DIY Home Security Systems vs. Professional Installations 

All opinions are mine and mine alone.

DIY Home Security Systems vs. Professional Installations 

If you are in the market for a new home security system and you’re unsure which is the better option between a DIY approach and a professional installation, we have listed the pros and cons associated with each security solution.   

Professional Installations 

Having a home security system installed by professionals will give you the ultimate peace of mind in knowing the system is correctly installed. If you don’t consider yourself a hands-on handyman, you might end up worrying that you haven’t installed the system properly. What’s more, a security system can only truly protect your home if installed correctly and functioning as it should.  

Opting for professional installation also means the security will maintain your security equipment provider. Another advantage of professional installation is that you will be able to have a custom-built system that is tailor-made to your needs and the specific security needs of your home. You will be able to consider smart home security options that DIY devices cannot offer.   

On the other hand, the notable disadvantage of professional installation is that you will likely have to sign a contract and stay with the security provider for a fixed-term period before you cancel the contract if you wish to switch providers. What’s more, you will be required to pay an installation fee more often than not, although installation costs are sometimes included in the contract fee. In addition to these, professional installation can mean purchasing more equipment than you need in some instances.   

DIY Security Systems 

Opting for a DIY security system is a sound solution if you are relatively skilled at handyman tasks. DIY experts won’t likely find security systems a challenge to install. Another advantage of DIY security systems is that you won’t have to pay for installation or worry about extra service fees as you won’t be signing any contracts.   

The downside of investing in a DIY security system is that these systems are usually relatively standard, failing compared to smart home systems that professional services offer. You may be saving a bit on the initial costs, although you will have to monitor your home yourself if you don’t sign up to a service provider.   

The Bottom Line 

DIY security systems are the better option for smaller homes such as bachelor pads and studio apartments as these homes are usually situated in secured estates or buildings. Therefore, you wouldn’t need all the extras. However, if you are searching for a suitable security system for a free-standing home, the additions will be beneficial, and the home monitoring and call-out service will be worth the small extra spend.   

Professional installations are usually the better solution for homeowners with families and larger properties that need heightened security. So if you feel you need extra peace of mind, opting for professional installation and all the latest home security tech is probably the best solution. Before settling on a decision, you should consider your budget, the size of your home, and your home security expectations.