Many homeowners prefer to install a home safe to protect their belongings such as jewellery, passports, bank statements and legal documents. Compared to a closet or other storage spaces, home safes provide protection against burglary and theft. In addition, many of them are also fire-proof and can save precious personal belongings in the event of a fire. When buying a home safe, some homeowners may assume that fitting the safe may require specialised services. However, many of these safes are simple to install and can be fitted in the home using some common tools and materials. Here are some steps to install a home safe in the wall and on the floor:
You can easily install a safe in your closet wall.
Compact safes, featuring all-steel construction and a secure locking mechanism, are commonly used to protect precious personal belongings and documents. These safes may be opened using a key, a digital lock or a three-digit number mechanical combination. Some basic tools and materials such as stud finder or hammer, drywall saw, wood shims and screws, will be required to install the safe. You should find a suitable room, which is least suspected of being used as a storage space, to install the room safe. To begin installing a safe, you should locate two wall studs with a stud sensor or hammer and nail. After drawing a point around 12 inches up from the floor, use a drywall saw to cut out an opening between the two studs on the wall. You should carefully cut this opening to avoid any damage to electrical wiring. The opening, which should extend ¼-inch beyond the studs, can be filled with wood shims or plywood strips. You are now ready to insert the safe into the opening. With the door of safe open, insert it into the opening and press against the wall. You should use screws to fasten the safe to the studs. The safe is now ready for use and storing your valuables.
A floor safe can also be easily installed in a concrete floor.
Although the installation of a floor safe may differ from manufacturer to manufacturer, such type of safes can be easily installed in a concrete floor. You will require a pencil, electric jackhammer, shovel, plastic sheeting or weatherproof sealant to install the in-floor safe. Using a pencil, mark the safe's body shape on the floor. You should leave an extra width of four inches on each side of the marking. Now using an electric jackhammer, break through the concrete floor by closely following the markings. You should use a shovel to dig around three inches deeper than the safe's height. To prevent any build up of moisture, line the hole with a plastic sheeting or weatherproof sealant. After pouring concrete, place the safe in the hole and level the concrete. You may also use a stick to stir the concrete and pour little at a time to fill the space around the safe. Once the concrete is dry, you can remove any excess concrete from the floor.
