Before paying for a professional security assessment, there’s a lot you can check yourself. This room-by-room guide helps you identify obvious vulnerabilities and understand what a professional would look for. For a deep dive on your main entrance, see our front door security guide.
Walk through your home methodically, checking: every external door (locks, frames, hinges), all windows (locks, restrictors, accessibility), entry points you forget (garage, basement, skylights), and external factors (lighting, visibility, access routes). Note issues as you go and prioritise by severity.
How to Use This Checklist
Equipment needed:
- Notepad and pen (or phone notes)
- Flashlight for dark corners
- Screwdriver (for testing hardware tightness)
- Tape measure (optional)
Time required: 30-60 minutes for thorough check
Approach: Work systematically through each area. Note problems as you find them. Don’t try to fix things mid-check—complete the assessment first, then prioritise.
Front Door Checks
The Lock
| Check | What to Look For | ✓/✗ |
|---|---|---|
| Lock type identified | Euro cylinder? Mortice? | |
| Lock operates smoothly | No sticking, grinding, or jiggling needed | |
| Key turns easily | Not stiff or requiring force | |
| Anti-snap protection | If Euro cylinder—see certification or sacrificial section | |
| BS3621 rating | If mortice—look for mark on faceplate |
Not sure about anti-snap? Learn how to check if your lock is vulnerable.
The Door
| Check | What to Look For | ✓/✗ |
|---|---|---|
| Door condition | No cracks, splits, or damage | |
| Door thickness | Minimum 44mm for security | |
| Weather sealing | No gaps around edges | |
| Letterbox security | Restrictor fitted? Keys within reach? | |
| Glass panels | Security glass? Near lock? |
The Frame
| Check | What to Look For | ✓/✗ |
|---|---|---|
| Frame solid | No rot, damage, or soft spots | |
| Strike plate secured | Multiple screws? Long screws into stud? | |
| Frame fits door | No excessive gaps | |
| Hinge side secure | Hinge bolts or security hinges? |
Back Door Checks
Back doors are frequently targeted—less visible, often less secure. Apply all front door checks, plus:
| Check | What to Look For | ✓/✗ |
|---|---|---|
| Equal security to front | Same lock quality? Same attention? | |
| Visibility from outside | Can neighbours see your back door? | |
| Access route | How would burglar reach it unseen? | |
| Locked when at home | Do you routinely lock it during day? |
French Doors and Patio Doors
| Check | What to Look For | ✓/✗ |
|---|---|---|
| Multipoint locking | Multiple engagement points along edge | |
| Anti-lift device | Prevents door being lifted off track | |
| Cylinder security | Anti-snap if Euro cylinder | |
| Glass security | Laminated? Toughened? | |
| Both doors lock | If double doors—both lock independently? |
For comprehensive protection, read our patio door security guide.
Sliding Door Specifics
| Check | What to Look For | ✓/✗ |
|---|---|---|
| Track security | Bar or block in track when closed? | |
| Lift prevention | Can door be lifted out of track? | |
| Lock condition | Operates smoothly? |
Window Checks
All Windows
| Check | What to Look For | ✓/✗ |
|---|---|---|
| Locks present | Key-operated locks fitted? | |
| Locks work | Can you operate them? Keys available? | |
| Handles secure | Not loose or damaged? | |
| Glass condition | No cracks or damage? |
Ground Floor Windows (Priority)
| Check | What to Look For | ✓/✗ |
|---|---|---|
| All accessible windows checked | Including side passage, back rooms | |
| Restrictors for ventilation | Allow airflow without full opening? | |
| Visibility from street | Can passers-by see these windows? | |
| Locks actually used | Do you routinely lock them? |
Upper Floor Accessible Windows
Check windows accessible via:
- Flat roofs
- Extensions
- Adjacent structures (garages, sheds)
- Easy climbing routes (drainpipes, walls)
For detailed window protection strategies, see our window security guide.
Garage and Outbuilding Checks
Attached Garage
| Check | What to Look For | ✓/✗ |
|---|---|---|
| External door secure | Same standards as house doors | |
| Internal door secure | Door to house—locked and solid? | |
| Up-and-over door | Manual lock? Defender? | |
| Windows | Locked? Obscured? |
Garages are a commonly overlooked entry point. Read our garage security guide.
Detached Garage/Shed
| Check | What to Look For | ✓/✗ |
|---|---|---|
| Door locked | Padlock or mortice? | |
| Hasp and staple secured | Coach bolts, not screws? | |
| Contains tools | Could tools be used to break into house? | |
| High-value contents | Bikes, equipment worth securing? |
External Factors
Lighting
| Check | What to Look For | ✓/✗ |
|---|---|---|
| Front approach lit | Can you see who’s there at night? | |
| Back garden lit | Motion sensor lighting? | |
| Side passages lit | Dark areas around property? |
Access and Visibility
| Check | What to Look For | ✓/✗ |
|---|---|---|
| Gates locked | Side gate secured at night? | |
| Hedges/fences | Provide privacy or concealment? | |
| Bins/wheelie bins | Could be used to climb over? | |
| Visible deterrents | Alarm box? Camera? Signs? |
Common Overlooked Points
Don’t forget to check:
- Basement windows and doors
- Skylights and roof windows
- Cellar hatches
- Coal chutes (older properties)
- Pet flaps (large enough for arm access?)
- Mail slot (can keys be fished?)
- Key storage (no hidden spare outside?)
Scoring Your Assessment
After completing checks, categorise findings:
Critical (Address Immediately)
- Doors/windows that don’t lock at all
- Easily accessible entry points unsecured
- Visible door/frame damage
- Keys stored outside
High Priority (Address Soon)
- Locks not meeting insurance standards
- Strike plates with short screws
- No hinge security
- Ground floor windows without locks
Medium Priority (Plan to Address)
- Upper floor windows without locks
- Poor lighting
- No visible deterrents
- Aging locks due for upgrade
Low Priority (Consider When Convenient)
- Aesthetic improvements
- Additional layers beyond basics
- Nice-to-have features
Next Steps
After completing this self-assessment:
- Address critical issues immediately
- Plan high priority upgrades within weeks
- Consider professional assessment for deeper analysis
- Schedule annual re-check to maintain standards
This checklist catches obvious issues but can’t replace professional expertise. If you found multiple problems, or if you’re unsure about lock grades and frame integrity, a professional security assessment provides the detailed analysis you need.