Hello Kerrisdale. Keeping your home safe is important. You want to stay in your house for a long time. These 15 upgrades help you do that. They make your daily life easier and safer. Start these projects today. Follow these steps to improve your home.
1. Install heavy-duty deadbolts
Entry doors need strength. Old locks fail. Buy Grade 1 deadbolts. Remove your old hardware, then clean the door edge. Drill larger holes if needed, then insert the new bolt. Align the strike plate on the frame. Use three-inch screws to reach the wall studs. Test the lock with the door open. Test the lock with the door closed. Secure every exterior door in your Kerrisdale home.
2. Upgrade to smart locks
Keys are easy to lose. Smart locks use codes. Buy a compatible smart lock, then remove the existing deadbolt. Install the interior mounting plate. Connect the data cable, then attach the battery pack. Program a unique code for your family. Set up the phone app, then test the remote lock feature. Give codes to trusted neighbors. Stop carrying heavy key rings.
3. Add window locks
Windows are entry points. Standard latches are weak. Buy secondary window locks. Clean the window track, then position the lock on the rail. Tighten the thumb screws, then test the window movement. These locks allow small openings for air while keeping the window secure. Install these on all ground-floor windows. Use them in bedrooms and kitchens.
4. Reinforce door frames
Frames break before locks do. Buy a door reinforcement kit. Remove the short screws from your strike plate, then discard them. Position the long metal plate over the holes. Drive long screws through the plate and into the framing timber. Move to the hinges. Replace one screw per hinge with a three-inch screw. This prevents the door from being kicked in. It adds peace of mind.
5. Install motion-activated lights
Dark corners hide hazards. Buy LED motion lights. Turn off the power at the breaker, then remove the old light fixture. Connect the black wires, then connect the white wires. Attach the ground wire, then mount the light to the box. Restore power, then adjust the sensor range. Point sensors toward walkways and driveways. These lights stop falls and deter visitors.
6. Use smart plugs for interior lights
Empty houses attract trouble. Buy smart plugs. Plug the device into a wall outlet, then connect your lamp. Open the app on your phone, then link the plug to your Wi-Fi. Set a schedule for the lights. Make the lights turn on at dusk, then turn off at midnight. This makes your home look occupied. It works while you are at dinner or on vacation.
7. Trim shrubs and trees
Overgrowth blocks your view. Grab your garden shears. Cut branches away from windows, then clear the path to the front door. Remove tall bushes near entry points. This eliminates hiding spots. It improves visibility from the street. Do this every spring and fall. Keep your Kerrisdale property tidy and safe.
8. Apply security film to windows
Glass breaks easily. Buy clear security film. Clean the window glass with soap, then dry it with a cloth. Measure the pane, then cut the film to size. Spray the glass with water, then press the film onto the surface. Use a squeegee to remove bubbles, then let it dry. This film keeps glass in one piece if it breaks. It slows down intruders.
9. Install window sensors
Monitoring helps you sleep. Buy a DIY security kit. Peel the adhesive backing from the sensor, then stick it to the window frame. Place the magnet on the window sash. Align the marks on both pieces. Test the connection with the base station. Set the system to chime when a window opens. Use these on basement windows too.
10. Install a video doorbell
See who is at the door without opening it. Remove your old doorbell button, then connect the wires to the video unit. Mount the bracket to the house, then snap the camera into place. Connect the camera to your Wi-Fi, then set the motion zones. Talk to delivery drivers through the app. Record video of every person who approaches your home. This is essential for modern home maintenance services.
11. Add outdoor cameras
Cover your blind spots. Buy wireless outdoor cameras. Charge the batteries, then sync the cameras to your hub. Drill holes in the soffit or siding, then mount the brackets. Aim the cameras at the backyard and garage. Tighten the adjustment screws, then check the feed on your tablet. Use two-way audio to speak to guests. Monitor your Kerrisdale home from anywhere.
12. Install grab bars
Bathrooms are slippery. Buy stainless steel grab bars. Use a stud finder to locate the wood behind the wall. Mark the hole locations, then drill through the tile. Apply silicone sealant to the holes, then screw the bar into the studs. Tug the bar to ensure it is solid. Place bars in the shower and near the toilet. This prevents falls for everyone.
13. Add handrails
Stairs need support. Measure the length of your stairs. Buy a wooden or metal handrail, then find the wall studs. Mark the height for the brackets. Screw the brackets into the studs, then rest the rail on top. Secure the rail to the brackets with small screws. Ensure the rail is easy to grip. Add a second rail on the opposite side for extra safety.
14. Apply slip-resistant flooring treatments
Tile floors get slick when wet. Buy a slip-resistance kit. Clean the floor, then dry it. Apply the treatment solution with a mop, then let it sit for the recommended time. Rinse the floor with water, then dry it again. This creates microscopic texture. It works on ceramic, porcelain, and stone. Use it in the kitchen and entryway.
15. Join a neighborhood watch program
Safety is a group effort. Find your local Kerrisdale community group. Attend a meeting, then meet your neighbors. Share contact information. Watch for strange vehicles, then report suspicious activity. Keep an eye on each other’s homes. A connected street is a safer street.
Professional help for your home
Many of these tasks require tools and time. You might want help. Randall The Handyman provides reliable home maintenance services. We serve the entire Westside. Our team works in Kerrisdale, West End, and Yaletown. We also visit East Vancouver, UBC, and South Vancouver.
Our pricing is simple. The first hour of work costs $120. Each additional hour costs $85. We bring the tools and the experience. We can install your grab bars, deadbolts, and cameras in one visit. We also serve Burnaby, Richmond, North Vancouver, and West Vancouver. You can find us on Main St and South Main St as well.
Future-proof your home now. Avoid accidents before they happen. Improve your security today. Visit our website at https://randallthehandyman.com. Choose the updates you need, then book your appointment. Maintain your independence and stay safe in the neighborhood you love. Reach out to your Kerrisdale handyman for a safer home tomorrow.
