Home security systems are more than they used to be. Older systems were quite unreliable. Today, homeowners do not have to worry about false alarms or tripped wires. Basic DIY home security systems fill the void. Today, you can buy a basic DIY system for far less than just a decade ago. You can get a basic home system for a minimum of $200. They generally top out at around $1,000. Depending on what kind of package and add-ons you want, the price fluctuates. Do you want active real-time monitoring or more of a deterrent?
It isn’t difficult to plan your DIY home security system and get it installed in a day or less. Home security installation in the technological age is quite advanced. But how do you do it? Installing a wireless DIY home security system involves putting transmitters on windows and doors. Do it yourself and save anywhere from $200 – $400 in labor and parts costs. In some cases, a home security company may want to charge a long-term monitoring agreement. DIY solutions prevent contracts like that. Shop around and choose a device based on capabilities and cost. No matter what you choose, as long as you have a few tools, you should be able to complete installation.
Special DIY Home Security Considerations
First, consider permitting. Most cities and municipalities require a permit to install a DIY alarm system. You can typically expect to pay $20 – $30 for such a permit. Be sure to contact your city licensing department when you are ready to install your own system. If you do not get the proper permit and false alarm rings, you may wind up with more than an inconvenience; you could be fined.
But before you even get to permitting, you need to select a system. Fortunately, we live in the online era, so pricing a system you can afford is not out of reach. Whatever supplier you go through should not require an expensive, long-term monitoring contract. You can buy one if you would like, but with most DIY systems, it is not necessary. If you can find a good system online with simple instructions, there is no point in over complicating the situation.
Setting up Your DIY System
While you may hear from some installers that window transmitters can be left out in favor of motion detectors, we disagree. You want to cut costs with a DIY system, but you don’t want to compromise the safety net built into it. Motion sensors serve a valuable purpose, but they only detect an intruder once that intruder is already in the home. Obviously, this is an unacceptable situation. Ground-level door and window sensors detect immediate break-ins and alert you or a monitoring service immediately.
Also consider that fire often is a more immediate danger than a burglary. You can easily add things like smoke detectors to your system. You can also choose the type of panel. The fact is, you have a ton of control over what type of DIY home security system you choose, so why not invest in one today?