The DIY Smart Home: Installing a reliable security system

If you have essential tools and DIY skills, you can install a reliable security system in one day and save hundreds of dollars by doing it yourself. Installing a dependable wireless security system will enable you to protect your family and home. If you don't have the necessary tools for this job, search the phrase Xfinity store near me online to order your supplies. Some of the tools that you can order online include a pry bar, wire stripper, hammer, drill, drill bit set, and a screwdriver.

Save Money with a DIY Home Security System

Most wireless home security systems that property owners installed about two decades ago were unreliable. For instance, some homeowners had to stop their systems from producing false alarms. However, this has changed because modern homeowners can purchase professional-grade wireless security systems for their homes. These are easy to install, affordable, and extremely reliable.

The price of basic DIY home security systems ranges between $225 and $800. If a homeowner decides to include wireless heat/smoke detectors, they spend around $1,300 for their DIY alarm system. This price is half the amount they can pay a professional company to install an alarm system. The cost of a monitoring service that alerts the fire department or the police costs a minimum of $40 per month. However, shopping around can give a homeowner a deal of about $10 per month.

But, how do you plan a DIY home security system and have it up and running within a day? How do you save money on your equipment and make your DIY alarm system installation process neat and easy? Well, installing a home security system should be easy. Simply mount transmitters at the windows and doors, and then connect the control panel to the phone lines and power supply. You just need the basic tools to complete your DIY project. These include a wire stripper, a small pry bar, screwdrivers, and a drill.

A DIY home security system installation project will save you between $300 and $600 in labor costs and parts when executed properly. What's more, you will avoid the cost of a long-term monitoring service. Simply shop around to find the best monitoring service to save approximately $30 every month.

Plan Your DIY Home Security System

Start by planning your DIY home security system project. You may come across an alarm installer that recommends the elimination of window transmitters and the installation of motion sensors. Sensors are like motion detectors that work by turning on the outdoor floodlights. However, motion sensors are the causes of most false alarms. And, they only detect burglars when already inside a home. Therefore, don't be convinced to install motion detectors only.

Instead, find out the number of transmitters that your DIY home security system needs. Start by sketching all windows and doors at the ground level. Every opening should be numbered, starting with your front door. Also, include your garage door and openings at the upper level that burglars can reach without ladders. Add the patio door on the elevated deck too.

It's also crucial to include wireless smoke detectors in your DIY security system - each of these costs around $90. Once installed properly, smoke detectors enable the alarm panel to notify the monitoring service whenever there is a fire condition. The service will then contact the fire department. Each floor should have at least one wireless smoke detector. You should also add a smoke detector in every bedroom and hallway. A one rate-of-rise heat detector should be installed in every room that has a clothes dryer, water heater, or gas furnace. The detector should be wired to a transmitter.

Once you've done all that, decide on the control panel to install. Choose between a cabinet-style and a self-contained panel. Additionally, get a permit for your DIY alarm system. This costs around $25 per year.

Shop Online

Local electronic retailers now sell professional-grade alarm equipment. Therefore, search for your security systems or security alarms online. Focus on finding a supplier that sells multiple models and brands to avoid being locked into a wrong home security system.

Apart from an excellent selection, find a supplier that provides free programming for the system and extensive technical support. Ensure that your chosen supplier does not require a long-term, high-cost monitoring contract. It's also crucial to contact the supplier to discuss your preferred plan before placing an order. A good supplier will have a staff to help you come up with a list of materials and program your alarm panel properly. Also, ask the supplier to label components for every zone.

Choose Your Monitoring Service

The monitoring service that you choose doesn't have to connect your DIY security system to the police. You can have it trigger the alarm siren instead. However, alarm monitoring shouldn't be dismissed. Sirens might not scare burglars away. That's because their neighbors now take at least 3-5 minutes to contact the police.

A good monitoring service contacts the relevant authorities faster. Your insurer might also give discounts if you have a good monitoring service because they know why faster fire or police notification matters.

An alarm monitoring contract of three years can cost you around $40 per month if you hire an alarm installation company. However, you can save $360 per year by installing a DIY security system and dealing with the monitoring service directly.

Research has shown burglar target easily accessible parts of a home. Essentially, they don't want to encounter challenges when breaking into a home. Therefore, make sure that they know that you have an alarm system that is protecting your home. You can do this by posting window stickers, yard signs, and alarm permits to ensure that no burglar mistakes your property for an easy target.

Installation Tips for the Best DIY Home Security System

The easiest way of protecting windows and doors is by using surface-mounted magnets and transmitters. However, you can add convenience to your installation process, save money, and make the process neater by following these tips.

• Mount the magnet and transmitter 6 inches above the sill and another magnet close to the sash bottom. This will enable you to allow fresh air into the house and turn on your DIY security system at the same time.

• Include hidden magnets in your casement windows to make them harder to close or open.

• Use hidden contacts to give your magnets and transmitters a neater look.

• Use a single contact for several windows. All contacts for windows can be connected to one transmitter.

The Bottom Line

Installing a reliable home security system shouldn't be difficult. You need the necessary supplies and a guide to help you through the process. Follow these guidelines and tips to install your DIY smart home security system in a single day and with ease.