Home Security

A good home is a safe home. But making your happy place more secure goes beyond high-tech automation systems and guard dogs—you need strong windows, doors, locks, and even landscaping to sure up weak spots in your current deterrent systems. Browse our library of expert guidance to help protect your home and the ones you love the most.

Woman ringing doorbell in front of red door
Photo: fizkes / Adobe Stock
Woman ringing doorbell in front of red door
Photo: fizkes / Adobe Stock
Explore top articles
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
smoke detector mounted on ceiling
Deirdre Sullivan
•
Feb 14, 2025
Feb 14, 2025
Discover how much smoke detector installation costs. Understand your out-of-pocket expenses so you can protect your family and home.
House with two security cameras
Scott Dylan Westerlund
•
Oct 16, 2024
Oct 16, 2024
A security camera system gives you peace of mind that there’s always a watchful eye on your home. Learn the costs of installing surveillance cameras.
Entrance to the apartment with a modern door
Mitchell Grant
•
Jan 27, 2025
Jan 27, 2025
The cost of a fire door depends on more than just the door. Labor, safety inspections, and the door’s rating all factor into the fire door cost.
Woman checking smoke detector
Gemma Johnstone
•
Feb 25, 2025
Feb 25, 2025
Every homeowner should learn how to replace a hardwired smoke alarm, which you must do at least every decade. This guide will talk you through the process.
A fire sprinkler system located on the ceiling of a room
Lauren Bongard
•
Jan 17, 2025
Jan 17, 2025
If you’re looking to increase your home’s protection against fires, use this guide to explore home fire sprinkler system costs and what can impact the price.
Woman opening apartment entrance door
Allie Ogletree
•
Nov 6, 2024
Nov 6, 2024
Learn how to secure an apartment by fortifying entry points, using tech, and building neighborly bonds with these 12 tips.
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Woman checking smoke detector
Gemma Johnstone  •  Feb 25, 2025
Who to Hire to Replace Smoke Detectors: What to Know
Every homeowner should learn how to replace a hardwired smoke alarm, which you must do at least every decade. This guide will talk you through the process.
smoke detector mounted on ceiling
Deirdre Sullivan  •  Feb 14, 2025
How Much Does Smoke Detector Installation Cost? [2025 Data]
Discover how much smoke detector installation costs. Understand your out-of-pocket expenses so you can protect your family and home.
Entrance to the apartment with a modern door
Mitchell Grant  •  Jan 27, 2025
How Much Does a Fire Door Cost? [2025 Data]
The cost of a fire door depends on more than just the door. Labor, safety inspections, and the door’s rating all factor into the fire door cost.
A fire sprinkler system located on the ceiling of a room
Lauren Bongard  •  Jan 17, 2025
Home Fire Sprinkler System Cost [2025 Data]
If you’re looking to increase your home’s protection against fires, use this guide to explore home fire sprinkler system costs and what can impact the price.
Couple arriving at a vacation home
Scott Dylan Westerlund  •  Jan 7, 2025
How Much Does It Cost to Copy a Key?
Copying a key can be affordable, depending on the type. Learn about the cost of copying a key and what to do when you need a replacement.
A white front door
Scott Dylan Westerlund  •  Jan 7, 2025
How Much Does a Locksmith Cost? [2025 Data]
Locked out of your car or home? Need to rekey your house? Here’s how much a locksmith costs and what you need to know before calling one.
A locksmith repairing a door lock
Heather Ayer  •  Jan 2, 2025
How to Find a Locksmith That’s Reliable: Top Tips on What to Look for
Need new locks or locked out? You probably have questions about finding a reliable locksmith. This guide can help you hire a professional you can trust.
Woman opening apartment entrance door
Allie Ogletree  •  Nov 6, 2024
12 Effective Tips to Secure Your Apartment
Learn how to secure an apartment by fortifying entry points, using tech, and building neighborly bonds with these 12 tips.
A man unlocks the front door of a house
Taylor Sansano  •  Nov 4, 2024
How to Lubricate a Lock: 10 Ways to Unstick a Lock
Is your key stuck, and you need to know how to lubricate your lock? Look no further. This article outlines 10 ways to unstick a lock without calling a locksmith.
House with nice window
Taylor Sansano  •  Nov 4, 2024
How to Secure Windows to Prevent Break-Ins
There are many different avenues for how to secure windows. Depending on your home’s layout and vulnerabilities, one or more of these six tips may help.
A motion detector flood light outside a brick house
Jouviane Alexandre  •  Nov 4, 2024
How to Reset a Motion Detector Flood Light When It’s Not Working Properly
If your security lights aren’t working the way you expect, you may need to troubleshoot. Learn how to reset a motion detector flood light with this guide.
Black front door
C.E. Larusso  •  Nov 4, 2024
How to Improve Front Door Security: Full Guide
Home security begins at the front door. Check out our tips to improve your front entry door security as a barrier against unwanted intruders. There are many different strategies, from installing an entirely new door to an updated lock.