visitor. Look for:

  • Entry points: Count every door (including garage and basement) and every accessible ground-floor or low window.
  • Lighting: Are all entry points well-lit at night? Motion-activated lighting is inexpensive and highly effective.
  • Concealment: Large shrubs or hedges near windows and doors provide cover for intruders. Trim them or choose low-growing varieties near entry points.
  • Visible valuables: Tools, bikes, or equipment visible from the street are a target signal. Secure or store them out of sight.
  • Signage: Alarm company signs and security camera notices are legitimate deterrents, but only if backed by actual security measures.

Front Door

  1. Is the deadbolt a Grade 1 or Grade 2 ANSI-rated lock?
  2. Does the deadbolt's bolt throw at least 1 inch into the frame?
  3. Is the strike plate secured with 3-inch screws reaching the stud?
  4. Is the door solid core (wood or metal), not hollow core?
  5. If there are glass panels near the lock, is a double-cylinder deadbolt or unbreakable glass used?
  6. Is the door frame in good condition — no cracks, splits, or rot around the strike plate area?

Back Door and Side Doors

These are statistically the most common entry points for break-ins. Apply all the same checks as the front door. Additionally:

  • Are these doors visible from the street or a neighbor's window? Low-visibility doors need stronger hardware.
  • Is a door reinforcement kit or security bar used for sliding glass doors?
  • For sliding doors: is a secondary blocking bar in the track or a pin lock installed?

Garage

  • Is the door between the garage and living space treated as an exterior door (solid core + deadbolt)?
  • Is the garage door opener code more than the factory default?
  • Is the emergency release cord secured against "fishing" attacks through the top of the door?
  • Are garage door opener remotes secured — not left in vehicles parked outside?

Windows

  • Do all accessible windows have secondary locks or pins in addition to the built-in latch?
  • Are ground-floor windows visible from entry roads, giving potential intruders a view inside?
  • Have you considered window sensors as part of an alarm system?

Interior: Protecting Valuables

Even if someone gets in, you can limit what they take:

  • Is a quality safe — bolted to the floor or wall — used for important documents, jewelry, and other valuables?
  • Are serial numbers of electronics recorded and stored separately (or in the cloud)?
  • Is your home inventory documented for insurance purposes?

Alarm Systems and Cameras

If you use or are considering an alarm system or security cameras:

  • Are cameras positioned to cover all entry points without blind spots?
  • Is footage stored off-site (cloud) or on a device that can't easily be taken?
  • Are alarm codes changed from defaults and known only by household members?
  • Does your system include door/window sensors, not just motion detectors?

After Your Audit: Prioritizing Fixes

Rank your findings by risk and cost:

  1. Quick wins: Trim shrubs, add door pins, change alarm codes — do these today.
  2. Hardware upgrades: Replace weak strike plates and upgrade deadbolts — typically low cost, high impact.
  3. Bigger investments: Security cameras, alarm systems, door reinforcement — plan and budget these.

A systematic approach ensures you address the highest-risk vulnerabilities first without feeling overwhelmed.