DIY home security that actually works

Most budget home security wins are boring: fix the door, light the dark spots, keep sightlines open, then build habits before gadgets. Here’s a ranked DIY checklist that actually moves the needle^{[1][2][3][4][6]}.

1) Doors first: solid-core or reinforced entry doors, quality deadbolts, and 3-inch screws in strike plates or jambs; for sliders, a wooden dowel or rod in the track is a cheap win^[1][2][3][6].

2) Then lighting and visibility: motion-sensor floodlights, bright exterior lights, trimmed hedges, and clear views of doors, windows, driveways, and dark corners make a house look risky to approach^[1][3][4][6].

3) Next, cheap alarms and habits: stick-on door/window sensors, window locks, timers for lights or TVs, and the basics like locking every door, skipping vacation posts, and not advertising new gear^{[1][2][3][4][6]}.