What's a Home Security Audit?

There’s nothing like the feeling of home, sweet home. But we need to make sure the places we live are a home, safe home as well.

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That’s why performing a home security audit could tell you just how much defense there is against would-be home intruders and could bring up potential issues you hadn't even considered.

A home security audit is an assessment that focuses on the physical security of your home. It evaluates the risk of a break-in or theft, both inside and outside your home. During the audit, you look at key areas that are often vulnerable. You can conduct a free home security audit yourself or hire a professional who might spot risks you wouldn't notice. It helps to have a home security audit guide or checklist if you do the inspection yourself. 

What Can It Tell You?

Home security audits help you learn about weaknesses in your home. They reveal potential vulnerabilities that could make your home a bigger target for burglars and make it easier for them to succeed if they attempt to break in. 

By conducting an audit, you can learn about improvements you can make to your home to reduce those risks. Making those changes creates a less appealing environment for home intruders, which could keep them away completely. Some changes could stop an intruder if they try to approach your home. For instance, planting thorny bushes around your windows could make an intruder think twice about trying to approach. As a bonus, you might notice other issues you need to repair, such as cracks in your foundation or loose shingles, which can improve your home's overall condition. 

It can also help you learn about behaviors you're doing that put you at a higher risk of a break-in. For instance, you might notice that you leave your windows unlocked or keep your blinds open at night when people can see in easily. It's a good reminder to improve your security practices. 

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How Often Do You Need to Perform a Home Security Audit?

It's a good idea to conduct a free home security audit yourself at least once per year. Doing it twice per year gives you different perspectives, such as threats in the summer versus the winter. Even better, audit your home's security once per season to make sure you didn't miss anything. 

It's also a good idea to perform home security audits at different times of the day. Each time you do one, inspect your home during the daylight and at night. You might even notice differences at dusk or dawn. Checking at different points of the day gives you a better picture of the potential risks. 

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How Much Does a Home Security Audit Cost?

You can conduct a free home security audit yourself. The exterior of your home is often where you want to focus your attention, but interior features are also important. A home security audit guide will tell you to look at:

• Landscaping to spot hiding places
• Trees or bushes that hide your windows and doors
• Poor exterior lighting
• Privacy fences that provide cover
• Rotten door or window frames
• Broken or weak door and window locks
• Lack of a deadbolt
• Security of your garage door
• Valuables in plain sight, either outdoors or inside your home
• Quality of your home security system

You can also hire a security company to handle home security audits. The cost of a home security audit varies but often ranges from $150 to $400 (CAD 203 to CAD 540) per hour. Residential properties are smaller and easier to assess than multifamily dwellings or commercial buildings, so the cost is typically on the lower end. 

All CAD conversions are based on the exchange rate on the date of publication.