DIY Home Security Systems

Installing Your Own Home Security System

When it comes to home alarm systems, making the decision over which do it yourself security system to install in your home is a significant one. There are currently a wide variety of alarm choices on the market each offering a number of advantages over each other. In this article we will discuss a number of self-install alarm system choices and the benefits and drawbacks of each.

Why Choose a Self-Install Alarm System?

No Strangers in Your Home

When it comes to home security making the choice to have an alarm system is a significant factor in keeping your home and your possessions safe. While a number of families choose to go with large alarm system companies who install their systems (often free of charge,) some families opt instead to go with self installation alarm systems. Most DIY home security systems are relatively easy to install for anyone with home improvement experience and many of these systems come with the added benefit of being manufactured by a large home security corporation. Ease of installation alone is not a significant reason to choose a self installed home alarm system but it does offer a reduction in out of pocket expense in some cases. Deciding to self install a home alarm system also offers peace of mind for homeowners who do not feel comfortable allowing contracted workers of the home alarm company in to their home. The contracted workers that install home alarm systems may be background checked by the companies that they work for but there is always a possibility that inviting a stranger in to your home could result in trouble.

Affordable Customized Home Security Systems

One of the most significant benefits in installing a DIY home security system is the ability to customize every aspect of your system to your individual needs. While many home security companies offer a wide array of features on their home alarm systems customizing your own system can help to ensure that you feel confident in how well your home is protected. Choosing to go with installing your own customized alarm system can also help to reduce the cost involved with adding multiple “extra” features to your home security lineup.

No Pressure Purchasing

Another added bonus of choosing to install your own security system is the lack of pressure when it comes to choosing the right system for your home. Oftentimes families feel pressured when a home security representative visits their home to suggest a professionally installed security system. While it is important to maintain a secure home, not all families can afford the top of the line alarm systems pushed by home security representatives and this can often lead to guilt and overspending. No one likes to feel as though they are “being cheap” or not protecting their family with a top of the line security system and choosing to install a self-install alarm system avoids this all together.

High Quality Products

One thing that many people are concerned about when they are deciding whether or not to install their own home alarm system is the quality of the product that they are choosing. A common misconception is that DIY home security systems are inferior to professionally installed home alarm systems – this is simply not true. In fact a number of the self install home alarm systems that will be covered in this article are produced by the same big companies that do professionally installed systems. These security companies have come to realize that professionally installed systems are not for everyone and in an effort to maintain business they have begun to offer a selection of self installed systems as well. The quality of these self installation systems rarely differs in comparison to professionally installed systems, particularly when produced by the same manufacturer.

Availability of Guidance during Installation

Another aspect of self installation of a home security system that concerns many homeowners is the availability of guidance during the installation process. Many individuals who feel confident in their home improvement and “do it yourself” skills at the initial stages of installation may soon find that they are not as confident as they believed themselves to be towards the latter stages of installation. In order to avoid this some choose to go with a professionally installed security system; however, there are a significant number of resources to assist those who decide to go with self installation. The primary source of assistance during the installation process is generally the manufacturing company. A large portion of manufacturing companies provide a “FAQ” packet as well as contact information for any questions that may arise during the installation of their home alarm system. In addition there are also many online resources that can be helpful with the installation process. Lastly any local handyman or home improvement or home security store employee can offer help in a pinch but for the most part manufacturing companies make customer support a priority when it comes to their systems.

Deciding which DIY home security System is Right for You

Deciding which self-install security system is the right choice for you can feel overwhelming due to the sheer number of systems that are currently available. While everyone would like to be able to go with the top of the line system for their home the truth is that this is not always financially feasible and so it is important to be able to find an affordable, yet quality home security product.

FrontPoint

FrontPoint, the winner of our 2010 home alarm system award, offers a series of home security systems that are offered to the “do it yourselfer” who wants a system that they can rely on. The technology behind FrontPoint home alarm systems is produced by GE and these systems were designed to be user friendly in terms of both set up and control. FrontPoint offers a wide array of alarm systems that vary depending upon individual needs and each system is easy to set up and comes with complete customer service to address any installation concerns that may arise. Some of the beneficial features that come with the FrontPoint home alarm systems include:

• Wireless cellular linking that does not rely upon a traditional land line to link the alarm system to the alarm monitoring company.
• Wireless home security systems that make for much easier installation.
• Immediate communication of activity from the alarm system to the monitoring company to prevent delay in transmission of emergency signals.
• A variety of professional monitoring service packages that monitor the alarm system 24/7.
• Mobile security apps to monitor and control the home security system via cell phone access.
• Live video access from smart phones, the web or e-mail.
• Customization of each alarm sensor within the home.
• Alarm systems come ready to install reducing the potential for confusion during the installation process.
• Systems are easy to expand should you decide to add more equipment to monitor the home.
• Systems are easy to move from one home to another when moving due to the fact that they are wireless and easy to set up and customize.
• Production of systems from a trusted and highly rated home security company.
• 30-day money back guarantee for customers who decide that FrontPoint is not the system for them.
• Fast delivery of home security components.
• Wide selection of home security accessories including keychain remotes and panic pendants.

Learn more about FrontPoint on their website, or talk to a representative by calling (888) 268-6273.

FrontPoint Security Overview [Video]

ADT Pulse

ADT Pulse, the 3rd place recipient of our 2010 home alarm system award, is a unique product in terms of home security in that it is less of an alarm system and more of an alarm monitoring system. ADT Pulse utilizes a new technology referred to as “Z-Wave” technology which allows the homeowner to take control of their home alarm system from a cell phone or a computer. This software allows a number of features which are beneficial in maintaining a secure home including:

• The ability to monitor a home “on the go” with remote web and mobile access and remote arm and disarming features.
• Full home automation from arming and disarming the security system to turning on lights and controlling the climate of the home.
• Easy to use and easy to customize controls and software.
• 24/7 monitoring from a large home security company (ADT.)
• Carbon monoxide, flood and fire monitoring.
• Email and text alerts.
• Small appliance control.
• Remote real-time video.
• Touch screen home control of the alarm system.
• Professional customization of a system which allows full remote control of alarm features.

Learn more about ADT on their website, or talk to a representative by calling (888) 672-3017.

ADT Pulse Interactive Security System Overview [Video]

Vivint

Vivint is a self installation home security company that boasts a wide selection of wireless systems designed to offer the most features for an affordable price. Products available from Vivant have been recommended by a number of reputable companies including receiving the label of “best buy” from the Consumers Digest. Not only does Vivint boast the availability of home security but this company also offers home automation and energy management features to help to reduce the cost of living for the average homeowner. Some of the beneficial features that are offered by the Vivint selection of products include:

• Affordable home security and monitoring systems.
• The combination of security, energy and home management in a single system with the Go!Control system.
• A touch screen control panel with remote control capabilities for full control of the home system throughout the house.
• Climate control capabilities from locations other than the home.
• Video Surveillance that can be accessed through smart phones and other web able devices.
• Motion detector recording on video cameras placed throughout the home.
• Access security or home automation settings from any web able device.
• A variety of security sensors including glass break detectors to offer the best in home security protection.
• Safety sensors to monitor for carbon monoxide leaks or other signs of danger such as smoke.
• Small appliance control through web able devices.
• Touchpad automatic door locks.
• Alerts to local severe weather to provide advanced warning to local weather conditions.
• Non-emergency alerts keep tabs on non-emergency activities such as the opening of a gun cabinet.
• A variety of home security packages for different monthly price points.

2GIG Go Control

2GIG Technologies offer a wide variety of home security products that boast the most recent updates in home security technology. The Go Control unit is the most recent home security product release from 2GIG and offers complete home security through full automation of both home security as well as home management.2GIG boasts a number of home security features that keep them up to date with the modern household including a lack of dependence upon the traditional telephone landline for service. 2Gig is also noted for being a company that keeps up with modern technological advances. Some of the beneficial features offered by the 2Gig Go Control system include:

• The integration of a color touch screen interface in to the home security system.
• Mobile access through any web able device to access the home security system.
• Utilization of cellular or GSM radio to eliminate the need for a phone land line that has the potential of “going down” or being cut by intruders.
• Integrated two-way voice which allows the home monitoring service to directly listen to and contact the homeowner in times of an emergency.
• Control of lighting, HVAC and other devices in the home that are able to be run with Z-Wave technology.
• A fully self contained system.
• Remote control access to the central alarm panel.
• Availability of 48 wireless alarm zones and 2 hardwire zones.
• Display of local weather alerts.
• 24-hour backup battery to sustain the alarm system even when power supplies are unavailable.
• 8 User code options.
• Ability to update functionality of the alarm system over the air.
• Quick arm and exit features.
• A vast number of products available to easily and quickly expand the home security coverage offered.

Homeseer

Homeseer is a large home security company that offers a number of home security products that give the home owner the ability to protect their home. Each of these security products incorporates the best in up to date technology allowing for complete control of the home through any number of web able devices. Established in 1998, Homeseer is constantly trying to improve upon their current technologies in order to offer the best to their customers in terms of home protection. Homeseer is also a certified Microsoft partner and utilizes Microsoft development tools when it comes to developing their own software for their home security products. Some of the beneficial features offered by Homeseer home security systems include:

• A variety of home security elements including push button door locks, flood sensors, temperature and humidity sensors and wireless camera monitoring.
• Lighting and climate control through home security system management.
• Android, Apple, tablet and smart phone compliant technology.
• Voice control capabilities.
• Compatible with Z-Wave, UPB, X10 and Insteon.
• Hardware and software based controllers.
• Free online support trial.
• Multiple home security units that are each compatible with the technologies mentioned above.

Vera

Vera is a particularly simple home security system that offers a number of the more modern developments in terms of home security alarms at a low price. Vera can not only be used as a security system but it is also relied upon as a home monitoring device like most of the other systems listed above. One of the great things about Vera is that it assists in helping homeowners to conserve energy through its fully automated process. Vera systems are available through a wide range of retail stores and are quick and easy to set up right out of the box. Some of the beneficial features of the Vera system include:

• Straight out of the box installation and web configuration.
• The ability to create “scenes” tying events together such as closing of the blinds and dimming of the lights with the single touch of a button.
• The ability set up both events and timers to ensure that the house looks lived in and that certain groups of activities can be automated.
• Mobile monitoring and controlling of the home alarm system through mobile devices such as the iPod Touch or a smart phone.
• Energy use monitoring and the ability to cut down power by alerting the homeowner to devices that have been left on within the home.
• Remote monitoring of video camera devices.
• Affordable yearly service fee.
• Secure remote access feature. SMS, Email or voice call alerts to events within the home.
• Video archiving availability.
• Automatic daily backups.
• Free tech support and 1 year warranty.
• Works on an open platform so further developments can be made by programmers.
• Compatible with Wi-Fi network cameras.
• Utilizes only 6 watts of electricity.
• Compatible with all Z-Wave devices.
• Easy setup.

Which of these DIY Home Alarm Systems is for you?

Even with all of the information listed above it can be difficult to make the decision as to which of these self installed alarm systems is the best choice for your family and your home. The first important thing to remember however is that you should not rush your new purchase. It is important to put a lot of thought in to your needs as a family and what products are being offered. Depending upon individual family needs, a system that comes from a large name company with years of home security history backing them up (somewhere like ADT for example) may be the best choice in home protection. For other families they may find that installing a system like the Vera-Z-Wave is a better choice because of a need to monitor energy consumption. Regardless of which of these home security systems you choose to go with one fact remains – each of these systems offer a level of protection that is better than no protection at all.