{"id":232575,"date":"2020-02-24T07:00:22","date_gmt":"2020-02-24T05:00:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/germistoncitynews.co.za\/?p=232575"},"modified":"2020-02-23T15:21:19","modified_gmt":"2020-02-23T13:21:19","slug":"looking-new-house-year-make-security-priority","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/develop.citizen.co.za\/germiston-city-news\/news-headlines\/2020\/02\/24\/looking-new-house-year-make-security-priority\/","title":{"rendered":"Looking for a new house this year? Make security a priority"},"content":{"rendered":"

Looking for a new house can be an exciting time but it\u2019s important to keep a level head especially when it comes to security issues.<\/p>\n

Charnel Hattingh, national marketing and communications manager for Fidelity ADT, said there are crucial security questions you should ask before handing over that offer to purchase.<\/p>

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\u201cYou are well within your rights to ask about crime in the area, what kinds of incidents have happened and whether there are security providers operating in the surrounds.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhile you might pose these questions to the estate agent it is also good to speak to people living in the community to get a perspective,\u201d she said.<\/p>

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She recommended speaking to the home owner, neighbours, residents\u2019 associations, domestic workers and even security officers that may be manning booms in the area, for example.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s worth asking whether there are monthly contributions that will need to be made to a security scheme in the area,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s also key to assess security aspects such as booms, road enclosures, guards, officers on patrol and access points to the suburb.<\/p>\n

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\u201cIf you are thinking about buying in a complex take note of the security procedures when you enter and exit the complex.<\/p>\n

\u201cAlso have a look at how easy it is for pedestrians to get into the complex,\u201d she added.<\/p>\n

Moving on to the actual house, have a look around and evaluate items such as burglar bars, security gates, electric fences, alarm panels, beams and so on.<\/p>\n

\u201cCheck what condition these items are in and whether you will need to upgrade or replace any.<\/p>\n

\u201cThese costs should be factored into the price you are paying for the property.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnother aspect is your perimeter security.<\/p>\n

\u201cIs the wall or fence, access gate and intercom system in a good state? This is an important question as perimeter security is your first line of defence,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

She recommended getting a professional in to evaluate the property and identify security risks that may be an issue.<\/p>\n

\u201cCalling on an expert will give you a good idea of any weak areas in your security and the costs involved to correct these.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s best to know up front so not only can you budget for any security purchases but also put a plan in place prior to moving in,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

\u201cBuying a house is a big investment and commitment.<\/p>\n

\u201cMake sure you take security and the associated costs seriously.\u201d<\/p>\n

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Contact the newsroom by emailing: Melissa Hart (Editor)germistoncitynews@caxton.co.za<\/a><\/strong> or Leigh Hodgson (News Editor)leighh@caxton.co.za.<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

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