Category: Exterior

Everyone loves to live in the country side. Be it the lush green meadows or the animals, the countryside has a charm of its own. While it may not have been possible years ago due to a job, building a home there could be something you always wanted to do. However, rural homes too have the same problem as urban ones – of crime and safety.

Rural homes are like a heaven to those who live in concrete jungles. They think that it is always hunky-dory there. But the fact is that taking the advantage of less population, many thieves attack such properties. Most of the time, even the police stations are located far-off.

So, if you are living in such a property, you need to keep yourself and your possessions protected by your own efforts. Think of it as having the best tool chest in the world with thick steel and multiple locks. If you don’t actually keep it locked, all your expensive tools could be gone overnight.

Same goes for your home. If you don’t lock your doors or close your garage doors, you’re taking a big risk. Investing in a good security solution is a great idea, but it shouldn’t be the only thing that you should be looking at.

Tips to Help You Stay Safe

Here are some tried and tested methods that can help you in being safe in your countryside home.

1. Get a perimeter fence

When you live in the countryside, there are lots of properties that are actually hunting grounds. It is quite common to get intruders inside your property mistakenly. It is always better to get a perimeter fence. This will help you legally too. Your property will be clearly demarcated from the others and will act as a barrier to intruders too.

2. Get locked gates

After you get the fence, get a locked gate on all the exit points. This will ensure that only those enter your premises who actually need to. It is better to get a strong gate at the entry point of your home too. Try to have the grilled barrier. Apart from keeping you safe, it will also allow you to keep an eye on the outside.

These days, you will get all sorts of technology friendly gates. You can invest in some. It will be practical if you put your phone number on the entrance gate. It will allow outsiders like delivery men or postmen to contact you in case of deliveries.

3. Get a watchdog or guard dog

When you are so far away from the population, always keep a pet dog. It is better to get a watchdog or a guard dog. Both of these varieties are strikingly different from one another. Most of the dogs also act as a watchdog. They will bark violently upon the arrival of anyone unknown. Basically, they serve as the alarm system to you. In the case of guard dogs, they are better equipped to even protect you in unwanted circumstances.

But they need high-level training. If you are capable of doing that and have the proper experience, then you can opt for guard dogs. If you are a novice, then you better not try to guard dogs. They can get very aggressive on the arrival of anyone which may include even your friends.

4. Use surveillance cameras

Invest in getting CCTV cameras installed across your property. The one on the entrance will allow you to see whoever is on the gate. You may also install an intercom there so that you can interact with whoever is on the gate. Also, these cameras will help you in keeping an eye on the activities on your property. Many owners were simply able to avert some untoward incident on noticing unusual activities inside their premises and informing police well on time.

Many of these cameras can be controlled with your smartphone, and even if you are not at home, you would know if something is not right.

5. Install motion-activated sensors

Countryside properties are not only prone to human intruders but to animals as well. If you have livestock, then it becomes even more dangerous. You can install motion activated sensors such as a driveway alarm for your home or spotlights in strategic locations like near beginning of your driveway, the shed, another entry point of your property or in front of the garage. A bright light suddenly turning on will make an intruder think twice.

A driveway alarm can notify you as soon as someone or something enters your property.  It can save you from thieves and wild animals alike. These security products come in many different variations so be sure to educate yourself by reading a few driveway alarm reviews before deciding. A model with a 500 foot range won’t do you any good if your dirt driveway is 1,000 feet long.

So, how many of these do you have? Have I missed something? Let me know in the comments.

If you’re trying to sell your home quickly, the first thing you’ll have to think about is how your curb looks. The ultimate goal is to get a buyer off the streets and into your home, but in order for that to happen, you’ll have to make a buyer attracted to your house first. Fortunately, there are some quick and inexpensive ways you can change the way the exterior of your home looks to inspire potential buyers to explore the stunning interiors of your home. Even if you weren’t looking to sell your house, these quick fixes can definitely make your house feel more like a home. Here are 10 ways you can quickly update your curb appeal.

1. Add some potted plants

Sometimes all a space needs are a couple of potted plants. You might want to fill empty corners with plants of varying heights, or you can even flank each side of a walkway with some beautiful pottery and some plants to go along with them. Plants naturally bring life to otherwise dead spaces, and bringing in plants that are already potted is the easiest way to do this.

2. Paint the front door

You don’t necessarily have to go with something completely bold or different. A fresh coat of paint will make a huge difference altogether. Be that as it may, don’t be afraid to try some color. White and other neutral-colored doors are clean and safe, but there’s something memorable about a red door or a blue door or some other color.

3. Change your outdoor furniture

If your furniture has seen better days, it might be time for a change. Remember that you don’t always have to buy a lot of furniture in order to make something look good. Just having the right pieces together will make a ton of difference.

4. Check your mailbox

The mailbox often gets forgotten because it’s usually so far from the house. But remember that mailboxes are part of your home too, and having the coolest mailbox in the block is always a great conversation starter.

5. Trim overgrown greenery

Plants are definitely great, but they can also get out of hand if not maintained properly. A quick trimming can do wonders for your curb appeal, and it wouldn’t take all day to do. Just make sure that you don’t over trim either; you’d still want your yard to look full—just not unkempt.

6. Add some lighting

Most people will see your home during the day, but your house will still get seen at night. Having some properly placed lighting can make your house seem absolutely magical at night. Lighting on porches and pathways are a must. You’ll want your house ready to be advertised 24/7.

7. Change hardware and other fixtures

You’ll want your street numbers to be visible and pretty at the same time. You’ll want them to match the rest of the house as well. In addition, any other exterior fixtures should be updated—at the very least cleaned. You might also want to do the same for your exterior lighting fixtures. These get damaged over time, and replacing them will complete the look of your home.

8. Freshen up your garden

You don’t necessarily have to revamp your entire landscaping. Sometimes your garden might just need some freshening up. You can do this by adding some fresh mulch onto garden beds, patching up spotty lawn areas, or even lining pathways with some rocks. You could also rearrange things in your garden without having to buy new plants.

9. Update your garage door

This doesn’t mean that you have to replace your door. Your garage door could probably just use a fresh coat of paint. However, take it a step further by painting your garage door a color that complements your house well. Most garage doors are eye sores to begin with; you wouldn’t want to paint them a color that would make them stick out even more.

10. Clean thoroughly

A thorough and intentional cleaning can do wonders for your curb appeal. Eliminating any trash or any pieces of furniture that doesn’t serve a purpose outside of your home should either be put away or thrown away. Clean your curb and you’ll have a better idea on what you should do next to make your curb look more appealing.