Residential Security Survey: Look Beyond the Front Door
Home security surveys have been around for decades, but today’s residential customers have many new options. The key to a thorough survey is listening to the potential customer. There’s no one-size-fits-all solution. Some homeowners are perfectly happy with keyed mechanical deadbolts; others want electronic locks, cameras and a connected home.
Realtors, mortgage brokers and property management companies can be a good source of referrals, recommending rekeying or lock replacement as new owners move in. Not every homeowner is able to take on the DIY work successfully. Locksmiths need to sell their expertise as well as tried and true products.
Here is a home security survey checklist with plenty of opportunities for add-on sales at and beyond the front door. Not every customer will need every item, but some may result in increased sales and security.
Entry and Side Door Locks
Offer both mechanical deadbolts and electronic lock options. For those customers who need and see the value of smart locks, be prepared to recommend a couple of high-quality models that you install and stand behind. The smart lock market is flooded with some inferior import locks aimed at consumers. Explain that locksmiths know which models are poor quality and which ones will hold up and get the job done. If customers insist on buying their own locks, be clear that you cannot offer a warranty or guaranty that they will work after you leave the job. Offer programming and set-up of smart locks and cameras as an add-on. If the customer is not at all tech savvy, lock and safe combination changes in the future may bring additional revenue in the future.
___ Quality, code-compliant Deadbolt Locks, mechanical or electronic
___ Make sure the doors are in good condition, aligned and with weatherstripping in place. Any glass panels should be impact resistant.
___ Decorative door hardware to coordinate with the locks, like door viewers, knockers, etc.
___ Floodlight and doorbell cameras
___ Alarm systems
___ Motion-activated lighting
___ Reinforced strike plates
___ Residential-grade door closers, if needed
Around the House
Though a few of these items are beyond the locksmith’s scope (such as landscaping and lighting), it makes sense to point out any security vulnerabilities to the customer. These non-locksmith items are worth raising with customers as part of a consultative approach — it positions the locksmith as a trusted advisor, not just a product vendor.
___ Cut back trees and shrubs near doors and windows that could provide cover for a burglar. Shrubs with thorns might be a good idea.
___ Plenty of lighting, especially motion-sensitive or on timers
___ Window locks, especially for customers with young children
___ Weather-resistant gate locks on fence gates (assuming no pool). A high-quality padlock might be the solution.
___ Secured pool access. If the customer has a pool, gate security needs to be stepped up with code-compliant locking and closing hardware.
___ No obvious key hiders. While many customers do want keyed backup in case the power or internet is out, the key needs to be secured. Consider high-quality combination key boxes in a discreet location.
___ Locking mailbox
___ Locks on any sheds or outbuildings
___ Chains and locks on lawn and sports equipment stored in an unsecured area
Inside the Home
___ Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
___ Easy egress in the event of a fire – no barricade-type devices and dissuade customers from the use of double-sided deadbolts.
___ Gun safe to secure firearms
___ Fire/burglary safe to safeguard important papers and items
___ Locking desk file drawers in home office
___ Upscale panic rooms in the event of home invasions or tornadoes
The Garage
Statistics show that 70 percent of homeowners use their garage as their main entry point, reserving the front door for visitors. However, doors leading from the garage to the house are often the most vulnerable in single-family homes with attached garages for one reason: homeowners tend to leave them unlocked on purpose. No lock will work if it is left unlocked.
The typical residential attached garage has two levels of security: first, the garage door itself and second, the lock on the door from the garage into the house. Much has been written over the years about the vulnerabilities of older garage door locks, but today’s high-tech smart locks can communicate with other smart home features and allow your customers to lock, unlock and monitor openings remotely.
___ Garage door sealed and in good condition
___ Battery backup in event of power outages
___ Keypad protected from weather
___ Avoid clear windows that provide a view inside
___ Deadbolts on doors from attached garage into house
___ Deadbolts on any side entry doors from outside into the garage
Some Interesting Garage Security Upgrades
myQ Smart Garage Video Keypad: Described as a cross between a video doorbell and a garage keypad, the myQ Smart Garage Video Keypad from the Chamberlain Group lets homeowners see and control traffic in and out of the garage on a smartphone app.
The myQ Smart Garage Video Keypad’s built-in camera quickly detects motion (within less than 500 milliseconds) and provides an ultra-wide 160º field-of-view around the garage, showing approaching vehicles or people on the driveway. Additionally, the device is future ready and supports edge-based AI technologies. The ability to control access, stream live video and detect motion is free through the myQ app. Additional features like Person Detection, rich notifications and video storage can be accessed through a Video Subscription Plan, which is free for the first 30 days.
“Over the past 10 years, millions of homes have added a video doorbell to their front door, letting homeowners see and interact with visitors,” said Jackie Lorenty, Chamberlain Group’s Executive Vice President, Residential Services & International. “However, in most homes, family members don’t enter through the front door, they enter through the garage door. The Smart Garage Video Keypad provides peace of mind for your real ‘front door’ with continuous monitoring and secure access control.”
Visitors can use the call button on the Smart Garage Video Keypad to make calls just like a video doorbell. When homeowners receive a myQ notification that someone is calling, they can access a live video stream and communicate with the caller using the device’s two-way communication. Then, they can instantly let the person in by opening the garage door remotely through the myQ app.
To learn more about the myQ Smart Garage Video Keypad, visit myQ.com.
Tailwind Smart Garage Door Controller: Another highly rated option is Tailwind’s iQ3 smart garage controller. The 2nd generation IQ3 2.0 controller works with most known garage door opener brands with no adaptors or hacks required. Multiple controllers can be used to control multiple doors. See an installation video at
https://www.youtube.com/watch?si=2c56XQLRN9-ib7gB&v=m6uetLkLdhU&feature=youtu.be
Tailwind uses commercial grade, sealed, aluminum door sensors to ensure solid door position information. This prevents false alerts or door automations accidentally triggering on windy days or when it's cold outside or when the sensor battery is dying, or when an insect crawls across a camera lens or laser beam.
Additional features include:
Patented Auto-Open: Patented technology automatically opens the door as you arrive home. Multiple vehicles, doors, drivers and locations are no problem. Optional vehicle sensor is REQUIRED for iPhone users to have the auto open and close feature. Android users DO NOT require a vehicle sensor if their phone is paired with their vehicle.
Compatibility: Works with Apple HomeKit, Siri, CarPlay (via HomeKit), Android Auto, Google Home, The Google Assistant, Alexa, Smart Things, IFTTT, Home Assistant, Hubitat, Crestron, Control4, and a local control API.
Night Mode and Auto Close functions close the garage door, even when the homeowner forgets.
Works when the internet is down. Unlike other solutions that rely on cloud connectivity, if your internet goes down Tailwind will still allow you to control the door as long as your phone is on your Home Wi-Fi network.
Door disable feature
For more information, visit https://gotailwind.com/
Fighting Porch Pirates
Package theft is a significant challenge for the entire parcel delivery industry, impacting consumers, retailers, and delivery providers alike. With at least 58 million packages stolen in 2024, theft creates substantial financial burdens and operational disruptions across the delivery and ecommerce ecosystems, according to FBI statistics.
An old internet meme is not far from right:
USPS: What package?
FedEx. Your package is coming. You’ll get it when we have time to deliver it.
UPS: Your package is passing 20 Main St. in a truck driven by Mike and will arrive at 3:10 pm.
Amazon: We are in your entry hall. Check the credenza.
Amazon Key may be an ideal option for homeowners with garages and compatible smart locks. For others, a product like the Yale smart delivery box might be a welcome purchase. Using the Yale Access App, users can enable “Delivery Mode” which will leave the box unlocked until a delivery is made, from any carrier.
Once the delivery is made, the box will Auto-Lock, securing the package, and the user will receive a notification. Each box also includes a Yale Connect Wi-Fi Bridge, so users can lock, unlock, share access with others at will and receive notifications from anywhere. A third option for secure delivery is to provide delivery personnel with an entry code for the Yale Smart Keypad (included with select models). Safe drop delivery boxes are also on the market that operate much like a postal drop box and involve cutting a hole in a door and mounting the metal, safe-like box.
Another option is the Loxx Box (www.loxxbox.com) and its associated Loxxie app. The package lockers come with electronic locks that work with all major delivery services and send notifications of deliveries and of attempted theft to the homeowner.
Multifamily properties have more options for package protection and delivery. In that case, it’s possible to store packages in an access-controlled area that residents can only enter with a valid credential.
A new option for multifamily is the Gantner LX Suite smart locker platform. Gantner is a SALTO WECOSYSTEM electronic access company. Locker access is controlled via a single web dashboard, enabling users to open lockers using secure QR codes, PIN codes, or supported NFC credentials. Additionally, secure credential assignment removes the necessity for app downloads, third-party logistics integrations, or cumbersome IT infrastructure. The seamless integration with Gantner's ecosystems eliminates the need for manual coordination, on-site applications, or local IT support, while staff benefit from comprehensive oversight and traceability.
Features include:
● Staff-managed parcel and mail delivery: The centralized dashboard enables automated notifications and clear, real-time booking states
● App-free access: Users authenticate at the locker station using QR codes, PIN codes, or supported NFC credentials, no app required
● Cloud connectivity: Instantly track deliveries, pick-ups, and locker availability remotely and in real time
● Secure last-mile handovers: Every event is logged, ensuring full traceability and reduced theft risk
● Smart analytics: Get per-locker usage stats, user behavior insights, and inventory reports to optimize locker deployment and pricing
● Reduce missed deliveries: Improve last-mile delivery by eliminating failed handovers and costly redelivery attempts
For more information about Gantner LX Suite, visit www.gantner.com