Condo security needs revamping

If you're thinking of purchasing an apartment unit in a new condominium building, you need to make sure the builder's main attribute is initiative. Because in today's world, initiative might be the only thing keeping you and your family safe from the bad guys.

That's not to say that all builders lack initiative. There are many good builders that take pride in workmanship and guarantee that no stone goes unturned. I have been in new condominiums that have excelled in security awareness. These elite builders take it upon themselves to create secure living environments for future owners at whatever cost, totally ignoring the building commission's minimum standards.

My concern, however, is the 'budget builder' who has one thing on his mind, "How much does it cost". These builders, unfortunately cut every corner and one area that almost always makes the cut list is 'building security', leaving an open wound for new home owners to deal with.

Legally, they haven't done anything wrong, after all, they did abide by the building code. These builders only need to satisfy the city building inspectors to get a pass on their report card. Why try for an A or B when a C or D will do?

Until building laws tighten up on security standards we must be prepared to dig deep in our pockets to assure ourselves and our families' safety. Finishing the job by upgrading existing security has become accepted by condominium owners to keep their building safe from intruders.

Improvements to condominium security by way of building laws over the last few years have been minimal, to say the least. Too many people are living under the false impression that their condominium is secure. The mindset, "It's new, it's has to be secure!" needs to be reckoned with.

What is it going to take to upgrade the security standards in the building industry? How many more condominiums are going to be built with inferior locks that don't meet the grade? How many more consumers are going to be hit with the "Budget Builder's" bills? The answer to these questions lies in the hands of the building commissions who set the building codes.

These professionals need to educate themselves on the importance of good home security in order to take a bite out of crime. Revamping the building security codes will not only benefit the consumer, but will enhance sales for the builder.

Who would have thought that building inspectors could have such an important role in the prevention of crime? But assuring that new construction is equipped with the latest security devices can have an astounding impact on burglars.