Security Aspects to consider when renovating

When you get a new house, please don't only worry about what colour the tiles will be and extending the kitchen. Sure, we all want it to look good, but at the same time - make it safe and secure. Standard security isn't any good - because the security market in Malaysia is basically a cowboy market. The best price wins. I leave it to your imagination on what that would be.

In any case, here are some points to consider - mind you, these ideas are real cheap:

1. Use solid timber doors (about RM 300 each) for front and back doors.
2. Install quality lock sets - use a 5 lever mortice dead lock.
3. Install grills on the outside. The idea is, put vibration sensors on the grills. When they attack the grills, the alarm will sound. It will still take them at least 10 minutes before they can break the wooden door. I have seen some houses with security doors only - no grill. The thing is, when the door is attacked, the alarm will only sound when the door is opened. This means, when the alarm sounds - the intruders are already inside!
4. Install smoke detectors - one on each floor. Just outside the bedroom, near the stairs is a good place. It's only RM 60 for two at Ace Hardware.
   
5. Build in a hook where the stove is. Chain and padlock the gas cylinders to this hook. This is to prevent intruders from using your gas cylinders to break your room doors (when you are in the room!). Typically, this should cost no more than RM 10.
   
6. Fit a fire extinguisher in the store room (RM120 at most).
7. Even if you do not want a alarm system, put in the wiring. Wiring is about RM 30 per 100 meters. You might need only three rolls.
8. Select which lights you wish to have timers on. Use a high quality timer (Hager) which is about RM 100. Better still, use a light sensor switch. It's only RM 40 plus - you never have to adjust the time. Select which lights you want to turn on when dark. Turn on outside lights, especially the back of the house and porch.
9. Install a low wattage, energy saving light bulb for the back door and the front door. (Light case can be as cheap as RM 20 each, RM 8 for light bulbs from Houz Depo). These are the ones that should be linked to a timer or light sensor.
   
10. Install wiring for autogate. Use armoured-cable - which is only about RM 20 per meter (Jalan Pasar).
11. Locate a spot for your alarm panel, phone line termination and DSL (internet) router. Terminate all the wiring here, and in the future, you can link your alarm system to the internet.
12. Install at least two emergency lights. It is about RM 80 each. In the event of a black-out, (disasters like earth quake - or in Malaysia landslides, or even a fire) you can still see where to go. Make sure one of them is at the electrical distribution box - you can still see where to turn on the mains should the ELCB trip during lightning.
    
13. If you plan to have a safe - start designing a hiding place for it. Ensure it is bolted to the floor. In any case, I do not advise a safe at home. Fire resistant cabinets for valuable documents will suffice.
14. If you intend to employ a maid - consider a maid-friendly design. That is a door between the kitchen, wash area and the maid's room to the rest of the house. In other words, the maid can access the kitchen, wash area and go out by the back door. That's it. Why? Without this extra door, she can always let in her boyfriend and gangbang buddies when you are asleep. An extra door - could be as low as RM 300; and RM 200 for the mortice dead lock (or a Union Night Lock).
    

So, looking these basic items, what's the total cost. Without a safe an a alarm system - these safety and security items cost less than RM 500 (I assume you already have the wooden doors). Even with the doors and the alarm system (typically RM 2500 when wiring is done) - it would be still below RM 5000. Of course, if you want a safe and the maid, it will cost a bit more.

Yet - fellow citizens find it hard to justify the RM 5000. But, the LCD TV is a must, Astro has to be there, change tiles, air-cond here, air-cond there, down lights, paint house... all will be included. Some will even put in a fish pond. Most people budget between RM 50,000 to RM100,000 for renovation plus furnishing. So, why not 10% of the budget into safety and security?

All I can say is this - I have heard of too many cases of break-ins. After it happens, the owner will pay anything for security. But the really sad part it, usually the wives will be terrified of knowing someone has been into the house, and she would be badly traumatized. Shifting to a new house isn't exactly a great option.