Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Category:
Home Improvements
As Christmas rapidly approaches, MoneySupermarket.com is advising consumers to check that their home contents policy covers gifts and valuables. The comparison site has revealed that during the festive period, the majority of providers apply a free, automatic uplift to the amount of home contents cover. However, it has been highlighted that policies will vary between providers, so it is important for consumers to find out exactly what they are covered for.
MoneySupermarket.com has compiled the following ‘top tips for keeping your home safe from thieves’:
- Be sure to lock all doors and windows prior to leaving the house.
- Do not leave any items of value near windows where opportunistic thieves might otherwise see them.
- Check the state of your locks on a regular basis and replace any that may be older and weaker. It is advisable to fit two bolt locks to windows, and five-lever mortise locks to external doors.
- Lock high value items away safely rather than leaving them lying around.
- When it comes to home security systems, be sure to fit a good model.
- Put a timer on your light switches when leaving the house unoccupied for a lengthy period to give the impression that you are in the property.
- Remember to cancel milk and newspaper deliveries when going away. Also ask somebody you can trust to collect your post, and open and close your curtains.
- Do not leave keys in obvious places outside your property, such as under your door mat. Also refrain from leaving keys too close to the door to avoid ‘hook n crook’ thefts whereby keys are hooked through the letterbox in order to open the door.
- Illuminate external areas by installing security lighting. This is safer for you and your visitors and is likely to deter would-be intruders.
……………………………………………………………………………………………….....
Homeowners who are concerned about the security of their property, and who are looking to finance improvements, could consider taking out a secured loan to fund any work required. One of many finance options available, a
secured loan could allow borrowers to embark upon a range of projects in and around their home. For example, any weak doors, windows or locks could be replaced with stronger, modern counterparts. What’s more, a good home security system could be installed along with external lighting. Some borrowers may also wish to put up a high fence or wall around the perimeter of their property to act as an obstacle to entry and to restrict views into their home.
