How to Design Homes for Defensibility

Walk around the exterior of the house during the daylight and at dusk. Use the notebook as a journal source for information gained during both examinations. Inspect the property from the ground up. Make special note of architectural features of the home's exterior that may provide an out-of-view hiding place for an intruder. Inspect each door and window. Note inferiorities and breakage. Note the position of all exterior light fixtures and inspect each one to determine malfunctions.

Draw a sketch of each wall of the house from an exterior view. Introduce under each sketch two columns--one for security deficits and one for defensive solutions to each deficit. Begin a new entry in the notebook after the sketches and lists are complete. Create a line-item plan, beginning with the most pressing need, to implement the solutions. Follow the plan.

Add each broken window or pane sitting in a loose frame to the security risk list. Write down where transparent or frosted glass should be installed. Use security bars on windows leading into basement areas. Sketch the desired design of these bars in the notebook to review with the professional doing the fabrication and installation of the bars.

Install a solid wood door with a new lock set in a solid wood frame. Replace all hollow-core doors that exist as entry doors into the house. Limit hollow-core doors inside the home, if at all. Sketch the face of the door and the desired motif to be carved if a custom door will be used.

Deter crime with light. Design the installation of all exterior light fixtures at points of risk for unwanted entry. Give particular attention to sides of the house that lack illumination from street lighting. Give further attention to each entry door, working around any potential architectural limitations that may interfere with the placement of exterior lighting.