Traditional alarm systems can be very expensive. First you have the cost of buying the equipment and having it installed by professionals. Then you have the ongoing cost of monitoring the system and up keeping it. This can add up to hundreds – or even thousands – of dollars every year.
With so many homeowners trying to cut costs these days, but still not ready to give up the security of a built-in alarm system, many are opting for installing their systems themselves.
But, you may ask, how difficult is a DIY security systems installation? Not very, according to the manufacturer’s who are offering these build-your-own security systems.
The Advantage of Wireless Systems
In the past, installing a quality security system meant hiring a professional to run the lines and install the cameras throughout your property. This is no longer the case thanks to improved wireless technologies. Now that everything – including security systems – have gone wireless, there is no need to hire an electrician to run new lines and hook up those all-important sensors. Today, even the most unhandy homeowner can do it themselves.
The Types of DIY Security Systems Available
Not sure that you are ready to give up the full protection of your current monitoring system? Consider what parts of the system you like the most and then see if there are DIY kits that you can install on your own.
For instance, if door and window alarms are very important to you, then you are in luck because there are plenty of DIY security tools that you can install using wireless and battery operated sensors.
A variety of companies now offer such DIY security systems such as:
- Light Kits, which turn your light son either remotely, or when a possible breech of security is noticed.
- Window and Door Alarms, which set off a noisy alarm in the event someone tries to get in through a locked window or door. Attached to the door jam or windowsill, these alarms make a horrible screeching sound designed to scare away intruders if the door or window is opened. While not necessarily the best choice for main entry points, these simple devices are very good for rarely used doors like closets, gates and storerooms.
- Door stop alarms are located on the floor and can be easily moved, making them a great security device for those who travel a lot and want more security within their hotel room.
High Tech Devices
For those who want more than a simple door or window alarm, there are plenty of options. Some full-home kits now offer moving sensors, security camera options, motion detectors (both inside and out), smoke alarm capabilities; emergency medical help and even flood detection, as well as a variety of entry point sensors.
Easy to install, most of these DIY home security installation kits require little more than some double sided tape and a few batteries.
The Cost of DIY Home Security Protection
Ranging in price from under $100 to nearly $1,000, each type of security kit comes with its own features and options, as well as its own price. The average homeowner can usually find exactly what they need for about $200. Of course, the kit itself does not offer monthly monitoring devises, which can run $20-$40 per month.
Is A Monthly Monitoring Service Necessary?
When installing your own security system, be sure to consider whether or not monthly monitoring is necessary. In most cases, simply having a loud pitched alarm go off is all that is necessary to alert the neighbors of trouble and scare intruders away. For those not comfortable with just a loud noise, monthly monitoring may be the answer.
Monthly monitoring is especially good for older individuals who are afraid that they can not hear if someone is trying to get into their home or who may have a medical emergency that needs prompt attention. Those who travel a lot and leave their home unintended for long periods of time may also benefit form having a monitoring system that can watch for smoke, heat, and flooding within the home in addition to intruders.
Remote Security
In addition to full-fledged security systems some homeowners are now taking advantage of the ability to turn on lights and lock doors and windows remotely using their smart phone or other device. While this option does not notify you of a possible home instruction, it is a good way to safeguard your home by making it appear as if the building is occupied.
Staying safe is a priority of all homeowners. Thankfully, the cost of installing a high-tech security system no longer has to keep you from enjoying its benefits. Now, more than ever, anyone can enjoy a safer, more secure home by simply installing a security system themselves in just a few hours.