The Most Common Home Security Mistakes Homeowners Make

Have you ever wondered which simple oversight could turn a safe-looking house into an easy target?

The Most Common Home Security Mistakes Homeowners Make

You take pride in your home and want to keep your family and belongings safe. Still, a surprising number of homeowners make the same preventable security mistakes. This guide walks you through the most common problems, why they matter, and exactly what you can do to fix them—step by step. You’ll get practical tips that range from changing a lock to planning for emergencies and using professional locksmith services when needed.

Why this matters to you

Your home is often your largest investment and the center of your daily life. Small security gaps can lead to theft, property damage, or a dangerous situation for you and your family. By addressing the common mistakes below, you’ll reduce risk, increase peace of mind, and sometimes save money in the long run.

Common Mistakes, Why They Matter, and How to Fix Them

Below you’ll find frequent errors homeowners make. Each section explains what the issue is, the risks involved, and easy, practical solutions you can implement right away.

1. Not rekeying or changing locks after moving in

When you move into a new home, you can’t be certain how many copies of the keys exist. Previous owners, contractors, or real estate agents may still have access.

• Risk: Unauthorized access by unknown individuals.
• Fix: Rekey the locks or install new locks as soon as you move in. Rekeying is usually faster and less expensive than full replacement and ensures old keys no longer work.

2. Leaving spare keys in obvious hiding places

Under the doormat, inside a decorative rock, or taped to the doorframe—those are some of the most predictable spots burglars check first.

• Risk: Easy, immediate access for intruders.
• Fix: Use a keyed-entry lockbox with a secure code, leave a spare with a trusted neighbor or friend, or install a smart lock that supports temporary digital keys.

3. Using low-quality or outdated locks

Older cylinder locks and economy-grade deadbolts are more vulnerable to bumping, picking, or forced entry.

• Risk: Higher likelihood of break-ins due to weak hardware.
• Fix: Upgrade to a Grade 1 or Grade 2 deadbolt, consider bump-proof locks, and choose high-security options with hardened steel components and anti-drill or anti-pick features.

4. Assuming smart locks are perfectly secure without extra measures

Smart locks add convenience, but they also introduce new vulnerabilities if not configured properly—weak passwords, poor Wi-Fi security, or firmware that’s not updated.

• Risk: Remote or local exploitation via weak authentication or network vulnerabilities.
• Fix: Use strong, unique passwords, enable two-factor authentication where available, keep firmware updated, and combine smart locks with physical deadbolts for redundancy.

5. Leaving doors or windows unlocked (even for short trips)

You might step out to get the mail or take a quick trash run—but that’s often all the time someone needs.

• Risk: Opportunistic theft and intrusions.
• Fix: Make it a habit to lock doors and windows every time you leave, no matter how brief. Consider automated locks that secure after a set time.

6. Ignoring door and frame strength

A quality deadbolt won’t help if the door frame or strike plate is weak. Many burglars force open doors by kicking the frame.

• Risk: Forced entry despite good locks.
• Fix: Reinforce door jambs with longer screws (3″ screws into the framing), install a heavy-duty strike plate, and consider a steel-reinforced door or additional security plates.

7. Poorly secured sliding doors and windows

Sliding doors are convenient but often lack effective secondary locks. Simple tracks can be lifted out or bumped.

• Risk: Easy access through sliding elements.
• Fix: Add a security bar or dowel in the track, install a secondary lock designed for sliding doors, and consider anti-lift devices. For windows, use window locks and sensors.

8. Overlooking garage and side-entry doors

Garages and side doors are common, less-obvious entry points. An unlocked or inadequately secured garage gives intruders access to tools, vehicles, or interior doors.

• Risk: Break-ins through a less-monitored entry.
• Fix: Secure garage doors with modern openers that use rolling codes, keep side-entry doors locked, and consider reinforcing the door between the garage and home.

9. Leaving garage door openers and keys in vehicles

If your vehicle is broken into with a garage opener inside, your home becomes exposed. Valuables such as vehicle registration or a utility bill can reveal your address.

• Risk: Direct route into your home.
• Fix: Keep openers and keys with you or store them safely inside the house. Use keypad garage access rather than leaving a remote in the car.

10. Poor exterior lighting

Dark, shadowy areas around the house create hiding places for intruders and reduce visibility for neighbors or cameras.

• Risk: Increased opportunity for burglars to operate unseen.
• Fix: Install motion-activated and timed exterior lighting, illuminate pathways and entry points, and use warm, wide-angle fixtures for good coverage.

11. Overlooking landscaping vulnerabilities

Shrubs and hedges near windows or doors give intruders hiding spots. Overgrown trees can allow access to upper-level windows.

• Risk: Concealed approach routes and easy access.
• Fix: Keep shrubs trimmed below window level, place thorny or dense plants near vulnerable openings, and ensure trees are pruned away from upper windows.

12. Sharing too much on social media

Posting “away” messages, photos from vacation, or check-ins signals that your home will be empty—and social media profiles often expose personal details that help thieves.

• Risk: Publicly advertising your absence or valuables.
• Fix: Delay posts about trips until after you return, adjust privacy settings, and avoid posting visible photos of expensive items.

13. Not maintaining locks and hardware

Rust, loose screws, and worn components can reduce a lock’s effectiveness and make it easier to fail under pressure.

• Risk: Unexpected lock failure and increased vulnerability.
• Fix: Inspect hardware regularly, lubricate locks with graphite or manufacturer-recommended products, and replace worn parts promptly.

14. Failing to rekey after contractor or employee access

Whether you’ve used contractors, cleaners, or babysitters, anyone with a key or code may still have access.

• Risk: Continued access by people who no longer need it.
• Fix: Change locks or codes after service providers finish their work, and use master-keyed or temporary access systems for short-term providers.

15. Not using a safe for valuables and documents

Jewelry, passports, and firearms left unsecured are easy targets. A basic drawer or closet is not a secure substitute for a safe.

• Risk: Loss of irreplaceable items and identity documents.
• Fix: Install a properly rated home safe anchored to the structure. If you have firearms, follow local regulations for secure storage.

16. Believing alarm stickers alone will deter burglars

A yard sign or window sticker without a functioning alarm or response plan offers little protection. Some experienced burglars can bypass systems.

• Risk: False sense of security with minimal deterrent effect.
• Fix: Pair visible deterrents with a monitored alarm system, cameras, and an established response plan. Ensure alarms are functional and maintained.

17. Installing cameras without planning coverage or privacy

Poor camera placement can leave blind spots, capture private areas, or produce unusable footage.

• Risk: Missed incidents or privacy issues.
• Fix: Map out critical coverage zones—entries, driveways, backyards—and place cameras at angles that capture faces and actions while respecting privacy laws. Ensure storage and access are secure.

18. Weak or reused passwords for smart home devices

If you reuse a password across multiple devices or accounts, a single breach can expose your entire system.

• Risk: Compromise of smart locks, cameras, or home automation systems.
• Fix: Use unique strong passwords for each device, enable two-factor authentication, and manage passwords with a secure password manager.

19. Not integrating layers of security

Relying on just one measure—like a single lock, a camera, or a dog—limits your protection. Multiple layers make break-ins far less likely.

• Risk: Single point of failure.
• Fix: Combine physical locks, reinforced doors, lighting, cameras, alarms, and behavioral habits (locking up, not advertising absence) to build overlapping defenses.

20. Failing to plan for emergencies and lockouts

Lockouts, lost keys, or damaged locks can happen at any time. Without a plan, you may make poor decisions or invite unqualified help.

• Risk: Increased vulnerability, expensive or unsafe solutions.
• Fix: Keep contact info for a trusted 24-hour locksmith, maintain a spare key plan, and learn safe lockout procedures. Consider a professional locksmith’s emergency service for prompt, secure solutions.

Quick Reference Table: Mistakes, Risks, and Immediate Fixes

Common Mistake	Primary Risk	Immediate Fix
Not rekeying after moving	Unknown access by prior keyholders	Rekey or replace locks
Spare keys hidden outside	Easy access for burglars	Use a lockbox or trusted person
Weak locks	Forced entry or bumping	Upgrade to Grade 1/2, bump-proof options
Poor lighting	Concealed approach	Install motion lighting
Unsecured garage	Access to home interior	Update opener, lock side doors
Sharing travel plans online	Publicly advertised absence	Delay posts, reduce shared details
Unmaintained hardware	Lock failure	Inspect and service regularly
Weak smart-device security	Remote compromise	Strong passwords, 2FA, firmware updates
No safe for valuables	Loss/theft of valuables	Install an anchored home safe
No emergency locksmith plan	Unsafe lockout responses	Save reliable 24-hour locksmith contact

Understanding Lock Types and Which You Should Use

Choosing the right lock is key to improving your home’s security. Below is a simple overview to help you understand common options.

Lock comparison table

Lock Type	Strengths	Weaknesses	Best Use
Single-cylinder deadbolt	Simple, reliable	Vulnerable if there’s glass near door	Most exterior doors
Double-cylinder deadbolt	Secures when glass is present	Requires key on both sides (escape hazard)	Doors with glass nearby (use with caution)
Bump-proof/high-security lock	Resistant to bumping/picking	Higher cost	Front doors, high-risk doors
Smart lock (electronic)	Convenience, remote access	Battery dependency, network risks	Back doors, daily-use doors (paired with physical security)
Interchangeable Core (IC Core)	Quick rekeying for commercial or frequent changes	Costlier hardware	Rental properties, home offices with frequent personnel changes
Keypad lock	No physical key needed	Code sharing or brute forcing if unmanaged	Garage or secondary doors

Note: For most homeowners, combining a mechanical high-security deadbolt with a smart lock or keypad as a secondary entry method offers a strong balance of convenience and security.

When to Call a Locksmith: Practical Guidance

Knowing when to involve a professional locksmith saves time and protects your home. Locksmiths offer more than just lockouts; they provide expert assessments and solutions tailored to your property.

Situations when you should call a locksmith

• You’ve moved into a new home and need to rekey or replace locks.
• You’re locked out of your house, car, or safe.
• You need a professional security assessment to identify weak points.
• You want to upgrade to bump-proof or high-security locks.
• You need master key or IC core solutions for rental properties or multi-access scenarios.
• You want safe installation or repairs for fire-rated panic hardware.
• You need emergency entry services outside regular hours.

What professional locksmiths can do for you

Licensed locksmiths offer services including:

• Rekeying and lock replacement
• Installing bump-proof and high-security locks
• Emergency lockout services (home, office, vehicle)
• Master key systems and IC Core installations
• Door hardware repairs and reinforcement
• Safe installation and lock servicing
• 24-hour response for urgent needs

When you choose a locksmith, look for licensing, insurance, and certifications. Certified technicians are more likely to follow best practices and leave your property secure.

Why emergency availability is important

Lock emergencies aren’t confined to business hours. If you’re locked out late at night, or a lock is damaged after a break-in, a 24-hour locksmith can respond quickly to restore security and prevent further issues. Having a reliable number saved reduces panic and helps you avoid unsafe or damaging attempts to force entry.

How Commercial Locksmith Solutions Matter for Homeowners

Some commercial-grade products and techniques are excellent for residential use—especially if you have a home office, rental units, or high-value assets.

Examples where commercial options help

• Master key systems: If you manage rental units or multiple properties, a master key system allows controlled access without multiple keys.
• IC Core (Interchangeable Core): Useful when you need to rekey quickly across several doors without full hardware replacement.
• High-security locks and bump-proof cylinders: Offer stronger protection for primary entrances.
• Fire-rated panic hardware: If you host events or have a home business with public access, panic bars and compliant hardware increase safety.

Prioritizing Home Security Improvements

You may not be able to do everything at once. Prioritize based on risk, cost, and ease of implementation.

Quick, low-cost wins

• Lock all doors and windows habitually.
• Trim hedges and clear sightlines.
• Add motion lights and timers.
• Remove obvious spare key locations.

Moderate investments with strong impact

• Upgrade exterior deadbolts to high-security models.
• Install a monitored alarm or smart camera system.
• Anchor a safe for valuables.
• Reinforce door frames and strike plates.

Larger projects for long-term security

• Replace doors with steel or reinforced options.
• Install a master key system if managing multiple properties.
• Implement an integrated smart home security solution with professional monitoring.

Checklist: A One-Page Action Plan

Use this checklist to move from awareness to action. You can follow one item at a time or tackle multiple items in a single weekend.

Task	Done
Rekey or replace locks after moving	☐
Replace worn deadbolts with Grade 1/2 or bump-proof models	☐
Remove hidden spare keys; set up secure alternatives	☐
Install motion-activated exterior lighting	☐
Trim landscaping near windows and doors	☐
Secure sliding doors with anti-lift devices or security bars	☐
Anchor a safe and store important documents inside	☐
Use strong, unique passwords and 2FA for smart devices	☐
Create and save a plan for emergency locksmith services	☐
Conduct monthly checks of locks, hardware, and batteries	☐

Common Myths That Put You at Risk

Busting these myths helps you make better security decisions.

• Myth: “A dog will stop burglars.” Reality: Dogs can deter some intruders, but not all. Dogs are only one layer of security.
• Myth: “Alarms are enough.” Reality: Alarms are more effective when combined with physical barriers, cameras, and lighting.
• Myth: “Smart locks are invulnerable.” Reality: Smart locks offer convenience but need strong passwords, updates, and physical backups.
• Myth: “Only expensive locks are secure.” Reality: Proper installation, reinforced frames, and layered security often matter as much as cost.

Handling Lockouts Safely

If you’re locked out, don’t try risky or destructive methods.

• First, call a professional 24-hour locksmith if you don’t have a safe spare plan.
• Avoid breaking glass or forcing doors—those methods increase property damage and injury risk.
• If you have a smart lock, check for mobile unlocking options or temporary codes.

Choosing the Right Locksmith

When selecting a locksmith, look for:

• Licensing, bonding, and insurance
• Positive reviews and local reputation
• Certification or affiliation with recognized trade bodies
• Clear pricing and written estimates
• 24/7 emergency availability if you need it

If you’re in the Las Vegas area, consider a locksmith with a long-standing local presence, certified technicians, and full-service capabilities—from rekeying to high-security installations and emergency response.

Final Thoughts and Next Steps

You don’t have to become an expert overnight, but taking a systematic approach will dramatically reduce your risk. Start with the basics—rekeying after moving, securing spare keys, upgrading weak locks, improving lighting, and creating an emergency plan that includes a trusted locksmith. From there, layer in more advanced solutions like high-security locks, monitored alarms, and anchored safes as your budget permits.

If you’re unsure where to begin or want a professional assessment, a licensed, certified locksmith can help you prioritize upgrades and implement robust solutions tailored to your home. They can rekey locks quickly, install bump-proof hardware, fit high-security deadbolts, set up master key or IC Core configurations if needed, and respond to emergency lockouts 24/7.

Taking action now will protect your home and give you the confidence that you’ve done everything reasonable to keep your family and possessions safe.