You wouldn’t buy a phone without considering storage options. You wouldn’t buy a car without considering features. Most importantly, you wouldn’t go into either of these purchases ignorant to your budget, needs and which of these various costs are worth it to you. Likewise, you shouldn’t go into a safe purchase without understanding your budget and security and storage needs.

Fortunately, just like with phones and cars, you’re armed with options across many budget ranges when it comes to home safes. Your overall satisfaction with your safe will increase if you educate yourself to make an informed decision about which safe best meets your needs. 

In today’s post, we’ll cover a list of needs many have when shopping safes, as well as how much you should budget for a safe when taking into consideration delivery, installation, accessories and other factors.

Assess Your Needs

Before diving into the different price ranges for safes, it’s essential to assess your specific needs. This will guide you in determining what safe is best suited for you and what features you should prioritize (and which you can ignore). Here are some common considerations:

1. Size and capacity: What are you looking to store in the safe? Smaller items like documents and jewelry, or larger items like firearms? The size and capacity of the safe can significantly impact the price, so make sure you’re not getting one that is too big or too small. Safes that only store documents and cash are usually smaller and cost less, while safes for storing firearms and bulky items tend to be larger and more expensive.
2. Security level: Not all safes provide the same level of protection. Basic safes may suffice for less-valuable items, but if you’re storing something with high value (whether monetary or sentimental), you’ll want a safe with advanced security features like biometric locks, multiple bolts and a higher fire/burglary rating.
3. Fire and water resistance: Safes with fire and water resistance provide additional protection for your items when it comes to natural disasters. The level of protection can vary, however, which influences the price. A minimum of 30-minute fire resistance is a good target for basic protection, with higher-rated models available for more demanding needs (or to provide better peace of mind).
4. Type of safe: There are several types of safes to consider as well, which also impact your budget depending on which one you choose. (Where you store the safe may also play a part in this decision.) Wall safes are ideal for placement behind paintings or furniture, floor safes are ideal for heavier items, gun safes are specifically designed for firearm safety and portable safes are smaller, lighter and less expensive.

Find Your Budget Range

Costs are always going to vary depending on the type of safe you choose, the brand and the retailer selling it, but there are some general price ranges to consider when making your decision. Here are the three general categories of safes and their price ranges:

1. Budget-friendly safes ($300 or less): These are viable options for small and less-valuable items. They typically feature basic lock mechanisms and minimal fire and water resistance.
2. Mid-range safes ($300-$1,000): Offering a balance of security and affordability, safes in this tier often come with better locking mechanisms, increased protection and larger capacities. 
3. High-end safes ($1,000 or more): For high-value items or specific security needs, these safes are the way to go. Providing ultimate protection with advanced locking systems and extensive fire, water and burglary resistance, high-end safes are built to withstand both natural disasters and break-in attempts.

Consider Add-On Services

Another factor in your budget should be other related services like delivery, installation and accessories. At A-1 Locksmith, for example, we’re happy to provide a quote that includes safe delivery and installation—and we have a variety of safe accessories we can recommend as well. Just make sure you ask about these costs ahead of time so you aren’t surprised later on and blow your budget. Upfront quotes and estimates are a wise thing to pursue early in the budgeting process.

Determine Financing

Finally, you’ll need to figure out how you want to pay for your safe. If cash isn’t an option, a credit card will usually suffice. But there are often payment plans available as well. 

At A-1 Locksmith, we offer Affirm as a financing option. Whether you’re purchasing online or in store, you can use Affirm to buy now and pay later with flexible plans that fit your budget. You can easily manage everything associated with the purchase via an easy-to-use app and you can get exclusive deals like minimal or low APR. Either way, we’ll work with you to ensure you get the best safe for your budget and security needs.

If you still have questions about how to budget for a safe or you’re ready to start looking at your options, visit one of A-1 Locksmith’s Dallas-Fort Worth locations today, or give us a call.

Looking for your next gun safe or home safe? Look no further than A-1 Locksmith. Here are some reasons why we’re the best place to buy a gun safe or home safe in Dallas-Fort Worth.

Local History

When a company is locally owned and operated, you can tell. A-1 Locksmith has been a family-owned company serving DFW since 1949, growing into one of the nation’s leading family-owned and operated locksmith companies. We call Dallas-Fort Worth home and treat our customers like family and the local community members that they are. We’ll help you select the gun or home safe that’s best for you—not just a model we want to sell.

Expert Guidance

We have more than 65 years of experience in the industry and are the area’s experts in locksmithing and security. We only hire licensed locksmiths and ensure all our staff has expertise with gun and home safes. Additionally, we partner with the Safe & Vault Technicians Association (SAVTA), the Associated Locksmiths of America (ALOA) and Texas Locksmiths Association. We are also proud of our A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau (BBB).

Extensive Selection

We have an extensive online and in-store selection of safes, alarms, accessories and more—from trusted brands like Browning and Liberty. Whether you’re looking for a rifle safe or handgun safe, large vault or small safe, accessories or parts, we can help you out. Our dedicated staff members are all full time, meaning you won’t experience the pushy salespeople you will from other businesses. We will be happy to answer your questions and show you the features and specifications of your desired safe models.

Professional Installation

A-1 Locksmith is unmatched when it comes to safe delivery and installation services in Dallas-Fort Worth. We move and deliver safes, even if you didn’t buy it from us! Furthermore, we won’t just drop them in your garage; we install them inside and offer bolt-down service on every install. Our professional safe delivery teams will also provide in-home training before we leave and guarantee your satisfaction before we leave.
Your search for the best place to buy a gun or home safe in Dallas-Fort Worth ends now. Visit any of our North Texas locations today, or start browsing our selection of safes online.

We’ll be discussing the latter today. Do you need to store firearms in gun safes, or are home safes an appropriate option as well? We’ll help you decide.

Gun Safe and Home Safe Differences

First off, how are these safes even different? They look the same on the outside to the average person and the features and capabilities of each are similar. (You could argue that the main difference between gun safes and home safes lies in the items you’re storing inside them.) That being said, there are some key differences when it comes to protecting firearms. For example, here are the advantages you’ll find in most gun safes:

1. Humidity and water damage protection
2. Industry-required door seals
3. Gun-friendly storage racks and shelves

Then again, many home safes feature flexible storage options and sealed openings as well. You can also add a dehumidifier to your safe, making it a better option for firearms and accessories.

Which Is Better?

Gun safes and home safes both can offer thick walls of protection, advanced fire safety ratings and other features that help protect against theft or damage. Your choice really depends on how you plan to use it. Will you be storing other valuables in addition to firearms? How big are your firearms? Do you need to access the gun quickly or do you have a long-term storage plan? 

Whatever you decide, you’ll need to make sure the safe can eliminate moisture and humidity, as this leads to rust, one of the biggest culprits for firearm damage. Keep firearms secured tightly in the safe and get the safe serviced annually. (Home safes typically aren’t serviced as often as gun safes, but you can definitely request bi-annual or annual tune-ups.)

How A Professional Locksmith Can Help

At the end of the day, if you’re unsure about whether a gun safe or home safe is right for you, why not turn to the experts? The professional team members at A-1 Locksmith have the expertise and professionalism you need to make the right decision. Also, you can see safe options in person for yourself and ask the locksmith questions about them. The more informed you are about your options, the better choice you’ll make.

If you’re in the market for a home safe or gun safe, stop by any of our A-1 Locksmith locations today, or visit our online shop.