What Does a Professional Home Security Assessment Include?
A thorough home security assessment evaluates every potential entry point and vulnerability: All exterior doors — lock grades, deadbolt presence, strike plate reinforcement, door frame integrity, and hinge security. Windows — lock functionality, glass type, and accessibility from ground level. Garage — door lock quality, interior door security, and opener vulnerability. Lighting — dark areas that could conceal an intruder. Landscaping — overgrown bushes providing hiding spots near windows and doors. Perimeter — fence gates, side yard access, and back entry points. At MyKey, we provide free security assessments for DFW homeowners that result in a prioritized list of recommendations with honest cost estimates.
The Top 5 Vulnerabilities in DFW Homes
Based on thousands of assessments across Dallas-Fort Worth, here are the most common security weaknesses we find: (1) No deadbolt on the garage-to-house door — 60% of DFW homes lack a deadbolt on this critical door. (2) Short strike plate screws — 70% of homes have ¾-inch screws instead of 3-inch screws that anchor into the door frame stud. (3) Grade 3 exterior locks — the lowest security rating, common on builder-grade hardware. (4) Unsecured sliding glass doors — a simple bar or pin prevents prying. (5) No exterior lighting at side/back doors — motion-sensor lights cost $20-40 and dramatically deter intruders.
Home Security Assessment FAQ
How much does a security assessment cost?
MyKey provides free security assessments for DFW homeowners. The assessment takes 20-30 minutes and results in a written report with prioritized recommendations.
How often should I assess my home security?
We recommend a professional assessment every 3-5 years, after any break-in or attempted break-in in your neighborhood, after home renovations, and after moving into a new home.
What a Professional Home Security Assessment Covers in Dallas
A MyKey home security assessment evaluates every physical entry point and vulnerability in your DFW home: All exterior doors (lock grade, deadbolt throw length, strike plate reinforcement, door material and condition, hinge security). All accessible windows (lock functionality, glass type, accessibility from ground level). Sliding doors (latch security, track reinforcement, glass protection). Garage (interior door security, opener technology, manual lock capability). Exterior lighting (coverage, motion activation, blind spots). Landscaping (concealment risks — bushes near windows and doors provide cover for break-in attempts). Existing alarm system evaluation (coverage gaps, age of equipment, monitoring adequacy). The assessment takes 45-60 minutes for a typical 3-bedroom DFW home and produces a written report with prioritized recommendations and cost estimates. Assessment fee: $75 — credited toward any security work performed. Call (214) 888-8755 to schedule across Dallas-Fort Worth.
Frequently Asked Questions — Home Security Assessment Dallas
Q: How often should I get a home security assessment in Dallas?
A: Every 3-5 years, or immediately after: moving into a new home (you don't know who has keys), a break-in or attempted break-in in your neighborhood, major home renovation (which may change entry points), or installing a new alarm system (to verify physical security matches electronic security). DFW's rapid neighborhood development also changes risk profiles — new construction nearby can increase or decrease visibility and access patterns.
Q: Is a home security assessment worth $75 in Dallas?
A: The assessment fee is credited toward any work we perform, so if you proceed with any recommendations, the assessment is effectively free. Even without follow-up work, the written report identifies specific vulnerabilities you can address yourself (window locks, security bars, lighting) — the knowledge alone is valuable for reducing your DFW home's risk profile.
Q: What's the most common security gap you find in Dallas homes?
A: Weak strike plates on exterior doors — by far. The majority of DFW homes (including newer construction) have standard strike plates with short screws (3/4 inch) that pull out easily under force. Upgrading to a reinforced strike plate with 3-inch screws costs $25-45 per door (DIY) or $65-85 installed (MyKey) and is the single highest-impact security improvement for most DFW homes.
Q: Do you assess apartment security in Dallas?
A: Yes — apartment assessments focus on the elements within your control: door lock quality (and whether upgrades are possible within your lease), window locks, sliding door security, and personal safety practices. We also evaluate whether your apartment complex's common area security (gates, lighting, camera coverage) is adequate and can provide recommendations to share with management. Apartment assessments are $50 and take 20-30 minutes.