The Rise of DIY Home Security: Pros & Cons of Self-Installation Systems
One of the critical decisions you’ll have to make for your home security system is whether to install it yourself or have a professional like NCA Alarms set it up for you.
Ultimately, the installation method you choose will come down to three things:
The kind of home you live in
Whether you’re tech-savvy
Cost (your home security system budget)
The DIY route is ideal for those who know their way around tech, particularly security systems, as well as those who live in smaller, single-story houses.
Professional installation, on the other hand, is suitable for anyone not adept in tech as well as those who live in large, complex apartments that may need monitoring and advanced security features.
Both DIY and professional installations have their pros and cons. We’ll go through these pros and cons to help you determine the best installation method for your home security system.
Can You Install a Home Security System Yourself?
Technically, Yes. But we don’t recommend it for a number of reasons.
First, if you don’t have the technical knowledge to install home security systems, there’s a chance you’ll do it improperly and run the risk of going unprotected.
Secondly, even with the skills, installing a home security system can be challenging, particularly if you have a big house with intricate security demands. There’s also the issue of remote access. A DIY home security system might not have cloud storage, which lets you remotely access live footage from your security cameras.
Pros of Self-Installation Systems
That being said, there are some benefits to DIY home security installations.
Save on Installation Cost
Cost is the number #1 reason most homeowners opt for DIY home security installations. By doing the installation yourself, you’ll save the money you could have spent on hiring a professional.
No Monthly Payments
If you’re trying to keep your monthly payments at a minimum, a self-installation system is the best option for you. These systems don’t require monthly payments and don’t have any long-term contracts that will oblige you to an ongoing monitoring fee.
Add as You Go
Opting for DIY home security installation means you don’t have to buy all the equipment at once, which significantly lowers your upfront costs. You can begin slowly and add components as needed instead of spending thousands of dollars on equipment you might not need.
Cons of Self-Installation Systems
Now, here are some of the downsides associated with DIY home security systems.
Need Tools and Ladders
Installing the system will require you to have specialized tools. This would include ladders, drill bits, power drill, impact driver, BNC crimp tool, and more. If you don’t have these tools, you may need to buy them at an extra cost.
Lack of Professional Guidance
Once you get your DIY system up and running, you’ll still need to know how to use it. And this is where a professional installer comes in handy.
A professional installer will walk you through all the features and important processes, so you can be comfortable using the system. They’ll also teach you how to maintain the system, so it can last long and give you the best service.
Missing Benefits of Professional Monitoring
Most DIY security systems don’t offer professional monitoring. While this means you can avoid monthly service fees, you’ll miss out on all the benefits professional monitoring can bring.
You’ll have to do the monitoring yourself, which subjects your property to risks. For example, you won’t always have someone keeping an eye on your home and alerting the authorities if something goes wrong.
No Guarantee or Warranties
The thing with DIY security is that you’re completely responsible for the system—from installation to maintenance and more.
Whether the system will work or not will depend on your installation. In the event it fails to detect an intruder, you’ll be at fault in most cases. The manufacturer will likely be able to identify a fault in your installation, but you’ll have incurred the losses.
There’s also the issue of warranty. Many DIY security systems come with limited warranty coverage or no warranty at all, which can be a concern if something goes wrong with the system.
Build Your Home Security System with NCA Alarms
If you want to ensure optimal security for your home, professional installation is your best option. With complications in installations, no professional guidance, the hassle of finding the right tools, and the issue of limited warranties, you truly don’t want to take the DIY route.
With NCA Alarms, you get professional installation, 24-hour monitoring, remote access points, and professional guidance at a competitive price.Get in touch with us today and find out how we can help youbuild your home’s security without locking you into contracts.