A side gate that won’t latch, a dark path or a video doorbell that keeps dropping offline can make your home harder to manage. If you’re in Sandringham, Brighton, Hampton or nearby, here are four things you can check before buying new security gear.
1. The front door locks, but other entrances get overlooked
Walk around your property and check the side gate, sliding doors, windows and the door between the garage and the house. Look for loose handles, latches that miss the catch and doors you have to lift or pull hard to lock.
Thinking about a smart lock? Take photos of both sides of the door and its edge before you buy. If you’ve already bought one from Bunnings, Amazon or another retailer, send the model and photos so the fit can be checked before you book.
2. The video doorbell drops out at the front door
Check the Wi-Fi at the spot where the doorbell will sit, with the front door closed. Test a live view or video call there. If the connection struggles, check that before replacing the doorbell. If the connection is steady but there are too many alerts, see whether the model lets you narrow the detection zone to your entry path.
3. The driveway is bright, but the steps and gate are dark
Walk the route you use after dark, from the car to the front door and around to the bins or side gate. Notice where you can’t see a step edge or find the latch. That tells you where a light would help most.
A motion sensor can light an entrance when someone approaches. Solar lights can suit sunny paths and gates without nearby power. Check where the panel would sit during the day before buying, particularly under eaves or trees. All mains electrical work is carried out by a licensed A-Grade electrician.
4. The setup is too complicated for everyone to use
Ask everyone who uses the property to try the everyday tasks. Can an older family member unlock the door and turn on the path lights easily? Can a child arriving home see the steps? Can a visitor be given temporary access where the model supports it? A quick run-through shows which controls need to be kept simple.
Book a free home security walkaround
Locks & Lights offers a free walkaround across Bayside, south-east Melbourne and the Mornington Peninsula. Look at your entrances, gates and lighting together and discuss practical fixes in order of priority. The service is police checked and insured.
Request your free walk-through using the enquiry form, or call 0414 555 105. Include your suburb and a short description of what you would like help with.
Find your local free security audit page.