Our company installs professional security systems, so we’re partial to the overall advantages that come with this type of installation. While DIY alarm kits have several great benefits, overall, these systems do not measure up to a professionally installed security system.
In this article we’ll do our best to show both sides of the argument and explain why DIY alarms make sense for some. But we’re also going to highlight a few of the problems that come with a self-installed DIY Alarm systems.
Advantages of DIY Alarm Equipment
Home security equipment, monthly monitoring, and smart home automation comes with a cost. DIY alarm equipment is less expensive than a professionally installed alarm system. For those that expect to move frequently, most DIY security kits can be disassembled and reinstalled elsewhere.
DIY Makes Sense for Some
We’ll be the first ones to tell you that a DIY security system is better than nothing. If you’re debating between DIY and nothing, go with a DIY alarm system. Renters, lower income families, and people that move frequently are all great candidates for DIY alarm equipment.
General Do-It-Yourselfers see these systems as an opportunity to get exactly what they want without having to pay someone else to do the installation work. But there’s more to it than that. If you own a house, plan on staying there for a few years, and care about the security of your family, we’d argue that it’s worth bringing in a security professional.
Experience of Security Professionals
Of the plethora of reasons to choose a custom installed home security system over a DIY alarm Kit, the number one reason is for the expertise that comes with that professional. We’ve handled more security scenarios that you can imagine and have an outstanding reputation for providing top-notch service and workmanship, just ask a few of our many satisfied customers.
Every home is different and knowing exactly what to do to protect that home takes years of experience. Our technicians know how to think like a burglar and call on their past experiences to help mitigate other risks in your home, like fire, water damage, and carbon monoxide. You’re not going to find expertise like this in an alarm system you buy online or pick up at the hardware store.
Self-Monitored DIY Vs. 3rd Party Monitoring
If you’re one of those that fits the bill for a DIY alarm setup, be careful. There are two very different types of DIY security systems. Those that get monitored by a 3rd party, and those that require users to monitor the system themselves. While we’re big fans of home automation technology that sends alerts to a smartphone, BUT this shouldn’t be the only thing standing between you and a burglar, fire, or other disaster.
Meetings, church, weddings, funerals, dinner with friends, and a thousand other scenarios, could prevent you from accessing your phone at any given moment. If your house catches fire, just 30 minutes could mean the difference between saving your pets lives and the total destruction of your home.
No one can be at their phone 24/7, 365 days a year. Though it feels like we have our phones on us all the time, we can’t always get to it. Cellphones die. People sleep.
For this reason, do not buy an alarm system unless it has 3rd party monitoring. Otherwise, your alarm system only works “sometimes,” and that’s unacceptable.
Other Problems with DIY Alarms
Aside from those already mentioned, these are a few other complaints we’ve gotten about DIY security systems:
- Can’t Turn Off Alarm System Remotely
- Poor Equipment Quality (Cheap/Toy-Like)
- Easily Hackable Technology
- Doesn’t Offer 3rd Party Monitoring
- No Smart Home Technology Integration
DIY Security Vs. Professionally Installed Equipment
If you’re still on the fence between a professionally installed system and DIY security equipment, contact us. We’d be happy to discuss pricing, monthly costs, and get a feel for your unique security concerns to help guide you to a solution that best fits your needs and budget.
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