A bungalow home security checklist starts with the basics: solid doors with deadbolts, secured ground-level and basement windows, a barred patio door, good exterior lighting and a locked garage. Because every bedroom in a bungalow is at ground level, windows deserve extra attention. Add working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms and a family escape plan, and you have covered the most important risks.
Key takeaways
- Bungalow bedrooms are at ground level, so window security matters more.
- Solid exterior doors, strong strike plates and deadbolts stop most forced entries.
- Patio doors and basement windows are common weak points.
- Lighting and trimmed shrubs remove hiding spots.
- Security includes fire safety, alarms and an escape plan.
Why bungalow security is a little different
In a two-storey home, bedrooms are upstairs, out of reach. In a bungalow, every window is reachable from the ground, including the ones where your family sleeps. Basement windows add more ground-level openings.
The upside is that bungalows are easy to secure. Everything is accessible for upgrades, and you can see most of the yard from the main floor. Walk around your house with this checklist and fix the gaps one by one.
Doors: your first line of defence
- Use solid-core or steel exterior doors, not hollow-core.
- Install a Grade 1 or Grade 2 deadbolt on every exterior door.
- Replace short strike plate screws with long screws that reach the framing.
- Add a wide-angle peephole or video doorbell.
- Re-key or replace all locks when you move into a new home.
- Secure the side door, which is common on bungalows with basement entrances.
Bungalow tip: Many bungalows have a side door leading to the basement stairs. It is often hidden from the street and overlooked. Give it the same deadbolt, lighting and strike plate upgrades as the front door.
Windows and patio doors
Main-floor windows
- Check that every window latch works and locks fully.
- Add secondary locks or stops so windows open only partway for ventilation.
- Consider security film on glass near door handles.
- Keep bedroom window coverings closed at night.
Basement windows
Basement windows are often small and old. Replace failing frames and add secure latches. If a basement bedroom needs an egress window for safety, any security device must open easily from inside. Never block the exit. See our guide to egress windows.
Patio and sliding doors
Sliding doors can sometimes be lifted off their tracks. Add a bar or dowel in the track, install anti-lift blocks and use a secondary lock.
Lighting, landscaping and visibility
Burglars avoid homes where they can be seen. Use the outside of your house to your advantage.
- Install motion-sensor lights at every door, the garage and the backyard.
- Trim shrubs below window height so no one can hide beside the house.
- Keep the house number visible for emergency services.
- Use timers or smart bulbs when you are away.
- Ask a trusted neighbour to collect mail and packages during trips.
Travelling in winter? Arrange for someone to clear the driveway and walkway after every snowfall. An untouched blanket of snow is one of the clearest signs that nobody is home. Ask them to check the furnace and look for leaks while they are there, too.
Garage, sheds and the backyard
- Keep the overhead garage door closed and locked.
- Treat the door between the garage and house as an exterior door, with a deadbolt.
- Do not leave garage door openers in cars parked outside.
- Lock sheds and side gates, and store ladders inside.
- Change the garage keypad code when you move in.
Alarms, cameras and fire safety
| Item | Why it matters | Check |
|---|---|---|
| Smoke alarms | Required on every storey and outside sleeping areas in Ontario | Test monthly |
| Carbon monoxide alarms | Required near sleeping areas if you have fuel-burning appliances or an attached garage | Test monthly; replace per the maker’s date |
| Monitored alarm system | Alerts a monitoring centre to break-ins | Ask your insurer about discounts |
| Video doorbell and cameras | Deter and record activity | Secure accounts and passwords |
| Fire extinguisher | Handles small kitchen fires | Check the gauge |
For camera choices, see our guide to smart security cameras and doorbells. Protect connected devices with our smart home cybersecurity tips.
Make a family escape plan
A bungalow makes fire escape simpler, since every bedroom window is close to the ground. Still, plan and practise.
- Know two ways out of every room.
- Make sure bedroom windows open easily and are not painted shut.
- Choose a meeting spot outside, like a neighbour’s driveway.
- Practise with kids at least a couple of times a year.
- If you have a basement suite, confirm tenants also have working alarms and a clear exit.
Frequently asked questions
Are bungalows less secure than two-storey homes?
Not necessarily. They have more ground-level windows, but those are easy to secure with good latches, lighting and landscaping. Every opening is also easy to reach for upgrades.
Should I change the locks when I buy a bungalow?
Yes. You never know how many keys are out there. Re-key or replace exterior locks and reset garage and smart lock codes on closing day.
Does a security system lower home insurance costs?
Many insurers offer discounts for monitored alarm systems. Ask your insurance broker what qualifies and what proof they need.
The bottom line on bungalow security
Most bungalow security comes down to good locks, secured windows, lighting and a clear view of your property. Add working alarms and an escape plan, and your family is far safer.
Work through this checklist in a weekend, then revisit it each spring and fall.
