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With home security being one of, if not the highest priority for most homeowners today, DIY home security systems are a less expensive, customizable option when compared to both professionally-installed and traditional systems. Whether you need to keep your property safe from intruders, watch certain areas around the house or just want to keep an eye on your family, setting up a DIY security system will give you peace of mind without costing a fortune.
In this complete guide, we’ll break down everything you need to set up your own home security system, from picking the right equipment to installation, monitoring, and ongoing maintenance. With the right tools and information, you can create a network of security that works best for the unique needs of your home.
Best DIY Home Security System: Why DIY?
Before digging into the details of a DIY security system, we need to first explore why so many homeowners are choosing to take the DIY route over hiring professionals.
Cost-Effective
The most significant benefit of a do-it-yourself home security system is the cost savings. Professional security systems typically include steep installation fees and recurring monthly monitoring costs. A do-it-yourself system, by contrast, can cost you a chunk of money upfront, but saves you from monthly service fees. Moreover, you can do it yourself when you feel like it, and avoid expensive labor.
Have complete control and customization
DIY systems provide far more customization and control over your home’s security configuration. Security equipment can include the types of cameras, sensors, and even monitoring methods to fit your needs, as well as readily upgrade or expand the system when needed. You will also have full access to the system’s settings so that you can update, set alerts and customize monitoring preferences.
No Long-Term Commitments
Many professionally installed security systems have contracts that require you to commit to a long-term relationship with monthly fees. DIY systems usually also don’t come with those contracts, so you can decide how and when (or if) to monitor your home.
Scalability
A DIY security system allows you to start simple and build up as you need it. You might also enhance the system by adding more cameras, sensors or smart home integration features over time — without having to throw out the entire installation.
Basic Parts of a DIY Home Security System
A good DIY home security system has many different elements. When you create your own system, it’s key to know what each part does so your household gets maximum protection.
Security Cameras
Cameras are the core of any home security system, delivering live footage of both the interior and exterior of your home. Read on to learn about the different types of security cameras, as well as some of their pros and cons.
- Indoor Cameras: Best for monitoring the insides of a home, these cameras are useful for keeping an eye on rooms, hallways, or entryways.
These cameras are designed to endure the elements, are weatherproof, and come with night vision equipment. They allow you to monitor the exterior of your home: the front yard, backyard and points of entry.
- Wire-Free Cameras: These cameras run on battery power and do not require to be hardwired to an outlet — making them easy to install and perfect for locations without nearby power outlets. But be aware they will have an impact on battery life and the stability of the wireless connection.
- Wired Cameras: These types of cameras need a wired connection to a power source and its main control hub. Although installation can be a bit trickier, wired cameras tend to be more reliable and provide better-quality video recording.
Motion Detectors
In your range of cameras motion detectors are essential to detection of movement in these action areas of your home. You can position the sensors next to doors, windows, or areas of heavy traffic, and they will alert you to any motion detected. Things like motion detectors can prevent break-ins or intruders by alerting you instantly on your phone, allowing you to react instantly to any potential threats.
Door/Window Sensors
Door and window sensors will notify you when a door or window is opened or tampered with. Most sensors are made up of two parts: one part is mounted on the door or window, while the other part is mounted onto the frame. After it is opened, the two parts are separated which sets off an alarm.
Smart Doorbell
A smart doorbell is a cross between a traditional doorbell and a wired-in security camera, letting you go far outside to see who is currently at your door. Many smart doorbells include two-way audio, allowing you to talk to visitors in real time via your phone’s app. This is particularly useful when fielding deliveries, visitors, or would-be solicitors.
Central Hub or Control Panel
The central hub or control panel is the brain for your DIY security system. This device will connect all your cameras, sensors, and other devices and allow you to control and monitor your home’s security from one place. Many come with apps; you have access and control of your security system wherever you are.
Smart Lights
Smart lights can even be integrated into your home security system to impersonate you when you’re out of town. You can program these lights to go on and off at specific times, simulating that someone is at home. Smart lights can also turn on automatically with motion sensors to frighten intruders away.
Sirens and Alarms
Sirens and alarms can sound if a breach or motion is detected, alerting you and scaring off would-be thieves. Some systems let you adjust the volume or what type of alarm you want, and some models come with flashing lights or other indicators that will further alert you.
Cloud Storage Or Local Storage
When it comes to storing video footage, you have two main options: cloud storage or local storage — the latter via an NVR (Network Video Recorder) or DVR (Digital Video Recorder). Since both services are cloud storage systems, they also allow you to access your footage remotely or at a different location and ensure that your recordings cannot be lost even if your equipment is damaged or stolen. While the cloud keeps your footage on-line, local storage means it’s well-kept on a physical hard disk, which provides you more management of your data.
DIY Home Security System: Installation Tips and Tricks
After choosing your security system components, you’re ready to install and set up your DIY home security system. And how to install it successfully.
Step 1: You Plan Out Your System Layout
This step focuses on planning the layout of the system you are about to create before you set up any equipment. Determine areas of your home that require monitoring: A church, place of business, or other organization may need to monitor all doors and windows, driveways, common areas, etc. This will give you an idea of how many cameras, sensors and other components you’d require.
Step 2: Set up Tweeters and Sensors
Begin by installing the cameras and motion sensors at the locations where you mapped out during the planning stage. If you use wired cameras, be sure to run the cables the proper way and secure them along walls or ceilings to eliminate tripping hazards. If using wireless cameras, this means within Wi-Fi range for a solid connection.
For door and window sensors, attach the one magnetized component to the door or window and the other to the frame per the manufacturer’s instructions. Confirm that they align correctly to engage an alert when opened.
Step 3: Set Up The Control Hub
Next, place the control hub or base station in an optimal location. This will be the command hub for your system. Plug the hub into your home’s internet, then ensure all devices are properly connected. Most DIY systems will walk you through this process using a smartphone app, making it straightforward to connect everything.
Step 4: Test the System
Once installed, test all your devices to make sure they’re functioning correctly. Move past motion detectors, open doors and windows, and see if any of your cameras are recording footage. Look at your smartphone app or control panel to ensure you receive notifications and alerts when motion is detected or a sensor is triggered.
Step 5: Set up the Alerts and Monitoring Preferences
Most DIY home security systems let you make adjustments to notifications and monitoring to your liking. Set alerts for when motion is detected, when someone rings the doorbel, or if a door or window is opened. Set up how often you want to be notified and whether you want a push notification, email or text message.
Step 6: Ongoing Maintenance and Updates
And after your system has been built, don’t neglect regular maintenance. Make sure your cameras and lenses are clean and not obstructed, and check battery levels, and please, make sure you update your software updates regularly to keep yourself safe and secure. Test the system periodically to ensure that things are working correctly.
Conclusion
Installing a home security system yourself is a convenient, affordable method to secure your home and family. Want your house to feel secure? Choose the right equipment, install each component in the right way, and tailor your system to your needs so you don’t have to worry about it.
A DIY home security guard arrangement gives long-haul incentive in that you can promptly scale and make changes to your system as necessary, so your property stays secured from common dangers. Whether you want to prevent break-ins, keep an eye on deliveries or monitor family members, this step-by-step guide can help you make a home security setup that works for your lifestyle (and how much you’re willing to spend).
