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The Best DIY Home Security Systems
Whether you own or rent your
home, a security system offers peace of mind against theft, fire
and other hazards. However, monthly fees for professionally monitored security
systems may be too much for your budget.
If you’ve shopped around and concluded that monitored
systems won’t work for you, you still have options. Connected home technology
offers great DIY home security choices with the advantages of a traditional
security system at a fraction of the cost.
A DIY home security system has its pros and cons. Before you
commit, here’s what you need to know.
As the name implies, by going DIY, you don’t get
professional installation. On the flip side, these systems are usually easy to
set up. They’re wireless and require no special mounting hardware. Typical
units need only a power outlet (or batteries) and a place to sit.
Because you don’t have to drill holes in the wall to install
these systems, they’re a great choice for renters. You can set them up anywhere
without damage and take them with you when you go.
There are no contracts or required monthly fees, which makes
DIY systems an attractive option for keeping monthly costs down.
You can buy as much or as little security system as you
want. Most DIY systems are modular, with components like cameras, smoke
detectors and door sensors. Customize your system to include only what you
want. You don’t have to pay for a one-size-fits-all package with these systems.
You may be losing out on professional monitoring if you
choose a DIY system. The trade-off for no monthly fee is that no one’s keeping
an eye on your system except you. While some companies offer monitoring to go
with DIY security systems, a monthly fee will be involved.
Your system is only as good as your monitoring because,
again, without professional monitoring, you’re the one doing the monitoring. A
DIY security system is designed to work with your mobile device, letting you
check your system from wherever you are and sending notifications if anything’s
amiss. This requires a bit more attention on your part, so bear that in mind if
you choose a DIY system.
If a DIY system is the right option for you, the next step
is deciding what kind of system to buy. If you’ve already been shopping around,
you know there’s a dizzying array of options. We narrowed down the field to the
best systems for the average user, so we only considered systems that included
these features.
A hub with internet access connects all the individual parts
of your security setup and lets them work together. Internet access ensures you
can access your system from anywhere.
A smartphone app for remote monitoring lets you keep an eye
on your home.
Door sensors detect when doors are opened.
Window sensors detect when windows are opened.
Motion sensors detect when something moves within a room.
An internet-connected camera lets you see what’s happening
live in your home.
A high-decibel alarm scares off thieves and alerts neighbors
of a problem.
While the above features are essential for a good system, a
few additional features can make a good system even better.
Compatibility with other smart home gear can be a great
benefit if you have a smart home set up already. If you’ve invested in smart
home tech, look for a security system that works with it.
Battery backup allows your system (or at least parts of it)
to work without power.
Considering these features, we narrowed down the best
available DIY home security systems to you: the iSmartSafe. It includes our
must-have features, and each works with certain types of smart home systems.
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