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Home security has become a major point of focus for many homeowners in today’s world. As technology has improved, DIY home security camera systems have become a viable, cost-effective, and customizable way to secure your property. Setting up your own security cameras can provide peace of mind, assist in deterring crime and provide you the ability to check in on your home at anytime and from almost anywhere.
In this article, we’ll guide you through all the steps necessary to create a home security camera system DIY from selecting the equipment to installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting. Whether you are trying to keep your home safe from intruders or want to keep an eye on what happens around your property, this guide will help you build a no-fail home surveillance system.
Pros and Cons of DIY Home Security Camera System
Before we get into the details about how to set up the DIY system that’s right for you, however, we need to discuss an important question: why would you choose a DIY security camera system over having a company come install one for you?
- Affordability: While they are quite effective, commercial security systems can be costly, with significant setup and monitoring charges. On the other hand, DIY systems tend to be the more cost-effective route. You save a pile of cash, AND get high-quality cameras and equipment.
- Full Control Freedom: If you go with a DIY system you have full control over your surveillance system. Decide which cameras to install, where to place them and how to monitor your property. Most DIY systems include mobile apps or web interfaces, allowing you to access your camera feeds in real time from anywhere.
- GLS3 Features of a DIY Home Security System Flexibility and Customization: A DIY home security system allows you to personalize your configuration based on your specific requirements. Whether you have a front door that needs a few cameras, or a full-fledged system covering every angle of your property, the system can either scale or just be adjusted accordingly.
- No Recurring Fees: Most professional security systems require a subscription for monitoring services. DIY systems usually have no ongoing costs of any kind, except (if you so choose) cloud storage fees for video footage. So you don’t have to worry about monthly bills for your security system.
DIY Home Security Camera System Components
Setting up a home security camera system requires a few key components. Delving into these factors will allow you to make informed choices when selecting your system.
Cameras
The cameras are the most visible component of the system. Cameras need to meet certain criteria around image quality, night vision ability, field of view, and even the type of location they are placed in (indoor vs outdoor). The camera options that are often common are:
- Wired Cameras: These must be physically connected to your home’s power and network systems. They generally provide a more stable connection and potentially higher video quality, but their installation can be more involved because they use wiring.
- Wireless Cameras: These connect to your Wi-Fi network, so they are simpler to install since you don’t need to run wires. These are perfect for homes where running wires would be difficult, but these depend on a strong Wi-Fi connection and can have occasional lag and communication problems.
- Battery Operated: Select wireless cameras use batteries for operation, making them even more flexible in terms of placement around your home. But you’ll have to keep checking and replacing or recharging the batteries.
Video Recorder or Storage
If you go wired, cameras are going to need to connect to a network video recorder (NVR) or digital video recorder (DVR) that stores the footage. Cloud storage and other options Wireless cameras may offer cloud storage, or they may have the option to store footage on an NVR or on an SD card. Make sure that your storage solution has enough space to store video for an acceptable time (one or two weeks)
- Cloud storage: Some DIY security systems provide cloud storage as part of the service, meaning video footage is uploaded to a remote server. Although this allows you to access footage from anywhere, cloud storage typically incurs a monthly charge.
- Local Storage: Local storage options, such as an NVR or DVR, enable you to save video footage on a hard drive. This provides you with greater control over your data, but reviewing footage may necessitate having physical access to the storage device.
Control Hub or App
Most GST security camera systems come with a central control hub or an app through which you can access your cameras and review any footage remotely. It can be a smartphone app, a computer program, or a web portal. Be on the lookout for a system with a friendly interface; you’ll want to be able to quickly access camera feeds and adjust settings without being confused.
Power Supply
Some cameras require a power source to function, whether that be a wired connection or through battery. For wired systems, you’ll have to account for power outlets and possibly run extension cords. Make sure you have easy access to swap out or recharge the batteries for battery-powered cameras.
Mounting Equipment
If you want to install cameras outside, you will require weather-resistant mounting hardware, which helps to keep the cameras secured. Most DIY camera kits include mounting hardware but you may need extra tools or brackets based on where you intend to place the camera.
How to Set Up Your DIY Home Security Camera System
And now that you know the parts that are included, let’s step through the process of setting up your DIY home security camera system.
Step 1: Plan Where You’ll Put Your Cameras
When installing your cameras, survey your property beforehand and determine where you will place your cameras. Focus on high-risk areas like entry points (doors, windows), driveways, garages, and backyards. In a perfect world, the peripherals outside of your home should all have camera coverage and be clear sights of any would-be intruder.
For the indoor cameras, these could be hallways, living rooms, valuables rooms etc. Remember that cameras should be placed out of reach to avoid being tampered with.
Step 2: Selecting the Best Resolution for Your Camera
Choose high-resolution cameras when choosing your cameras. Higher-resolution cameras (1080 p or 4K) capture clearer images and are better for identifying details like faces or license plates. If your main aim is area coverage, a lower-resolution camera could be fine, however in high-security areas get the best resolution that fits your budget.
Step 3: Install the Cameras
After you’ve chosen the right cameras, now comes the installation. If installing wired cameras, ensure that you have sufficient cable to make it to the power source and the NVR/DVR. If you have wireless cameras, make sure they are within the range of your Wi-Fi network for a reliable connection.
Install the camera brackets or bases first. Use appropriate screws or anchors for the surface (drywall, wood, concrete). The brackets only need to be tightened afterwards before you can join the cameras to the mounts and position them in a way that covers the entire area.
Step 4: Power and Storage the camera
For wired cameras, plug the cameras into a power source, as well as connecting to your NVR or DVR. For wireless cameras, follow the setup instructions to link them to your Wi-Fi network. If your cameras work with local storage (for example, SD cards), insert the cards back into the cameras.
Step 5: Setup the Control App or Hub
After the cameras have been mounted and connected, install or set up the control hub to communicate with your cameras. The camera manufacturer setup instructions. Most systems will guide you through creating an account, adding cameras and adjusting camera settings such as motion detection and alerts.
Step 6: Test the System
Test all the cameras before relying on your security system, ensuring that they all work properly. Test the video quality, make sure motion detection works, and verify the cameras are mounted properly. Tweak a camera angles and settings if things are not as their should be.
Step-7: Configure Notifications and Alerts
Most DIY systems let you configure alerts for particular events, like when motion is detected or if a camera goes offline. Set these alerts to your phone so you can receive real-time notifications.
How to Maintain Your DIY Security Camera System
- Clean Your Cameras: You have dirt, dust or spider webs on your lenses.
- Check Battery Levels: For battery-powered cameras, monitor battery life and recharge or replace them as needed.
You can get this from manufacturers through their downloads section, so keep your software up to date as manufacturers often improve camera performance or fix security vulnerabilities via firmware updates. Regularly update the camera software to ensure that your system is secure.
- Check Your Footage: Make sure to check up on your footage periodically to be sure your cameras are functioning correctly and that you’re not having storage problems.
Conclusion
If you’re the DIY type and want to protect your home without the cost of a professional installation and monitoring fees, then setting up your own home security camera system is a great option. The good news is that by selecting the correct equipment, knowing where to place your cameras, and following the installation steps detailed in this guide, you can install a complete security system that brings peace of mind. Whether you’re worried about burglaries, package theft, or just need to monitor your home, a DIY security camera system is an excellent choice that can be tailored to suit your needs. Following these steps will give you the peace of mind of knowing you have a fully operational and reliable surveillance system working to keep your home safe.
