A quick scroll through YouTube channels on home and living is enough to indicate that security remains a persistent concern among urban dwellers. Even in neighborhoods considered safe, the sale of security cams and burglar alarms is not insignificant.
But all the digital devices in the world may also prove inadequate if you equate safety with security. It is so much more.
Home, which is your little haven amid the turmoil of the outside world, should be synonymous with comfort and reassurance. It should nurture and protect, not make you vulnerable to hazards and mishaps.
Here are checks to help you settle into a genuinely safe home that uplifts and rejuvenates.
An All-Weather, 24/7 Home
That’s what you want your place to be: a go-to retreat regardless of the time of day or the season outside. Unfortunately, many homebuyers miss the opportunity to test this during showings. After all, things are static during a show, and weather conditions are likely optimal.
For example, you may have fallen for the gleaming floors and the old-style doorways of a property. But now that you actually live there, you realize the floors become slippery when the kids walk in with wet boots. Cue in slips and head bumps. And the doorways? They lead to bumps and scrapes.
In winter, the wood does weird things, which makes your doors not close properly. Just one cold draft too many, and the family is down with a cold. A 2024 study conducted by the University of Melbourne found that cold homes can affect your mental health. And this is in Australia, not a country many associate with an indoor temperature problem.
“It would only take a small change in usual occupancy patterns – things like going into the office unexpectedly, turning the heater on at 7.30 am and off at 9.30 am, or heating a room other than the one being measured – to bring those average temperature estimates down to below 18°C.” – Rebecca Bentley, Professor, University of Melbourne.
Pro Tip:
Assess the property for its liveability in diverse weather conditions and natural lighting (or lack thereof).
Continued Maintenance, Beyond a Showing
Imagine a house you loved in its entirety. Well, everything except the cracked walkway, which the landlord promised they would fix.
Years later, the walkway remains cracked. A guest who suffered a massive fall is raging against you. Oh, and now you also have loose railings and bulbs that never work.
Deferred maintenance can be an early sign that the property is not safe. It indicates negligence and also hints at underlying issues that may not be visible to you. These could be innocuous problems, such as a bug infestation or black mold.
Living in a property that has not been properly maintained over the years can also pose risks to your financial safety net. The guest who got hurt on your property may take legal action and claim compensation. It is true that knowing whether to hire a slip and fall lawyer can be tricky for any injured houseguests.
Still, in this age of accessible technology, documenting broken flooring or poor lighting is hardly a problem. Freeman Law Firm explains that property owners who fail to maintain safe conditions can be held responsible for such injuries.
Here are the best precautions you can take to avoid getting locked in a maintenance nightmare of a house:
- Visit it at different times, including no-show days.
- Take a trip after the snow or a rain shower. This can be especially insightful.
- Discuss with the neighbors. They may pinpoint any persistent issues, such as leakage or waterlogging.
Accessible, Always
A forever home is with you through all life’s many transitions. A new baby in the house means bumpy wall edges may not be safe. An aging parent who uses a wheelchair cannot safely go through narrow hallways.
For your home to be safe for the whole household in the long term, considering accessibility is crucial. The Guardian highlights that accessibility is a core aspect of safety for people who wish to age in place, i.e., live in their homes as they grow older. For instance, a house that has stairs or barriers between rooms is not ideal for residents who need, or may need, wheelchairs or walkers.
This is another reason why taking on an old or poorly maintained property can be risky, since the scope of making structural and functional changes is limited.
Look for the ease of implementing accessibility aids when needed. You should consider:
| Accessibility Feature | Why It Matters |
| Wheelchair ramps | Provide easier, safer access to entrances and different levels of the property for people using wheelchairs, walkers, or other mobility aids. |
| Elevator access | Allows people with restricted mobility to move between floors without relying on stairs. |
| Anti-slip flooring | Helps reduce the risk of slips and falls, particularly in bathrooms, kitchens, entrances and other areas where floors may become wet. |
| Access to outdoor areas | Provides people with restricted mobility an opportunity to enjoy fresh air, natural light and outdoor views without having to navigate difficult terrain or inaccessible routes. |
FAQs
Which home maintenance issues should be a red flag?
These issues may seem trivial at first, like inadequate lighting or broken steps. But they need attention before you commit to a place. Be cautious of loose railings, damaged sidewalks, and standing water. Deteriorating flooring and recurring leaks are also red flags.
What should I ask about a property’s maintenance history?
Inquire about any recurring problems and major repairs the property has undergone. The owner should inform you of roofing and plumbing work. Also, ask about reports on HVAC maintenance.
How can I verify whether a property manager is serious about safety issues?
You will get a strong idea from how quickly they address visible problems. For example, if common areas are consistently maintained and lights are functioning at all times, it indicates regular maintenance. The manager should also be prompt about responding to maintenance requests.
Investing in Safety
Considering these pointers will help you make a balanced decision regarding buying or renting a home. A safe stay is so much more than one with security devices. It has your back in all circumstances, including the wrath of nature and the setbacks of poor health.
Of course, it is best to consider home safety as an investment or a project you can build towards. You will be hard-pressed to find a house that feels completely safe from the outset. But with the right foundations and a soul, it can become your personal paradise..
