DIY Home Security
Many homeowners choose to install their own home security system for one primary reason. A DIY home security system is less expensive because there are no labor costs. This can reduce the cost of a system by as much as 50 percent.
It is certainly possible to install either a wired or wireless home security system. But there are some things to keep in mind when deciding between the two types of systems.
The wired system is much harder to install because wires must be run between the control panel and the various sensors placed around the home.
A wireless home security system is much easier to install because it’s not necessary to drill holes in walls or floors. If you’re not good at working with tools then a wireless system would be the better choice of systems.
Also keep in mind that professionals are experts at deciding where to place sensors, sirens and motion detectors to get the best coverage with the least amount of equipment.
This doesn’t mean you can’t achieve the same results, but it’s important to understand that installing the components in the ideal locations can make a difference as to how well the house is covered by the alarm system.
Monitoring and the DIY Home Security System
Some DIY systems can be set-up for 24-hour monitoring. You can buy these DIY systems from the vendor, install the control panel and components, and then contract for 24-hour monitoring with the vendor.
There are also DIY home security systems that can be installed with an auto dialer that will contact the fire or police departments if the alarm is set off.
Of course, it is harder to install a system designed for monitoring services. And lots of people don’t have it in their monthly budget for a 24 monitoring service.
When there isn’t a 24-hour monitoring or auto dialing feature, the system will just have an alarm or siren that goes off when the security system is triggered.
If the system is not connected to a monitoring system or auto dialer, it’s up to the homeowner – or whomever is home – to dial the emergency personnel.
Easy to Install DIY Home Security Systems
The most basic wireless DIY security system is the easiest to install. It will have a control panel, window and door sensors, and maybe a motion sensor and siren. But you can add components to the system which enhance its capabilities.
For example, you can add one or more wireless surveillance cameras. Cameras can be installed inside the house to monitor activities or outside to add security to the front door or other areas.
If you install wired cameras, the options for placement are more limited than for wireless cameras.
You can also add motion detectors with the DIY home security systems. Motion detectors can be a bit tricky to place because pets can set off false alarms.
For that reason, some people choose to forgo motion detectors or choose motion detectors that are pet-friendly.
How to Place the Sensors?
When designing the DIY security system the goal is to place sensors where burglars are most likely to make an entry attempt. If you install a system with fire alert capability you will also have to set sensors in locations that will give you the most notice for safe escape.
Sensors should be placed on windows and doors that give entry to the outside. Sensors should also be placed on sliding glass doors which are a prime target of burglars.
(Windows are the primary point of entry for burglars with doors being second.)
Some DIY home security systems are quite sophisticated and include options like lighting control. But most DIY systems are fairly basic and easy to install.
So those are some of the main benefits of a Do-It-Yourself Security system. Regardless of which system you choose, statistics show that approximately 74% of failed burglary attempts are due to alarm systems sounding. This clearly shows that installing a home security system is well worth the time, effort and money.
Further Reading:
- DIY Home Alarm Systems: Learn the advantages and disadvantages of installing a Do-it-yourself home alarm system.
- DIY Home Security Systems