Security & Fraud

Make home security a priority

If you're thinking of building a new home, make sure you take the time to design your home security system.

Planning early will allow your security consultant to offer design considerations from a technical perspective. I have never worked on a home where everything was perfect from start to finish. As an owner-builder, you must realize tweaks in your design plans will occur during the construction stage.

Having a security plan that you can see on paper will make it easier for you and your security professional to make the necessary changes when a design change surfaces. It's important to stay within the boundaries of your original suggestion to ensure the utmost security for your home.

You might want to involve your interior designer as a third party to look over your home-security plans, just to make sure the positioning of the security devices, wall plates and panels won't become intrusive rather than blending in with a room. It's always a good idea to review hardware designs and color with your designer expert to make sure everything blends nicely.

"Structured wiring" is a term you will no doubt hear from your security consultant as he or she lays the groundwork for your home-security system. Because today's home wiring includes more than the standard suite of electrical connections, "structured wiring" is a fancy name for dedicated wiring for data, telephone, audio and video outlets.

"Automation" is another term that will surface. Residential automation is all about adding comfort, convenience and security by networking your home. Connected homes integrate entertainment, communications, automation and security systems to provide a convenient, secure environment for the homeowner.

Imagine being able to program the lights in your home to create the "lived-in" look and check the security system by telephone while you're away on vacation. You can even answer the door through the phone or monitor the nursery through your PC or TV.

Residential automation is all about adding comfort and convenience to a security recipe. Why walk into a dark home when your exterior and interior lights can automatically come on when you press your remote garage-door opener?

The ultimate in home security is knowing you can look in on your home from a PC anywhere in the world. And, rest assured, if there is anything wrong, your home will phone and let you know what the problem is.

So, as you decide on granite counter tops or exquisite lighting fixtures, make sure you also design a home security system that meets your family's needs.

Please check out my new Web site at www.yourhomesecurity.ca or e-mail me at Fourchalk@telus.net.