The popularity of manufactured and mobile homes has increased significantly over the past several decades, as more traditional paths to homeownership have become too expensive for many individuals and families to achieve. But while mobile homes can be a great path to owning your own home and a decent investment depending on your goals, you’ll want to take some extra steps to help ensure your home’s overall security. Our team of home specialists at Home Nation is here to provide you with a list of the top ten tips you can utilize to increase your mobile home’s security and keep yourself safe!
Related: Are mobile homes safe?
10 Tips to Increase Your Mobile Home’s Security
Because of their design, mobile homes aren’t as secure as traditional ones, primarily because they’re made from more penetrable materials that determined burglars could more easily get through. However, there are several key steps you can take to improve your mobile home’s security to make it a safer place to live.
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Install Video Surveillance Cameras
Those serious about enhanced home security should consider investing in a surveillance camera or two on the inside and outside of their mobile home. Not only do visible cameras help deter potential burglars, but they also provide video evidence of any criminal activity that may occur and make it easier for police to catch criminals. Some systems, like Ring, also come with notification features that will let you know when someone approaches your home once they’re spotted on camera.
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Install a Home Alarm System
Home alarm systems are another excellent security measure for mobile homes, and they often go hand-in-hand with surveillance systems, thanks to modern technological advancements. Alarms will startle intruders and often scare them away while also notifying you of an unauthorized presence in your home so you can quickly call 911.
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Install Motion-Activated Lights Outside
Motion-activated sensor lights outside your home can be a great way to deter would-be criminals that approach your house, especially when paired with outdoor security cameras. They allow you to easily see and report anything going on to the police and can often trick criminals into thinking someone is home, even if everyone is away from the house.
Related: How Long Does It Take To Build A Manufactured Home?
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Use Inside Light Timers, Radios, and TV
Timers on lights and appliances like the TV and radio can make it look like you’re at home, even if you’re not. According to experts, this tactic can help deter criminal activity since thieves don’t want to risk being seen or caught in a potential confrontation. The best tactic is to set the timers to mimic regular human movement and routines.
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Reinforce Your Doors and Windows
Most burglars enter homes through doors and first-floor windows, so you’ll want to take steps to reinforce these areas to ensure your safety. Consider investing in quality upgrades that can help secure these potential entry points, including;
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Window security bars or grills
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Dowel rods or “jammers” for sliding doors and windows
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Extra locks and deadbolts for all exterior doorways
Are you searching for a cheaper, more accessible entryway to the wonderful world of homeownership? Our experts at Home Nation are proud to provide individuals and families with a wide selection of new and used mobile and modular homes at a fraction of the cost you’ll find anywhere else!
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Invest in a Locking Safe for Valuables
It’s essential to make it as difficult as possible for uninvited guests to enter your home. However, you’ll also want to take extra steps to prevent your most valuable items from being stolen should someone succeed at getting through your home’s defenses. A sturdy locking safe in a hidden location can be a great way to protect your important belongings.
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Look Out For Window Warping
Windows and their frames can warp over time due to excessive heat and exposure, causing them to weaken and making them easier for burglars to compromise. Frequently check to ensure your windows are sturdy and in good condition, and be sure to fix any damage you find as soon as possible.
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Leverage Your Landscaping Well
Consider bricking up the outside of your mobile home to make it more secure and more attractive. You can also plant a range of prickly or thorny plants around your home’s windows to add a more natural look to your home and serve as an extra layer of security. After all, potential robbers usually won’t try to break in through a window that’s sitting above a cactus.
Related: How to Finance a Mobile or Manufactured Home
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Hang Up a “Beware of Dog” Sign
While not a perfect solution, a “Beware of Dog” sign may help deter anyone scouting for a home to break into since most burglars don’t want to risk encountering a dog that could attack them or start barking, which will attract people’s attention. However, many burglars understand that this is a relatively common ruse, especially if there’s no other evidence of a dog living in your home.
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Consider a Mobile Home Community
Living in a mobile home community is one of the best ways to help ensure the safety of your home, family, and possessions, especially if you’re a social member of said community. Having a close-knit relationship with your neighbors can make it easier to detect illegal activity and prevent potential crime. Some communities may even have a neighborhood watch program or patrols to help keep everyone safe.
Final Factors to Consider
Mobile and manufactured homes can be a fantastic entry point for those looking to acquire the American dream of homeownership for an affordable price. Still, you’ll always want to take the extra steps to help ensure your family’s safety with some added security measures. Try investing in the ten methods above to do just that, and consider exploring our Home Nation website to learn more about how we can help you achieve homeownership today! We offer over 170 factory-built floor plans with thousands of customization options to help make your dream home a reality! Also, feel free to read through our other great resources for essential mobile home know-how.
The path to homeownership is complicated and exceptionally expensive, but Home Nation is dedicated to helping individuals and families achieve their home dreams for the best price in the market! We offer a massive selection of new and used modular and mobile homes at a fraction of the cost you’ll find elsewhere!
