4 Factors to Consider Before Buying a Home Safe
Valuables stored in the home can be stolen by thieves or can suffer damage due to an accidental fire. A home safe with the proper fire or burglar rating is essential in guaranteeing the security of the items you treasure. Here are a few factors to consider when shopping for a home safe at a locksmith.
1. The Capacity You Need
When buying a safe the storage capacity you require should play a crucial role in the final choice you settle on. A rule of thumb here is to estimate the space you need to store the desired valuables and get a safe that is roughly double that size. This is necessary because over time you may end up accumulating and storing more valuables than initially anticipated. Buying a larger safe is cheaper than having to buy an additional safe in the future.
2. Buy the Right Safe for the Right Job
Before buying a safe look at what risk you want to protect against as a means of determining which type you need. If you desire to protect against fire, then a fire-resistant safe is the adequate choice. If, however, you want to protect against potential burglary then a fire-resistant safe shouldn't be your first choice. Fire resistant safes comprise of thin gauge metal (14 to 18 gauge). While this protects small amounts of cash and paper documents from fire or smoke damage, it is easy for a thief to break into. A burglar fire resistant safe will be harder for a thief to penetrate.
3. Consider the Items You Need to Store
The safe you require will depend on what you need to protect. To protect paper documents or photographs, a wall safe will do the trick. For more bulky items like jewellery, a floor safe is adequate as it can carry more weight. When storing weapons, a typical home safe isn't suitable. A specially designed weapon safe becomes necessary for the required level of safety. Consult professional locksmiths to determine the best safe you need to protect your valuables.
4. Your Budget
As with any significant home item its prudent for you to set a ceiling on the amount you will spend before going shopping. Additional costs for safes can push the price up significantly if you don't monitor the cost element
Conclusion
Keeping your treasured items safe in the home calls for a safe designed for the particular safety purpose. However, you must do your research well before buying a safe.