A traditional home security system may appear prohibitively expensive at first glance, but did you know there’s a much cheaper option on the market? Known as the DIY kit, this easy-to-install system forgoes the need for a licensed electrician, thus saving you hundreds of dollars now and even more down the track.

You don’t even need to be a handyman to install these yourself. An eagerness to learn, a little research, and some good old fashioned elbow grease are all you need to set up your own DIY home security system. The following six tips should help you on your way.

Assess the Access Points of Your Home

The first step is to figure out precisely what you need and what you don’t. Unlike professionally installed systems, a DIY kit offers stacks of flexibility in its components; it can be as simple or complex as you want. Draw a rough plan of the access points in your home. Although it can happen, burglars rarely try to enter through an upper floor window or balcony, so you can treat these as a low priority.

Work Out What You Need

Now decide what alarms you want on each entry point. Be sure to cover the front door, the back door, and any accessible windows. There’s some of the best diy home security systems on the market. It’s worth taking the time to understand each one, so you know how to compile an appropriate kit.

Consider the following:

  • Wireless IP cameras are great for monitoring the outside of your home, some of which come with tilt and pan capability.
  • Wireless door or contact devices trigger an alarm when someone attempts to break in
  • Wireless glass break detectors trigger an alarm upon the sound of breaking glass
  • GSM alarm kits allow you to access your entire system over data internet using a SIM card which is inserted into the control panel. This allows you to access the system on your mobile phone, providing a viable alternative to a monitoring service, and also if your internet at home is disconnected, it will still work.
  • Motion detectors trigger an alarm when they detect movement within your home. Modern systems use advanced infra-red technology to avoid false alarms being triggered by pets.
  • External and internal strobes alert burglars to the fact they’re being monitored, which inevitably persuades them to flee the premises.

Get Professional Advice

Can’t quite work out whether the wireless door contact or the glass break detector would be better for your backdoor? Then you could use some professional advice. The Home Safety Store provides potential customers with tailor-made advice on DIY products, as well as how they work in conjunction to create an effective overarching system.

Choose Your Monitoring Service

A monitoring service will alert a remote team to a potential incident such as a break-in or a house fire. Staff will assess all available information and call emergency services or a patrol vehicle if appropriate. This near-instantaneous response could literally mean the difference between life and death.

The downside, however, is that monitoring requires a paid subscription. Over time, the monthly fees work out to be considerably more expensive than the cost of the home security system itself.

One of the significant advantages of a DIY home security system is you get to choose your monitoring plan. Professionally installed systems may lock you into a specific monitoring service, which isn’t always good value for money.

Gather Your Tools

Once you’ve bought your components and decided where to install them, it’s time to prepare your tools of the trade. But don’t fret, because DIY home security systems are relatively straightforward to install so you won’t need a fully-packed toolbox.

Gather the following:

  • Cordless drill and drill bit set
  • Screwdriver set
  • Hammer

Install Your Product

Now you’re ready to get into the nitty-gritty: installing your DIY home security system. Each component will come with a set of detailed instructions that describe how to install the device in various situations. Read these carefully before beginning the process.

Keep the following handy tips in mind to optimise your installation.

  • With double-hung windows, make sure you install the magnet and transmitter about 20 cm above the window sill. That way, you can open the window a little to bring in some fresh air without setting off the alarm.
  • You can connect multiple windows within a bank to a single transmitter. This method saves you money on electronics and results in a cleaner install.
  • Plunger contacts work when pressure is applied and appear more discreet, although they do require more effort to install.

Although installing a DIY home security system may feel like a daunting task, the financial benefits are certainly nothing to balk at. For some professional guidance, contact the friendly folk at the Home Safety Store the entire process will become a whole lot easier than you think.