Many people have a safety deposit box at a bank, but a popular alternative is a home safe because of its convenience. And anyone who has lost their safety deposit box keys will tell you they paid a hefty fine (and humiliation) to have the box drilled out.)
A home wall safe is often Installed in the wall of a closet or behind a wall-hung picture, and it offers safekeeping for jewelry, documents and other valuables. Since it’s in your home, which doesn’t operate on bankers’ hours, you have access to your secret stash at any time day or night. That’s reason enough for some people who want their hidden assets safe at home.
A popular home safe is a flush-mounted, 15-inch square unit that’s designed to fit into the recess between standard wall studs. To have a carpenter install one will cost $625, which includes the safe and labor to install it. A homeowner with carpentry experience and tools can make the installation for $300, the cost of the safe, and save 52%.
It’s kind of fun to snoop around your house looking for a good location for a safe. Choose a wall that doesn’t contain any electrical wires, plumbing pipes or heating ducts. To make the installation, you’ll need a drill, screwdriver, keyhole or drywall saw, and carpenter’s level. An electronic stud finder will come in handy. You’ll also need some nails and shims to level and adjust the safe in the wall opening.
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Pro Cost — DIY Cost — Pro time — DIY Time — DIY Savings — Percent Saved
$625 — $300 — 6.0 — 9.0 — $325 — 52%
