|
Watch Dogs Home Inspectors "Nothing gets past our nose" |
|
We consider referrals from our friends, clients and associates to be the greatest compliment that we could receive. Thank you for keeping our company in mind whenever a referral presents itself.
|
Making an informed decision when purchasing your new home is vital, and that's where we come in. Not only do we provide a comprehensive inspection, we also provide an education of the home and its systems, along with any safety issues and needed repairs.
|
|
WE ALSO OFFER
- Termite Inspections
- Mold and Air Quality Testing
- Meth Testing
- Radon Testing
- Lead & Asbestos Testing
|
|
|
| Most people don't think about home security until they've already suffered a break-in, but there are many easy and inexpensive ways to deter thieves from your home and protect your valuables. Don't wait until it's too late to take action. Make your home a safer place today! |
| BREAK-INS IN THE UNITED STATES |
|
 Theft makes up more than three-quarters of all reported crime. According to U.S. Department of Justice, an American home is burglarized every 8 seconds. In the next two decades, it is estimated that three out of four American homes will be burglarized.
Burglars enter homes through the following locations:
- 81 percent enter through the first floor
- 34 percent of burglars enter through the front door
- 23 percent enter through a first-floor window
- 22 percent enter through the back door
- 9 percent enter through the garage
- 4 percent enter through the basement
- 4 percent enter through an unlocked entrance
- 2 percent enter through a storage area
- 2 percent enter anywhere on the second floor
|
| EXTERIOR DOORS |
|
- Doors should be made of steel or solid-core wood construction. Hollow-core wood doors are more easily broken than heavy, solid-core doors.
- Doors should be protected by quality deadbolt locks. Chain locks are not adequate substitutes for deadbolt locks, although chain locks may be used as additional protection.
 If a mail slot is present, it should be equipped with a cage or box. Mailslots that are not equipped with cages or boxes have been used by burglars to enter homes. Burglars can insert a contraption made of wire and cord into the mail slot and use it to open the lock from the inside, if no box or cage is present.
- If a door is equipped with glass panes, they should be installed far from the lock. Otherwise, burglars can smash the glass and reach through the door to unlock the door.
 Spare keys should not be hidden in obvious locations. Burglars are very good at finding keys that homeowners believe are cleverly hidden. The best place for a spare key is in the house of a trusted neighbor. If keys must be hidden near the door, they should not be placed in obvious locations, such as under a doormat, rock or planter.
- A peephole can be installed in doors so homeowners can see who is on their doorstep before they open the door.
 Consider installing bump-resistant locks on doors. "Bumping" is a technique developed recently that can open almost any standard lock with less effort than is required by lock-picking. This technique uses "bump keys," which are normal keys with slight modifications. Lock companies such as Schlage Primus and Medeco manufacture a number of locks that offer some bump-resistance. |
| PET DOORS |
|
- Pet doors can be used by burglars to enter homes. Some burglars have reached through pet doors in order to unlock the door. It is advisable to not have a pet door, but if one is necessary, it should be as small as possible and installed far from the lock.
 Electronic pet doors are available that open only when the pet, equipped with a signaling device in their collar, approaches the door. These doors are designed to keep stray animals out of the home, and may provide protection against burglars, as well. |
| WINDOWS AND SLIDING GLASS DOORS |
|
- All windows should be composed of strong glass, such as laminated glass, and be in good operating order.
 Sliding glass doors should be equipped with locks on their tops and bottoms. All windows should lock.
- A cut-off broom handle, or a similar device, can be laid into the door track to prevent it from being opened.
-
Windows and doors should not be able to be lifted from their frames. |
| ILLUMINATION |
|
 Lights should be installed on the exterior of all four sides of the house. Burglars prefer darkness so they cannot be seen by neighbors or passersby.
- When building occupants are not home, a few lights should be left on.
- It is helpful to install exterior lights that are activated by motion sensors. Burglars that are suddenly illuminated may flee.
|
| WHILE THE HOUSE IS VACANT |
|
 Suggest that someone is home by using electric timers to turn on the radio and house lights at certain hours. Vary the lights that you turn on.
- A car should always be parked in the driveway. A neighbor's car can be parked there so that it appears as if someone is home.
- The lawn should be cut regularly. Uncut grass is a clue that no one is home.
- When on vacation, tell a trusted friend where you'll be and how to reach you in an emergency. Ask them to pick up your mail and newspapers, hand bills, litter, packages, or anything else that would signal a burglar that you're not home.
|
| OTHER TIPS |
|
 Dogs are excellent burglar deterrents. If you cannot own dogs, place "beware of dog" signs around the yard for nearly the same effect.
-
- Your garden can also be an attractive opportunity for thieves, and is often easier for them to access. Make sure you lock up valuables in a good quality shed - don't forget your garden tools and ladders as these can also be used to break in to homes.
- Never leave your garage door opener in an unlocked car. To do so could give thieves access to your garage. If you have an attached garage, you could also be giving thieves access to your home.
| |
|
Lighting, limited access, and noise are your greatest weapons in the fight to prevent a home burglary. A burglar will think twice about breaking into your home if they have to maneuver in a well lit yard and if you make it both time-consuming and noisy to get into your home.
Dana Stanford
Watch Dogs Home Inspectors
|
|
|
Shrubs and trees should not obscure the view of entrances. Shielded entrances can provide cover for burglars while they attempt to enter the residence. 