Thinking about Remodeling - Safety and Security American homeowners' primary concern is safety. This is quite understandable given the fact that a crime is committed every seventeen seconds in this country. According to the U.S. Department of Justice's National Crime Victimization Survey, more than two million homes are burglarized annually, resulting in losses of approximately $2.5 billion. The exterior of your home may be the reason that makes your home the one out of 50 that the burglar chooses. When you are doing exterior remodels, keep safety issues in mind. Install outdoor lighting, strong deadbolt locks on exterior doors and pin locks on windows. Discuss with your remodeler the ways you can discourage the unwanted attention of criminals without compromising the look of your home. Landscaping After locks and lighting, one of the biggest steps you can make to deter criminals is through your choice of landscaping. The way you arrange plants, shrubs and trees around your home has an enormous impact on the number of hiding places a burglar can find. If there is no where to hide, there often is no crime. Landscaping also acts as a living accessory to your exterior facade. Plan your plantings carefully. Consider what windows and rooms overlook the different parts of your lawn and landscape for better views from inside the home. A landscape architect should be able to help you design your living environment. The exterior of your home should protect your family, present a pleasing impression and blend into the neighborhood. Whether it is an architectural masterpiece or a quaint bungalow, it is the public view of your home. Consider it carefully during remodeling projects. | 
