Home security is a big topic these days. Everyone wants to feel safe in their own home, but is it worth it to go DIY? DIY home security is a new trend that is becoming more and more popular, but there are some things you need to know before making the switch.
In this blog post, we will explore the pros and cons of DIY home security. We will also discuss what you need to know before making a decision about which route is best for you.
Pros of DIY Home Security
1) DIY systems are more customizable.
The first benefit of DIY home security is that they are much more customizable than traditional home security systems. DIY systems like Nest Home Security have dozens of add-on options, so you can pick and choose the features that are most important to you. This means that you can create a system that is tailored to your specific needs and preferences.
Most professionally-installed systems have limited customizability since someone needs to physically install each component. This can be both time-consuming and expensive.
With a DIY system, you have complete control over which features you want to include in your system. You can also add new features as your needs change over time.
2) DIY home security can be cost-effective.
The second benefit of DIY home security is that they are often less expensive than professionally-installed systems. When you sign up for a home security company like ADT, you are usually locked into a long-term contract. These contracts often have high monthly fees and require you to pay for most of the contract if you wish to exit it early.
With a DIY system, you only pay for the components that you need. There is no need to sign a long-term contract, and you can add new components as your budget allows. While it is typically a larger upfront payment, the price will equalize after a few months’ time.
3) DIY home security systems are easier to move.
The third benefit of DIY home security is that they are much easier to move than professionally-installed systems. If you move to a new house or apartment, it is usually very difficult and expensive to transfer your existing security system. This often requires you to start from scratch because professional installations usually require alterations to your home.
With a DIY system, you can easily take your security system with you. All you need to do is unplug the components and pack them up. This makes it much simpler and less expensive to move your home security system with you when you move.
Cons of DIY Home Security
While DIY home security has many benefits, there are also some drawbacks that you should be aware of.
1) DIY security systems require you to do the work yourself
If you are someone who is from an older generation, you might not be as comfortable with technology. This means that you will have to take the time to learn how to set up and use your system. While this is usually not too difficult, it can be a bit of a learning curve if you are not familiar with home security systems.
However, some smart home security companies are beginning to offer professional installation as a premium service. Additionally, you can hire someone to do it for you if you are not comfortable with doing it yourself.
2) There might be a lack of customer support
Another potential drawback of DIY home security is that there might be a lack of customer support. If you have trouble with your system, you will need to contact the company directly for help. Some companies offer great customer support, while others do not. It is important to do your research to make sure that you are choosing a company that will be responsive to your needs.
There are many online DIY home security forums where you can get help from other users as well. However, it is much more convenient to have a dedicated phone line with representatives that can assist you.
3) Most DIY systems are not professionally monitored
The final drawback of DIY home security is that most systems are not professionally monitored. This means that if there is an emergency, you will need to contact the authorities yourself. While this is not a huge issue, it is something to be aware of.
Some companies offer professional monitoring as an add-on service but it typically costs extra. With traditional home security systems like ADT, this service comes standard.
Final Thoughts
As you can see, there are both pros and cons to DIY home security systems. It is important to weigh all of the factors before making a decision about which route is best for you. We hope that this blog post has helped to give you some insight into the world of DIY home security!
What are your thoughts on DIY home security? Have you had any experience with it? Let us know in the comments below!
