As you probably know, installing a home security system is one of the best investments a homeowner can make in this crazy world we live in.
After all, a quality home security system will keep your family and property secure.
But in case you’re wondering, you don’t have to invest all your savings in such a system because the current market has some of the best DIY home security systems you can buy, and some of them even operate with no monthly fee.
What’s more, some of these systems don’t even require professional installation.
But how do you identify the best and most affordable security system for your home?
Here are a few of the most important factors to consider when choosing a security system for your home.
Types of DIY Security Systems
The current market has several different types of home security systems to choose from. The key is to choose a system based on the specific security needs of your own home.
For instance, you can choose a system that allows you to monitor your home without paying a subscription fee.
That means you won’t have to pay for 24/7 professional surveillance of your home, but with this option, you won’t have professionals standing by to contact the police or fire department if one your system’s alarms are triggered.
If your goal is to install an affordable home security system, another options is to use an on-demand monitoring service.
These types of services are primarily used only when needed, such as when you’re traveling or going on vacation.
Essentially, the more coverage you need, the more you’ll have to pay for the monitoring service.
Therefore, it’s important to find out more about the available types of home security systems along with their features, installation options, and available services.
DIY Security System Components
Before you choose a DIY security system, find’ll need to find out what kind of components it uses.
For instance, what type of sensor does it use? How many sensors do you need for your home?
This is important because you’ll probably need to have sensors placed on all doorways and windows. At the very minimum, we recommend that every window that can easily serve as an entry way to the home have a sensor installed on it.
Although it’s not a must for every room to have a motion sensor, it’s important to have them in stairways, hallways, foyers, and other places where intruders will have to walk through when entering or leaving your home.
The current market has affordable home security systems with several different types of sensors.
Some sensors can detect body heat, which makes them ideal for indoor spaces with different lighting environments.
You can also choose a system with sensors that detect movements. These “motion sensors” are ideal for outdoor spaces.
Some home security systems come with dual motion sensors which combine both passive and active technologies, thereby providing more reliability.
Other components of a home security system that you should consider include outdoor and indoor cameras for recording videos whenever the system detects sound or motion.
Another great options to consider is a video doorbell that starts recording video whenever the system detects motion or a person presses the doorbell button.
And finally, if total security is your goal you should also consider a system that includes freeze/flood sensors, sirens, thermostats, smoke detectors, key fobs, and glass break detectors.
Monitoring
Integrated home security systems take an Internet of Things when it comes to their monitoring capabilities.
Thanks to the advanced state of these technologies, almost every DIY home security system now comes with a self-monitoring capability.
This is all made possible by the combined use of interrelated computing devices, digital communications technologies and mechanical machinery.
For instance, a mobile app is a crucial component of any modern home security system.
This app is designed to allow the homeowner to arm or disarm their system remotely and view recorded and live video. It will also monitor the status of all the system’s sensors.
In some cases, the system provides push alerts and email notifications whenever something or somebody triggers the sensors. However, the homeowner has the freedom to decide when to call the local authorities in case of a fire or a break-in.
Most vendors of DIY home security systems are now professional monitoring.
Some of these plans require the homeowner to sign a contract while others ask you to pay as you go.
That makes it possible for the homeowner to opt to pay only when the home is actually being motored, such as when you’re away from home.
Professional monitoring provides alerts, but the monitoring center will also contact you.
If you or the people on your list of emergency contacts are unreachable, the monitoring center will request that the local authorities respond to your home security system alarm.
DIY Security System Installation
Installing a DIY home security system is typically pretty easy, but some thought about the placement of sensors, security cameras, and the system’s hub is required.
For instance, some systems require you to connect the hub to your Internet router with a cable while others allow you to connect via your Wi-Fi network.
Either way, it’s best to place the hub close to the router to ensure optimal connectivity.
Also, when installing a home security system that features a touch-screen panel, you might need to ensure that you have a nearby electrical outlet.
Sensors should be installed after installing the mobile app and the hub.
In most cases, the window/door sensors, as well as all motion sensors will be connected to the hub.
Thus, you will just remove the battery tab for the sensor to be active and then tap on “Add a Device” button on the app. Give all the sensors names in order to add them to the app.
The physical installation of the sensors is typically easy because they use double-side adhesive tape.
Most doorbells and cameras also have easy installation. However, they will need to be paired to the system.
Luckily, all devices of a typical DIY security system come with voice prompts and detailed instructions that make adding them to a system pretty easy.
Home Much Does a DIY Home Security System Cost?
The price of DIY home security systems vary based on the company you buy from.
The size of your home, the number of the sensors required, and the add-on components you choose will also determine the cost of a complete DIY security system.
For instance, you can get a SimpliSafe Foundation starter kit with $229. This kit comes with a hub, a motion sensor, a yard sign, and a door or window sensor.
Additional window/door sensors will cost you $14 each. Glass break detectors cost $34.99 each while smoke detectors cost $29.99 and a water sensor goes for $19.99.
The cost of professional monitoring also varies from one company to another. We recommend that you read some reviews and contact several different companies in order to get the best deal.