Money-Saving Alternatives to Expensive Alarm Systems

Q. My house was burglarized recently while I was away. I'd like to add more security but can't afford an expensive alarm system. I already have deadbolt locks. What else can I do at moderate cost?

Deadbolt locks are a good start. Here are a couple of other low- cost improvements you can make:

Motion-detecting lights. These lights switch on automatically when motion is detected in their area. They stay lighted for a set time, then go off, and can be convenient for you and welcome guests as well as being anathema to intruders. Motion-detection lights are available in a number of styles at a very reasonable cost, and they are easy to install in place of an existing standard light. A brass porch light can be bought for $40, and floodlights are even cheaper.

Light timers. One or more of these can be set up inside the home to make it appear that the house is occupied. Set the timers to coincide with your normal routine.

Leaving a radio or television set on. That also can give the impression to a prowler that someone is inside the house. Burglars greatly prefer empty houses.

You are probably aware of a few other common-sense precautions, such as shutting off mail and newspaper delivery while you are away.

Not all burglar-alarm systems are expensive, incidentally. Do-it- yourself wireless systems sold at home centers and on the Internet can be set up at moderate cost.

If any alarm system is out of the question, a yard sign and some door-and-window decals stating that you have one will fool some burglars and keep them away. For signs and dozens of other security devices, visit homesecuritystore.com. Type Warning Signs and Decals in the search space.

Q. The surface of our concrete patio, which surrounds our pool, has worn away in spots, exposing the rough underlying material. How can I resurface it?

Do-it-yourself concrete resurfacers are available but are not suitable for some surfaces. An example is Quikrete Concrete Resurfacer, sold at home centers and building-supply outlets (www.quikrete .com). This would appear to be a quick and easy solution to a worn or damaged concrete surface. A thin coat of the material is spread over the old surface with a squeegee or brush. However, a careful reading of the specifications and requirements reveal a daunting task. The surface must be in good condition and must be "rigorously cleaned" (Quikcrete's words). You can read the complete instructions and specifications on the Web site, and I strongly advise doing so before proceeding.

An option is to have the patio examined by two or three concrete contractors and get their opinions about what needs to be done. In most cases, contractors will give free cost estimates. It is possible your patio needs an overlay (much thicker than a brush-on coating), or possibly needs to be torn up and replaced.

TOOL TEST. A quartet of lawn and garden tools has been added to the extensive line of One+ cordless tools by Ryobi. I recently tested the new 18-volt hedge trimmer (model P2600, about $40; battery packs, $20 each), which made short work of an overgrown yew in my front yard. The trimmer also worked well on a forsythia hedge. The trimmer has 18-inch blades with -inch cutting capability adequate for many residential hedges. I found it much more convenient and easy to handle than the gasoline-powered and corded trimmers I have used. For sizable hedges, keep an extra battery pack well-charged to avoid delays. The hedge trimmer and other cordless yard tools a blower, sprayer and pole pruner are sold at Home Depot.

All One+ tools are powered by interchangeable 18-volt battery packs (sold separately). For more information, visit www.oneplustools.com or www.ryobitools.com.

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Write to Gene Austin at doit861@aol.com or 1730 Blue Bell Pike, Blue Bell, PA 19422.

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