5 Signs It's Time to Upgrade Your Austin Home Security

When was the last time you thought about your home security? If you’re like most Austin homeowners, probably not since you moved in. But home security isn’t “set it and forget it”—outdated or insufficient security puts your family and belongings at risk.

Here are 5 clear signs it’s time to upgrade your Austin home security.

Sign #1: Your Locks Are More Than 10 Years Old

Why it matters: Lock technology has improved dramatically in the past decade. If your deadbolts were installed before 2014, they likely lack modern security features.

Old lock problems:

• Worn pins and springs (easier to pick)
• Single-cylinder deadbolts (vulnerable to drilling)
• Non-hardened strike plates (weak attachment points)
• Standard keyways (easy to bump or pick)
• No anti-saw protection

Modern security features you’re missing:

• Grade 1 deadbolts (ANSI/BHMA highest rating)
• Anti-drill pins and plates
• Reinforced strike plates with 3” screws
• Restricted keyways (pick-resistant)
• Smart lock integration

The upgrade: Grade 1 deadbolt installation

• Cost: $150-$200 per door
• Benefit: Resist forced entry, picking, and bumping
• Brands we recommend: Schlage B60N, Kwikset 980, Medeco Maxum

Quick check: If your key looks like it could fit multiple houses, and your deadbolt thumb turn feels loose, it’s time to upgrade.

Sign #2: You’re Using the Builder-Grade Locks

The problem: If you bought a new construction home in Austin, you probably have the cheapest locks the builder could install while meeting code.

Builder-grade typically means:

• Grade 3 locks (lowest ANSI/BHMA rating)
• Hollow-core strike plates
• Short mounting screws (1” instead of 3”)
• Kwikset SmartKey (vulnerable to known attacks)
• No security pins in cylinders

These locks meet building code, but offer minimal security.

Real-world impact: According to FBI statistics, 34% of burglars enter through the front door. Builder-grade locks can be defeated in under 30 seconds by someone with basic skills.

The upgrade: Replace with commercial-grade residential locks

• Front door: Medeco or Mul-T-Lock high-security deadbolt
• Other doors: Schlage B-Series or equivalent
• Strike plates: Reinforced with 3” screws into framing
• Cost: $600-$1,200 for full home upgrade

Investment protection: Most Austin homeowners have $200,000+ in home value and possessions. Spending $1,000 on proper locks is insurance that actually prevents break-ins.

Sign #3: You Don’t Know Who Has Keys

Common scenarios:

• Just bought a house (previous owners may have copies)
• Former roommates or tenants
• Ex-partners after a breakup
• Contractors who worked on your house
• Kids who lost keys over the years
• Home cleaner, dog walker, house sitter
• Realtor lockbox keys

The danger: You have no idea how many key copies exist or where they are.

Warning signs:

• Bought a house and never changed the locks
• Given out keys you never got back
• Lost keys and didn’t rekey
• Current locks are 5+ years old with unknown key copies

The upgrade option 1: Rekey all locks

• Cost: $35-$45 per lock ($150-$250 for average home)
• Benefit: Old keys no longer work, fresh start
• Bonus: “Rekey to match” = one key for all doors

The upgrade option 2: Install smart locks

• Cost: $200-$400 per door
• Benefit: No keys at all, temporary access codes, remote access
• Perfect for: Airbnb, vacation homes, working parents

Emergency situation? If you recently had a breakup, fired a contractor, or suspect someone unauthorized has keys, rekey immediately. Don’t wait.

Sign #4: Your Home Has Obvious Weak Points

Walk around your Austin home and look for these vulnerabilities:

Back Door Security

[X] Sliding glass door with simple latch - Use a security bar or pin [X] French doors without astragal protection - Add flush bolts [X] Hollow-core exterior door - Replace with solid-core [X] Window next to deadbolt - Install double-cylinder deadbolt

Garage Security

[X] Door from garage to house has no deadbolt - Treat it like an exterior door [X] Garage door opener visible in car - Adds vulnerability after car theft [X] Side door into garage is weak - Often overlooked, easy target

Window Security

[X] First-floor windows without locks - Install sash locks or pins [X] Basement windows easily accessible - Add bars or security film [X] Ground-floor sliding windows - Use blocking bars

Entry Door Problems

[X] Door has gap visible around frame - Needs weather stripping (also security) [X] Can see deadbolt position from outside - Replace with covered strike [X] Single pane glass in or next to door - Security film or replacement

The reality: Burglars look for easy targets. One obvious weakness and they move to your house.

The upgrade: Professional security assessment

• Cost: $75-$150
• Includes: Walk-through of your property, vulnerability identification, prioritized upgrade recommendations, written report
• Value: Know exactly where to invest for maximum security

DIY quick wins:

1. 3-inch screws in all strike plates ($5)
2. Door security bars for sliding doors ($20)
3. Window pins for sash windows ($3 each)
4. Motion-sensor lights for dark areas ($30)

Sign #5: Your Security Doesn’t Match Your Lifestyle

Your life has changed since you set up security:

You work from home now

• Old setup: Basic locks, nobody home during day
• New risk: Home during burglaries (personal safety risk)
• Upgrade: Monitored security system, reinforced doors, safe room

You have kids now

• Old setup: Standard keys, no access tracking
• New need: Kids coming home after school alone
• Upgrade: Smart locks with codes (no lost keys), activity notifications

You travel frequently

• Old setup: Spare key under mat, ask neighbor to check house
• New risk: Extended vacancy obvious, key hidden outside
• Upgrade: Smart locks with temporary codes, video doorbell, remote monitoring

You rent out on Airbnb

• Old setup: Physical keys, trusting strangers
• New need: Temporary access, turnover between guests
• Upgrade: Smart locks with unique codes per guest, auto-expire

You downsized/aging in place

• Old setup: Multi-story home, keys difficult to manage
• New need: Easy access, emergency responder access
• Upgrade: Keyless entry, emergency lockbox with code

Modern smart home security features:

• Remote lock/unlock - From anywhere via smartphone
• Temporary access codes - Perfect for guests, house cleaners
• Entry notifications - Know when doors are opened
• Auto-lock - Never worry if you forgot to lock
• Integration - Works with Alexa, Google Home, Ring

Popular smart locks for Austin homes:

• August Smart Lock Pro - Installs on existing deadbolt, $230
• Schlage Encode - Built-in WiFi, touchscreen, $300
• Kwikset Halo - Budget-friendly, WiFi-enabled, $200
• Yale Assure - Sleek touchscreen, multiple finish options, $250

Additional Security Upgrades to Consider

Cameras & Monitoring

• Video doorbell: $100-$250 (Ring, Nest, Arlo)
• Outdoor cameras: $150-$400 per camera
• Professional monitoring: $30-$60/month

Physical Reinforcement

• Door armor kit: $75-$150 (reinforces door frame)
• Security film for windows: $6-$12 per square foot
• Fence with gate lock: $2,000-$8,000 (perimeter security)

Lighting

• Motion sensor lights: $30-$100 per fixture
• Smart outdoor lighting: $50-$200 (controlled remotely)
• Landscape lighting: $500-$2,000 (eliminates dark hiding spots)

Safes

• Fireproof document safe: $50-$200
• Gun safe: $400-$2,000
• Floor safe: $200-$500 + installation

Creating Your Home Security Upgrade Plan

Step 1: Prioritize by urgency

1. Fix glaring vulnerabilities (weak doors, visible gaps)
2. Upgrade primary entry points (front, garage entry)
3. Add smart features (convenience + security)
4. Install monitoring/cameras (next level)

Step 2: Set a realistic budget

• Basic upgrade: $500-$1,000 (rekey + reinforce)
• Standard upgrade: $1,000-$2,500 (new locks + security assessment fixes)
• Comprehensive upgrade: $2,500-$5,000+ (smart locks + cameras + reinforcement)

Step 3: Start with high-impact, low-cost fixes

• Rekey all locks: $150-$250
• Install 3-inch strike plate screws: $5
• Add door security bars: $20
• Motion sensor lights: $30-$100

Step 4: Schedule professional help

• Security assessment: $75-$150
• Professional installation ensures proper function
• Warranty on work and hardware

How Austin Homeowners Save Money

Smart spending strategies:

1. Rekey first - Cheapest way to secure key control
2. Upgrade front door only to high-security - Then standard Grade 1 for others
3. DIY the easy stuff - Screws, window pins, security bars
4. Professional for critical items - Deadbolts, smart locks, assessment

Avoid these wastes of money: [X] Security signs without actual security (burglars know) [X] Fake cameras (obvious fakes, no actual deterrent) [X] Window sensors without door security (doors are primary entry) [X] Expensive alarm without reinforced doors (alarm sounds after entry)

Get the most security per dollar:

• Grade 1 deadbolts on all exterior doors
• 3-inch strike plate screws
• Smart lock on primary entry
• Motion sensor lighting
• Video doorbell

Professional Security Assessment in Austin

We provide home security assessments throughout:

• South Austin
• Round Rock
• Pflugerville
• Cedar Park
• Georgetown
• Kyle and Buda

What you get:

• 30-45 minute property walk-through
• Vulnerability identification and ranking
• Personalized upgrade recommendations
• Written report with cost estimates
• No-pressure consultation

Cost: $75-$150 (often credited toward upgrade work)

The Bottom Line: When to Upgrade

Upgrade immediately if: URGENT: You have unknown key copies floating around URGENT: Locks are 10+ years old URGENT: You can see obvious security gaps URGENT: Recent break-in in your neighborhood URGENT: Your lifestyle has changed significantly

Upgrade soon if: WARNING: Builder-grade locks still installed WARNING: Haven’t changed locks since moving in WARNING: No smart home integration WARNING: Difficult to track who accesses your home

Start planning if: TIP: Want peace of mind TIP: Preparing to travel extended periods TIP: Home improvements happening anyway TIP: Kids will be home alone

Take Action Now

Don’t wait for a break-in to think about security. Most home invasions are preventable with proper locks and basic security measures.

Austin area home security upgrades:

• Free phone consultation
• On-site security assessment available
• Professional installation
• Warranty on all work

Call (512) 777-0915 to schedule your Austin home security assessment.

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South Austin Locksmith provides home security upgrades throughout Austin and surrounding areas. Licensed, bonded, and insured. Helping Austin families secure their homes since 2015.