An In-Depth Guide to DIY Home Security Systems: What You Need to Know

Are you looking for the best way to protect your home and family? With so many options out there, it can be overwhelming to decide between DIY home security products vs professional home security systems. But fear not, we’ve got you covered.

In this article, we’ll compare the pros and cons of both options and help you determine the best choice to keep your home safe and secure. No matter what your budget, lifestyle, or needs may be, we’ve got tips and advice to help you make an informed decision.

So sit back, relax, and let’s dive into the world of home security.

DIY Home Security Products vs Professional Home Security Systems: An Overview

When deciding on a home security system, there are a lot of options to consider. A DIY system or a professional security company? A wired system or wireless?. A DIY home security system or one that’s professionally installed? With so many choices, it can be difficult to figure out which route to take. Before making a choice, take a look at the pros and cons of the two types of systems.

DIY Home Security Products Pros:

• The DIY route is typically cheaper than professional installation.
• DIY systems can usually be set up in less than a day.
• Most DIY systems can be installed by homeowners.
• Most DIY systems are wireless and offer tech support.

DIY Home Security Products Cons:

• DIY security systems may require some technical knowledge.
• DIY systems may not be as secure as professionally installed security systems.
• DIY systems may not offer as much customization as most professionally installed systems.
• DIY systems don’t usually come with technical support.
• DIY systems don’t usually have professional monitoring.

Professional Security Systems Pros:

• Professional systems have professional installation.
• Professional systems can be fully customized.
• Professional systems come with professional monitoring for 24/7 protection.
• Professional systems usually come with technical support.
• Most professional systems are wireless.

Professional Security Systems Cons:

• Professional systems cost more upfront.
• Professional systems are usually installed in a single day.
• Professional systems usually require professional monitoring.
• Professional systems don’t usually have as much customer support as DIY systems.
• Professional systems don’t usually offer as much customization as DIY systems.
• Professional systems may not be wireless. 

How Much Professional Installation Pay To Expect to Install Home Security Systems

After you’ve decided on what type of system you want to be installed, it’s time to decide on how you want to pay for it. Most home security companies have three different financing options, and they each have different terms and rates. Plus, each has different requirements, so be sure to read the fine print.

The first option is a no-interest option, where you can choose to pay for your equipment upfront to avoid the monthly service fee. However, this option isn’t available everywhere, so check with your security company to see if they’ll offer it. Some home security companies even offer a zero-down option, but you’ll pay for everything at once, so be sure it’s in your budget.

The second option is the flexible financing plan, where you’ll pay a one-time installation fee followed by monthly monitoring fees. These fees will vary by company, so be sure to read the fine print so you know exactly what you’re paying for.

The last option is the leasing option, where you’ll be leasing your equipment and paying a monthly fee (this option is only available with self-monitored systems). Leasing will usually come at a higher monthly fee, but you’ll typically have lower or no upfront costs. Before you lease, be sure to read the fine print.

Pay close attention to the terms and rates offered by each company, and make sure your monthly payments are affordable. For price comparison’s sake, combined with the average monitoring rates, here’s how much you should expect to pay for professionally installed home security systems:

$79 – $99 upfront with $19.99 – $29.99 monthly monitoring
$169 – $199 upfront with $24.99 – $34.99 monthly monitoring
$349 – $399 upfront with $49.99 – $64.99 monthly monitoring
$79 – $99 upfront with $49.99 – $64.99 monthly monitoring
$299 – $299 upfront with $49.99 monthly monitoring

How to Choose the Best Home Security System for Your Needs

If you’re new to getting a home security system, then you might be wondering:

Which system is the best one? And, what’s the difference between self-monitored and professionally monitored systems? We get it – home security is confusing and there are so many different options.

Here’s our take on how to choose a home security system and give you some tips on how to lower your monitoring costs over time.  First and foremost, you need to consider what your specific needs are. Are you looking for a basic system with motion sensors and door/window sensors, or do you need something more comprehensive with a camera system and smart home integration?

Once you decide on the type of system you want to install, you also need to decide whether you want to use a self-monitored or professionally monitored system. Self-monitored systems typically require you to monitor your system yourself but can be cheaper in the long run since you don’t have to pay monthly monitoring fees. On the other hand, professionally monitored systems require you to pay a monthly fee but provide around-the-clock monitoring and assistance in the event of an emergency.

Ultimately, the choice between self-monitored and professionally monitored systems comes down to your individual needs and budget. If you are comfortable monitoring your system yourself, then a self-monitored system may be the smarter option. However, if you want the added peace of mind that comes with professional monitoring, then a professionally monitored system may be the better choice. 

Considering Home Security Equipment Options: Motion Detectors, Security Cameras, and More

When homeowners decide that it’s time to get serious about their home’s safety, they usually start by researching a variety of home security system companies in their area. One of the most intriguing features offered by those providers is security equipment, but homeowners often feel overwhelmed by the choices.

Whether you have a home security system that functions on its own or one that functions in conjunction with professional monitoring, it behooves you to understand the types of security equipment that are available. That way, you can make an educated choice about what you need to protect your home and reduce the likelihood of your home being burglarized. 

The most basic type of security equipment is the motion detector. This device is typically set up in strategic areas of the home, such as near windows and doors. When movement is detected, the motion detector will sound an alarm or alert your home security system. This is a great way to deter potential burglars and alert you if someone is entering your home.

Another type of security equipment is the video camera. Video cameras are great potential burglars and alert you if someone is entering your home.  Video cameras can be connected to a home security system, allowing you to monitor your home from anywhere in the world. Some cameras even have night vision capabilities and can be set up to record video when motion is detected.

Door and window sensors are also an important part of a home security system. These sensors detect when a door or window is opened or closed and can alert you if someone is breaking into your home  Finally, home security systems often include access control systems. This type of security equipment can be used to restrict access to certain areas of your home, such as the garage, basement, or attic. Access control systems can be set up to allow only certain people to enter certain areas of a  home.

What to Look for When Purchasing DIY Home Security Products

With the proliferation of DIY home security systems these days, it’s easy to see why cost-conscious homeowners look for cheaper options — after all, it’s easy to grab a Nest camera for under $200. But if you want your home truly protected from intruders, you’re going to want to get professional security monitoring, and that doesn’t come cheap.

In fact, most DIY security systems are completely ineffective without professional monitoring. That’s not to say DIY home security products are a waste of money entirely, but they’re not worth the cost for residential use.  When shopping for DIY home security products, there are a few key attributes to look for to ensure that you’re getting the most bang for your buck.

First, look for a reputable company with a good track record. Companies like Alarm.com, Honeywell, and Alarm Orders have been providing reliable home security products for years. You’ll want to look for products from these companies as they will provide good customer service and warranty coverage. 

Second, look for products that are easy to install and use. Many DIY home security products require complex wiring and installation, which can be daunting for the average homeowner. Look for products that are simple to install and use, as this will save you time and money in the long run. 

Third, look for products that offer features that fit your needs. Many DIY home security products offer a variety of features,  such as motion sensors, video surveillance, and remote access. Choose the features that best suit your needs and budget. 

Finally, look for products that offer good value. Home security products are an investment, so you want to make sure that you’re getting the best value for your money. Research online reviews and compare prices to make sure you’re getting the best home security systems deal. 

Installing DIY Home Security Systems: Tips and Tricks

DIY home security systems are becoming increasingly popular. Sure, professional monitoring can be a dead giveaway to burglars, but DIY security systems offer the same security features without alerting potential criminals of their presence.

If you’re thinking about installing your own DIY security system, we recommend giving yourself plenty of time to plan your security system out. Take a day to sit down and make a list of all the different types of sensors and cameras you want in your home, and seriously evaluate the quality of life a security system would give you.

Then, you’ll need to think about how to equip your home with these sensors. Some sensors, such as the doorbell camera, doorbell chime, and indoor camera, can be had for under $100, while others, like a security alarm, are upwards of $100 and might require professional installation.

As you plan out your sensors, you’ll want to consider how you’re going to protect these expensive objects. Most security systems will have free cloud storage, but you’ll want a plan in case your hard drive or computer dies.

Once you’re ready to order your DIY security system, we recommend choosing the trigger detector, or TID, rather than a motion detector. TIDs can be hidden, making them less clear to intruders, whereas motion detectors are easy to spot. Whatever you chose, make sure to place it somewhere where your sensor isn’t obstructed by walls, furniture, etc., just in case of false alarms.

Finally, once you’re ready to install your DIY security system, always get started in an area with low traffic. You wouldn’t want your DIY security system to go off accidentally in the middle of a dinnertime conversation, would you?  No matter what kind of DIY security system you go with, be sure to check the product reviews and read up on the best practices to ensure an effective and safe setup.

Wrapping Up

In conclusion, it’s safe to say that both DIY home security products and professional home security systems have their own set of advantages and disadvantages. Factors such as budget, technical know-how, and the level of security needed should all be taken into consideration when deciding which route to take. However, if you’re looking for a cost-effective yet reliable solution, it’s definitely worth considering DIY home security products.

With high-quality systems available at Alarm Orders, you can equip your home or business with everything you need to keep it secure, while still being able to save on costs. Plus, with their wide range of products and excellent customer service, you can feel confident in your decision to go the DIY route. So why wait? Take a look at what Alarm Orders has to offer and get started on securing your property today.