Installing A Home Safe: Do You Need A Professional?

Last updated: January 29, 2024

KEY TAKEAWAYS

In addition to your home security system, you should have a built-in home safe for cash, jewelry, legal documents, and passports. The installation and setup of a home safe are generally simple and do not require the assistance of a professional. 

Home burglaries are on the rise in the United States. According to recent FBI statistics, a residential break-in occurs every 30 seconds, and most occur during the day. In order to protect valuables and avoid average losses of up to $2,661, many homeowners have invested in small fire safes.

In this article, we’ll discuss the different ways of installing a home safe and the best places to install one.

Reasons For Having A Safe

Some items are extremely difficult, if not impossible, to replace. A fireproof safe can help protect valuables and secure money in the event of a residential break-in, fire, flood, or other natural disasters. Just a few examples of things you can store in a safe include a gun, jewelry, birth certificates, and passports.

Before purchasing a safe, check whether it is UL-rated to be fireproof and waterproof by the manufacturer. It is also best to select a safe with an electronic key lock or combination lock for improved protection.

Best Place To Install A Home Safe

No foolproof location is suitable for every residential property since every house is built and designed differently. However, we can recommend some tips on selecting safe locations to install home safes to protect your valuables. 

  • Consider putting it in a closet or somewhere hidden — under the floorboards or behind a picture frame on the wall
  • Ensure that the area where you intend to install the safe is free of electric wires and piping
  • Examine your home’s construction plans to see if the location you’ve chosen can support the weight of a large and heavy home safe
  • Be cautious when installing a safe on floor joists

Safe Way Of Installing A Home Safe

Generally, home safes come with installation instructions for homeowners who opt to install them themselves. The instruction manual will cover the general steps and a list of simple tools that will likely include a socket set, drill, drill bits, screwdriver, and marker pen or chalk. 

Floor, Wall, And Fixed Safes

These safes are typically bolted to the floor or the wall of your house. Expansion bolts are the best way to install these safes because they expand as you tighten them, making them even more secure. First, drill holes into the wall or floor. Then, use the chalk to mark where you want to drill. After precisely placing your marks, drill the holes with an electric drill and a masonry drill bit. Afterward, place the bolts over the holes and tighten them with a screwdriver or spanner, depending on the bolt.

Underfloor Safes

You must first evaluate your floor before installing an underfloor safe. Is it made of concrete, or do you want the safe to be installed beneath the floorboards? 

For a concrete floor, dig a hole twice the size of the safe. Put the safe in the hole and cover it with concrete mix. Fitting a safe beneath the floorboards requires placing the safe in a pre-cut hole with wooden shuttering around it before pouring concrete into the hole.

Built-in Home Safes

This type of safe is usually used in place of bricks and requires a custom fit. Built-in safes are reasonably safe but less secure than an underfloor option or a high-quality standalone safe. Professional help is usually required to install this type of safe properly.

Extra Precautions For Safe Installation

You should keep the safe out of plain sight as much as possible. Custom cabinets, large pieces of furniture, wall hangings, or a door that blends in with the rest of the house’s storage spaces could be used to conceal it.

If you have underfloor heating, you should never drill into the floorboards. Also, be aware of any pipes that may run beneath the flooring, which may require pulling up floorboards or researching your building’s construction plans.

The Takeaway

We all have valuable possessions that should be properly secured in a home safe. But where should you install a safe to keep your valuables as safe as possible? Although there is no one-size-fits-all solution for every home, some guidelines can help you choose a good location.

Additionally, before installing a safe on your own, it’s best to know some critical information regarding your home’s construction plans, specifications, and installation instructions. Exercise extreme caution when installing a home safe to avoid any damage to your walls or floors. 

Interested in adding an extra layer of security to your home? Check out this Security Forward article on the best Google Nest wireless doorbells.

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