Having a security system can help to keep you safer and give you peace of mind both when you are at home and when you are away.
The idyllic times when people used to be able to leave their doors unlocked while they were away from home are long gone. Today, having a good security system installed in your home is important so that you can protect your belongings and your family from potential intruders. Home security systems can quickly alert you and the authorities when somebody attempts to break into your home.
What is a DIY Home Security System?
Traditional home security systems are installed in your home by trained professionals who are aware of the way in which intruders think. These systems provide guaranteed security for your home. To get a traditional home system, you will have to agree to a contract and may face early termination fees if you end it early. These systems come with monitoring 24 hours per day and seven days per week. There will be an upfront cost and an ongoing monthly fee that will pay for the monitoring, the equipment leasing and any maintenance that might be needed for the duration of your contract.
These systems used your home’s landline for communicating. Unfortunately, the use of traditional telephone landlines meant that burglars could bypass the systems by cutting the landlines on the exterior of the homes. As technology has advanced, newer systems were able to use cellular technology, which helped to negate the problem of intruders cutting the phone lines.
The advances in technology have allowed do-it-yourself security systems to proliferate. A do-it-yourself security system can include anything that makes you feel more secure, including motion-detecting lights and alarms, video cameras, and alerts that can be sent to your smartphone.
Modern do-it-yourself home security systems allow you to choose the components that you want and to install them yourself. They do not force you into multiple year contracts. These systems may allow you to sign up for monitoring services when you want them and cancel whenever you want without paying early termination fees.
The Best DIY Systems Available
If you walk into a local retailer to shop for a do-it-yourself system, you may be overwhelmed by the broad selection of systems that are available. Here are four of the best do-it-yourself home security systems and their features so that you might be able to narrow down the list and find a system that meets your individual needs.
SimpliSafe Home Security System
The SimpliSafe Home Security System is available for purchase at many retailers, including Best Buy and Amazon. This system starts at $229 for the foundation system. You can also choose systems with more components included for higher upfront costs. It provides monitoring 24 hours per day and seven days per week at a monthly cost of $14.99.
The system comes with a keypad, an entry sensor, a motion sensor, and a base station. If someone tries to break into your home, the base station will send an alert to the monitoring center. Setting up the system is simple and takes only a couple of minutes. Plus, you do not need tools to install it.
Currently, SimpliSafe is offering a deal in which you can receive one free security camera if you order a new system through its website.
Nest Secure
The Nest Secure home security system offers an alarm starter pack that includes a Nest guard, two Nest detects, and two Nest tags. You are able to add to the system with a variety of add-ons such as cameras. The starter pack has an upfront cost of $399. Plus, you can choose to have 24/7 professional monitoring and cellular backup at a starting cost of $24.99 per month.
You can arm or disarm the system from anywhere with the Nest app on your smartphone. If something happens, you will receive a security alert on your phone. The Nest Secure does not require professional installation, and setting it up is a straightforward process with the Nest app.
Abode Home Security Starter Kit
The Abode Home Security Starter Kit starts at an upfront cost of $299 for the system. The starter kit comes with unlimited self-monitoring with your apps. You will also receive three days’ worth of timeline storage and IFTTT channel access.
A nice perk with Abode is the no monthly cost for the basic service. You can add on cellular backup with the connect plan at a monthly cost of $10. This comes with 14 days of timeline storage and has a 3G cellular backup so that your system remains online even if your home’s connection goes down. For $30 per month, you can receive cellular backup services as well as round-the-clock professional monitoring services.
The Abode system connects with your lights, garage door, thermostat, and locks so that you can enjoy home automation along with your security. It is easy to install and does not require a contract or professional installation services.
GetSafe Home Security
The GetSafe Home Security system is a do-it-yourself system that starts at an upfront cost of $249. The starter kit comes with a smart hub, one door or window sensor, a motion detector, and an alarm siren. Professional monitoring is available at a monthly cost of $35 per month. You are not required to get a contract, but the company does offer one-year and three-year contract packages if you prefer to have one.
Professional installation is not required as it is fairly easy to install yourself. The company will provide you with an installation certificate so that you can get discounts on your homeowner’s insurance.
Home Security that Suits You
Both do-it-yourself and traditional home security systems will help you to protect your home and your family. Whether you choose a do-it-yourself or traditional system will be your choice.
To choose the do-it-yourself system that might work for your needs the best, you should conduct your own research into the different systems that are currently available, their costs and the features that they offer.