Weekend Security Upgrade List

You don’t need a full remodel to tighten up your home’s security. A single weekend is enough to knock out a dozen high-impact upgrades that make your place harder to break into and easier to monitor.

If you’re starting from scratch and want a broader plan, review Home Security Systems Explained.

1. Reinforce All Exterior Doors

• [ ] Install 3-inch screws in all door hinges and strike plates
• [ ] Add a door reinforcement plate or wrap for the deadbolt area
• [ ] Replace flimsy knob locks with a deadbolt
• [ ] Add a peephole or upgrade to a doorbell camera

2. Improve Outdoor Lighting

• [ ] Replace dead bulbs at all entry doors
• [ ] Add motion lights to the sides and back of the house
• [ ] Put porch and driveway lights on dusk-to-dawn sensors

3. Secure Windows and Sliding Doors

• [ ] Add window locks or sash pins to all accessible windows
• [ ] Install security film on sidelights or exposed glass
• [ ] Put a dowel or child-proof bar in sliding door tracks
• [ ] Replace damaged screens or loose latches

4. Add or Upgrade Cameras

• [ ] Place one camera at the front door
• [ ] Add coverage to the driveway
• [ ] Add one camera to cover the backyard gate
• [ ] Re-aim cameras that point at bright lights or useless angles

5. Strengthen the Garage

• [ ] Cover the emergency release cord so it can’t be fished
• [ ] Add a deadbolt to the garage-to-house door
• [ ] Replace the exterior keypad code
• [ ] Lock stored ladders so they can’t be used for break-ins

6. Upgrade Interior Safety

• [ ] Check and replace batteries in smoke alarms
• [ ] Add a CO alarm on every level with fuel-burning appliances
• [ ] Place fire extinguishers where you can grab them quickly
• [ ] Add basic childproofing if kids visit or live in the home

7. Clean Up Visibility Issues

• [ ] Trim shrubs that block windows or entry points
• [ ] Clear clutter from hallways and stairways inside
• [ ] Cut back branches that create blind spots near fences

8. Audit Your Home From the Street

• [ ] Check if the house looks occupied from outside
• [ ] Make sure house numbers are visible day and night
• [ ] Identify dark areas that need lighting
• [ ] See if valuables are visible through windows—fix that

9. Quick Tech Upgrades

• [ ] Change Wi-Fi password
• [ ] Update firmware on all smart home devices
• [ ] Create separate guest Wi-Fi if you entertain often

10. Plan Your Next Weekend

• [ ] Note weak points you didn’t fix yet
• [ ] Price out any hardware or cameras you need
• [ ] Schedule tasks requiring a contractor

These upgrades take little time but massively increase your home’s resilience. One solid weekend and your place becomes a much harder target.