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Now, more than ever, it is important to be safe in your own home. Although there are many professional home alarm systems available, they typically involve expensive products, costly installation, and expensive ongoing monitoring fees. It is where most homeowners turn to DIY (Do It Yourself) all in one home alarm systems. DIY systems save money and let you tailor your home security to your own needs. In this guide, we’ll help you build your own alarm system, from choosing the right components to installation and troubleshooting.
Why Opt For A DIY Home Alarm System?
Before we get into the nitty-gritty of how to build an alarm system for your home DIY, it’s worth discussing why you’d want to do either and why you might choose to do DIY rather than a professionally installed system.
- Affordability: A professionally installed alarm system may cost hundreds or even thousand, depending on the system. The same systems can cost you thousands if you go with a service to install them, but DIY options are much cheaper. You can find many options for less than $200. If you install it yourself, you also eliminate labor costs.
- Customizability: With a DIY alarm, you can customize it to your exact needs. You can pick and choose which sensors, cameras and other devices work best for your home, and how to set it up in a way that works for your lifestyle.
- Control: A DIY system gives you complete control over your alarm system. You can control it from your smartphone, change settings and update the system when required without needing a third-party service.
- No Contracts or Subscriptions: Most professional alarm systems require long-term contracts and charge a monthly monitoring fee. By going the DIY route, you bypass those contracts and monthly fees.
DIY Home Alarm System Key Components
This is because there are many different components that you must explore to build a good DIY home alarm system. So here’s the rundown on what you really need in your security setup devices.
Control Panel (Hub)
The brain of your alarm system is the control panel—referred to as a hub, too. It links all your security gadgets together and enables you to keep an eye on and manage the system from 1 location. Some control panels have cellular connections built in, others work with Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. Choose a hub with a simple interface and remote access options — for example, it should work with a smartphone app.
Sensors
Sensors are essential for detecting motion, entry and other potential hazards. There are many different types of sensors, but the most common are:
- Door/Window Sensors: These are the devices placed on doors and windows to activate an alarm when contact is broken (i.e., door open).
- Such as motion sensors Motion detectors using infrared technology to detect movement within an area. These sensors are ideal for identifying large rooms or hallways.
- If your main entry point is a window, having a glass break sensor can be very useful, as they are designed to hear the sound of breaking glass, which can indicate that someone has broken into your home by breaking a window.
- Environmental Sensors: (Smoke Detectors, Carbon Monoxide Sensors, And Flood Sensors) All Add Layers Of Protection Against Fire, Gas Leaks And Water Damage.
Cameras
Video surveillance is an integral component of home security. Installing inside and outside cameras at your home also gives you invaluable footage should an incident occur. Many modern cameras come with features such as motion detection, night vision, and two-way audio, letting you watch activity in real-time on your smartphone or computer. Most DIY alarm systems offer optional camera integrations, but you can install standalone cameras from companies like Ring, Arlo, or Nest as well.
Sirens and Alarms
A loud siren or alarm is a must to notify you and anybody else in the vicinity of a potential break-in. Some DIY systems include built-in sirens, while others require you to buy separate devices. Choose a siren or a siren with sound modes that is loud enough to be heard from a reasonable distance and, if possible, has different sound modes depending on the type of alert (i.e. intrusion, fire, carbon monoxide).
Keypads and Remote Controls
Although many contemporary DIY Systems let control your alarm via smart phone app, the keypad and remote remains an essential key role in the system operation. Touch pads are usually located near doors and allow for quick arming and disarming of the system. Remote controls allow you to control the system from afar, which is useful when you are outside the house.
Backup Power Supply
Because most alarm systems need electricity to work, a backup power source in the event of an outage is essential. This will ensure that your system continues to work, even when the power is out, and that you have uninterrupted security.
How to Create a DIY Home Alarm System in 7 Steps
Now that you’re familiar with the key components, let’s delve into how to create your own DIY home alarm system, step by step.
Step 1: Plan Your System
Make an assessment of your home’s security needs before you buy any components. Go through your property and look for vulnerable spots, including entry points like front doors, windows and other access points. Decide how many sensors and cameras you need, and if you want to add environmental sensors for fire or flooding.
Step 2: Choose Your System
The market is flooded with DIY alarm system kits. These kits usually come with the control panel, sensors and cameras you’ll need to get started. Popular brands of DIY alarm systems include SimpliSafe, Abode and Ring. These systems are often expandable; if you need to add additional sensors or cameras in the future, you can!
Step 3: Setting the Control Panel
Installing control panel is your first step to setup your system. That’ll typically involve placing the hub in a central part of your home, like outside your front door. If the system needs to be wired it’s important to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for connecting your home’s Wi-Fi network or power outlets.
Step 4: Attach Cameras and Sensors
Next, place the door/window sensors, motion detectors, and cameras in their respective locations. To help, make sure you follow the manufacturer’s suggestions for mounting each component, and think about how far you’ll be from motion sensors and cameras at the specified angles. For cameras, make sure you have them positioned for the best angle of view on the most critical sections of your property, like the entryways and the driveway.
Step 5: Link the System to Your Smart phone
With most modern DIY alarm systems, you can control and monitor your system remotely from a smartphone app. Download an app recommended by the system’s manufacturer and follow its instructions for syncing it with your control panel. It also enables you to be alerted by notifications so you can see live video and interact with your system remotely.
Step 6: Test the System
After you’re done setting up, thoroughly test the system to make sure everything works as intended. Test every sensor to ensure its detection of motion or changes in status, and check that the footage from the cameras is clear. Activate the siren and see if notifications arrive on your mobile device. Testing makes sure that the system will perform correctly when you need it!
Step 7: Ongoing Maintenance and Updates
A DIY alarm system, like any security system, needs upkeep. Occasionally assess the sensors, monitor battery levels and clean the cameras to keep everything working correctly. Also, if your system has software to download, it doesn’t hurt to install it. This can include new features and security improvements.
More DIY Home Security Tips
When to use: Not only alarm system, you shall also implement multiple layers of security such as smart locks, outdoor lighting and security signs to deter intruders.
- Consider a Specialized Monitoring Service: Some DIY systems provide optional professional monitoring services for a nominal monthly charge. This can give peace of mind knowing that emergency services will be notified if an alarm is activated.
- 🏚Practice Smart Home integration: Several DIY alarm systems integrate smart home devices like Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant or Apple HomeKit. This means you can use voice commands to control your system and integrate it into a more extensive home automation system.
Conclusion
How to build a DIY home alarm system. Understanding the basic components is the first step, followed by some planning and installation for a tailored security solution. When you take control of your home’s security you’re not only saving money but you’ll have peace of mind knowing you understand how your system works and when it’s protecting your home. So, whether you’re enhancing your current security or getting a completely new system, a DIY alarm system can hold the key to safeguarding your home.
