Do It Yourself Home Security

DIY Home Security

When it comes to keeping your home safe with a security system most people are tempted to turn to professional alarm installation companies. While it is true that professional installers may be a good choice for some, they can also be an expensive choice, and you may not receive the service or customizability you're looking for. The Do It Yourself home security market is growing, with a wider variety of offerings available to the end consumer.

Self-Install Home Security - Is it Worth It?

The variety of methods that can be utilized in do it yourself home security range from self installation of a system that is monitored by an outside service to self installation and self monitoring of security cameras. Does a do it yourself security system make you nervous? With the ever increasing availability of options and technologies, and professional alarm companies offering support around the clock, they are becoming more and more common. One of the advantages of a do it yourself security system is that you'll be intimately familiar with your alarm system and how it works. You'll also be able to adjust it and move sensors to fit your needs. This comes in handy particular in the event that you relocate. Therefore, a DIY alarm system does not have to be a daunting process, particularly with the wide range of technologies and  available on the home security market today.

Do It Yourself Home Security Options

Whether you are simply looking for an easy way to monitor who is at the front door when the doorbell rings or whether you are looking to lock down your home when you go out of town, you have options. Some of the current components for security systems that you can install yourself include: a wireless motion detector camera with a base station, external home cameras, smoke and heat detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, flood water sensors, temperature sensors, sirens, motion sensitive spotlights, glass break detectors, and door and window contacts.

Wireless Motion Detector Camera with a Base Station

A wireless motion detector camera with a base station is an affordable option for easy installation and minimal coverage of your home. When embarking on do it yourself home security project it is always easier to go with a wireless system since you will avoid having to run wiring behind any walls. Many new wireless systems are coming on to the market since they are the newest trend and they allow for fast and easy self installation. For an hour or two of work you can set up a wireless motion detector and its corresponding base station so that you can track movement within your home when you are absent. Most of the newer systems can be set up to automatically e-mail you with updates from the motion detector, so that you are aware when something has been captured on your motion detector. Other newer systems can also send alerts to your cell phone to let you know that something is changing within your home; however, unless you have an unlimited data plan on your phone setting up this method in inadvisable since alerts often come with attached still images from your motion detector.

Setting up a simple motion detector camera and base station is an affordable option; however, it does not allow for immediate contact with a dispatch agent to ensure full security.

External Home Cameras

External home cameras were one of the first types of security features to come about in the do it yourself home security market. Installation for these types of cameras is relatively easy since it only involves mounting the camera outside of the home in the desired area. It is imperative to purchase a camera intended for outdoor use, and again a wireless camera is going to be an easier installation; however, wired cameras are an option as well since they are generally more affordable. When picking the right camera for your home it is easier to work with cameras that allow for movement such as panning and zooming so that you can control how much detail you can see from the security of your home. External home cameras can be sold with a software to transmit a live signal through your computer or they can also be hooked up to a television to stream live so that when the doorbell rings you only have to turn on the television to see who is there. In today’s age the PC controlled software is generally the preferred option.

Smoke and Heat Detectors

Smoke and heat detectors may seem like a simple addition to any home – in fact most homes these days are built with them already installed, but for those homes that aren’t these simple additions can be a matter of life or death. Smoke and heat detectors are becoming increasingly affordable and are extremely simple to install without the help of a professional. Many of the new models of home security systems come with smoke and heat detectors built in to them; however, if you are unable to afford these upscale systems installing an affordable smoke and heat detector will serve to give you warning in case of the presence of smoke or the detection of heat. Certainly installing your own detectors will not dispatch the emergency services directly to your door like they may in some of the more sophisticated alarm systems; however, they will still provide warning of a fire breaking out in the home.

Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Carbon monoxide detectors are not as common as smoke and heat alarms in homes; however, they are becoming more prominent in homes around the world. Carbon monoxide is otherwise known as a silent killer because as it slowly poisons individuals in your home no one has any idea that they are being killed by this poisonous gas. Installation of a carbon monoxide detector is much like the installation of a smoke and heat alarm, it is easy, affordable and there is no reason why you should not add this life saving device to your list of home security elements. These devices can actually be purchased anywhere that offers smoke and heat alarms such as hardware stores, megastores and online retailers. When purchasing any type of safety detector such as a carbon monoxide detector make sure to purchase an item that has received good reviews and is made by a reputable company.

Flood Water Sensors

Flood water sensors are an optional feature on many alarm systems and while they are useful in any home, they are particularly useful in homes that have basements, close proximity to water or homes that are not occupied year round. Flood water sensors are a relatively inexpensive addition to your do it yourself home security system that can save a lot of money in the long run. Certainly flood insurance can help you to recover items lost during flooding but if you had the option to be made aware of flooding before everything was damaged by the water, wouldn’t you want to know? With alarm systems that can be monitored remotely (through cell phone or PC access) flood water sensors can tip you off to a leak in your second home perhaps weeks before you would otherwise find out.

Temperature Sensors

Temperature sensors are often confused for heat detectors that are used for fire detection; however, this feature that comes with some alarm systems is actually used most of the time for detecting extremely cold temperatures. Many people are unaware that if a pilot light goes out and the heating cuts off items within the home can become just as damaged from cold as they can from excessive heat. Having a temperature sensor feature on your alarm system is particularly useful if you have a second home or frequently leave town during the winter or summer months. These sensors allow you to input a maximum and minimum temperature at which an alert will be sent to you to warn you of dropping or rising temperatures that could cause damage via frozen pipes, moisture within the home, mold growth, people who leave pets home alone or have expensive heirlooms in the home that can be damaged by excessive heat or cool. If you fall in to any of the categories above it would be worth purchasing a self installation alarm system that has a temperature sensor.

Sirens

When installing your own security system there are quite a few options to choose from and most often these systems include sirens that fall between the 15 to 20 watt sound levels. While this level of sound is enough to warn an intruder that your alarm is working and that they have been caught red handed, it is not always loud enough to be heard outside the home so if you have an option when choosing the siren for your alarm go with a 30 watt siren. Not all alarm systems utilize sirens; however, they are a good option to go with if you will not be purchasing a monthly monitoring service since many times they serve to scare away burglars before any theft takes place.

Motion Sensitive Spotlights

Motion sensitive spotlights can be hooked up to an alarm system or they can be purchased individually to place around the outside of your property. When purchasing a motion sensitive spotlight it is important to make sure that there is an adjustable level of sensitivity to ensure that your motion detector will not set the light off with every fox that crosses your garden. Installation of motion sensitive spotlights is an easy process and simply involves mounting the spotlight in the designated area of your property. When mounting your light it is important to make sure that it does not shine directly in to any neighbors homes, this prevents awkward conversations in the days following your installation.

Glass Break Detectors

Glass break detectors are an optional feature that are now offered with most home alarm systems and are either vibration or sound detectors that are designed to set off the home alarm when glass is broken within the home. A lot of people see this addition as a luxury add on to their alarm system; however, it can be an invaluable addition to your home especially if you have a basement or area of the home that is secluded from the rest of the house. Many burglars gain entry to a residence through secluded entrances to the home such as basement windows or doors, back doors or even garage side doors and often times they do it by breaking glass to unlock the door or window for entry. Glass break detectors will send a signal to your alarm when the detector senses the vibration or sound of breaking glass in the designated location. This add-on can be placed in as many or as few locations as you wish.

Door and Window Contacts

Door and window contacts are a common part of all modern alarm systems and they are utilized to determine whether a door or a window is currently open within the home. If a door is open a signal is sent from that door sensor to the alarm panel and the alarm will not be able to be set. If; however, that door is opened after the alarm has been set then a signal will activate the alarm system and the alarm will sound. Much like glass break sensors these magnetic contacts can be placed in as few or as many door and window points of your home. Many people choose to utilize this type of system in every possible entry point of the home, meaning every window or door that can be opened, as a way to track when doors and windows are open particularly when there are young children in the home.

Everyone Should Take Precautions

There certainly is a lot of variety when it comes to choosing the features that you wish to install in your new home security system and while many of them may seem a little daunting to take on, many others are quick and easy installations that can save lives. There is absolutely no excuse for not having functional smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors in the home but if you are truly serious about protecting your home, your family and your possessions you won’t think twice about installing some type of security system as well. It may seem like a costly endeavor but in the long run it will turn out to be even more costly if your property is broken in to and your family members are harmed or your valuables are stolen.

All-In-One Do It Yourself Home Security

For those that don't want to take the time to setup and monitor their own system and its components, consider purchasing a FrontPoint security system. It's a competitively priced do it yourself alarm system that includes all the basic components (and optional advanced components) you'll need to secure your home, with the comfort of having it monitored by professionals. Alarm system monitoring is provided by Rapid Response (one of fewer than two dozen Central Stations approved to monitor fire alarms in New York City, they provide monitoring nation wide) and interactive monitoring (monitoring you can do yourself via the Internet or your cell phone) is provided by Alarm.com. Based on our investigation, they are currently the do it yourself alarm system provider to beat. You can reach them directly at (888) 268-6273 to find out more about the details of the system and your available options. We found them very responsive and upfront about our questions, without having sales pitches shoved down our throats.

Installed Your Own Alarm System?

We're always looking to hear back from our readers on their stories/ successes/ attempts at installing their own home security systems. If you've ever tried installing or creating your own do it yourself alarm system, please comment below with your experience.

There are a Number of Very Affordable Ways to Contribute to Home Security As Well

Added on March 25, 2012

There are a number of other, simpler tips that most homeowners can take advantage of to help with the overall security of their home as well. These tips generally do not require hefty amounts of money and include things like: fit a chain on the front door, avoid leaving keys outside the home, avoid letting bushes and vegetation overgrow outside the home, always lock doors, always close windows, get to know your neighbors and become part of the local neighborhood watch.

Fit a Chain on the Front Door

While many homes come with chains on the front door as a standard now, there are still more than a few that do not. While the majority of home invasions occur when no one is in the home, there are a few that take place while there is someone at home. Placing a chain on the door is an easy way to make a break in much more difficult for a burglar and it also gives family members a better sense of security if they are left at home alone.

Avoid Leaving Keys outside the Home

So many people keep a spare key outside their home somewhere. Whether it is under the plant on the front porch or in the fake sprinkler head on the front lawn, nine out of ten houses have one. This fact isn’t one that escapes burglars. If you wish to keep a spare key to your home somewhere where it can be easily accessed, find a trusted neighbor and leave your key with them so that if an emergency does come up you can still have access to your home. If you  feel that you have to leave a key outside your home, leave it somewhere unconventional such as at the back of the home where fewer people can see it being retrieved.

Avoid Letting Bushes and Vegetation Overgrow Outside the Home

It may just seem like a little neglect of gardening duties, but letting the bushes and vegetation outside your home get out of hand is also leaving an invitation for home intruders. All home intruders have to gain entry to your home somehow and all home intruders want to do it without being seen. By allowing your garden to get overgrown, you are providing the perfect hiding place for home intruders while they work at getting a window or door lock open.

Always Lock Doors

It might sound like common sense to always lock the doors of your home, but you would be surprised at just how many break ins occur because someone forgot to lock a door. The easier entry is to your home, the more likely you are to be targeted by a home intruder. Always ensure that when you leave your home the front and back doors are locked in addition to any other entries – this includes second floor balconies. While burglars generally will not choose to enter a home through a second story entrance, if there is something in particular that they have seen in your home and want to get hold of, they will try this means of entry.

Always Close Windows

Closing windows may not seem like a priority when leaving your home, particularly if you are only leaving for a short run to the grocery store. Certainly burglars prefer to enter the home through front and back doors (front doors being the preferred method of entry by far); however, there are many times where home intruders have gained access by a window that has been left open. If your house needs “airing out” do it while you are home, and always remember to close and lock your windows before leaving home even for “quick errands.”

Get to Know Your Neighbors

One of the most important things that you can do as a homeowner to ensure the safety of your home while you are away is to get to know your neighbors. When your neighbors know who you are and when you are expecting to leave town for any period of time, they will be able to keep an eye out for any suspicious activity in the vicinity of your house. Many times when people don’t know their neighbors very well, they find that when burglaries occur, neighbors simply thought that someone was moving in, moving out, removing or delivering items from the house. Of course it is always prudent to have an idea who your neighbors are before giving them detailed information on your personal schedule, so it is not recommended that you walk in to their home as soon as you move in and give them a copy of your day to day movements. Getting to know your neighbors takes a little time but there are some activities such as church going, local book clubs and neighborhood watch groups that can help you get to know those around you.

Become Part of the Local Neighborhood Watch

Becoming part of the local neighborhood watch is not only a great way to meet new neighbors and get to know those around you, but it is also a good way to get to know activity in your community. Neighborhood watch groups allow for you and other neighbors to keep an eye on what is considered abnormal activity for your community so that when something out of the ordinary does occur, someone will be more likely to report it. Neighborhood watch organizations also allow for members to have trusted friends to leave household duties to (such as watering plants and turning on lights in the home) in order to make the home look lived in even when you are not home. It may seem like a “hassle” to join one of these organizations; however, it is a small trade off to give a couple hours a week for a reliable and free security system.