When choosing a home security system, you will find yourself being asked to decide between a professionally installed home security system and a self-installed or DIY home security system. And depending on who you ask, they are both excellent, exciting options. But that’s not enough, you need to know their advantages over each other and what situations either system is best used. This post aims to give you all these answers and more Continuing reading to find out all there is to know about DIY home security systems and professional home security systems.
DIY Home Security Systems vs Pro-Installedat a Glance
Advantages
Self-Installed (DIY Home Security System)
- It is cheaper to install
Professional Home Security Systems
- It is more convenient to install
Self-Installed (DIY Home Security System)
- It allows for more customizability
Professional Home Security Systems
- It affords you a complex system
Self-Installed (DIY Home Security System)
- It is installed at your pace
Professional Home Security Systems
- Security professionals handle it
Disadvantages
Self-Installed (DIY Home Security System)
- Some tech knowledge is required
Professional Home Security Systems
- It is costly
Self-Installed (DIY Home Security System)
- There is no warranty
Professional Home Security Systems
- Your security is not in your hands
DIY Home Security Systems
DIY home security systems require you to choose from the many security units available on the market based on your needs and install the security system yourself. Many units allow you the option of a self-installed home alarm system with monitoring, but they can be quite pricey. Although you might end up paying less in the long run as all you need to pay is the lump sum for the units, there is no need to pay subscription fees that professional systems demand.
Features:
- Self-Monitored: The key feature for DIY home security systems and how it differs from professionally installed systems is that they are self-monitored. Here, you are tasked with receiving security alerts on your mobile or any other smart device of your choice and determining the best course of action. This can be time-consuming, but the flip side is that you control your security.
- Requires Some Technical Know-How: It is not as straightforward as the ads might make it seem. To properly install the system, you require a substantial amount of technical know-how, the lack of which might make your efforts towards installing a home security system futile.
Advantages of DIY Home Security Systems:
- DIY home security systems are cheaper to install. This is because you only need to purchase the unit and are not required to pay any subscription fees to monitor the security unit.
- You can decide to install the system whenever comfortable and are not tied to any deadline or schedule.
- You have the opportunity to install only what you need.
Disadvantages of Home Security Systems:
- It is time-consuming
- There is no warranty on DIY home security systems
- You cannot install the system without some level of technical knowledge.
Professional Home Security Systems
Professionally installed home security systems take away all the burden and responsibility from you. But, for a fee, they put them on the professionals. The process is much longer than DIY installation systems. It starts with a consultation, an inspection of your property, and an agreement between yourself and the security company on how best your security system can be installed and monitored.
Check out more information on how pro systems differ from DIY systems below.
Features:
- Professionally Monitored: Having your security system professionally monitored means handling responsibility to a team of experts. They are responsible for receiving and acting on any alerts received from your security system.
- Requires a Subscription: To be eligible for professional monitoring, you must have subscribed to a security plan offered by the security company. These plans are usually annual or biennial.
Advantages of Professional Home Security Systems:
- These systems are very convenient to install as you don’t do any work.
- This option is perfect if you have a sizable, multi-layer building. It allows the security company to come up with custom ways to handle your security.
- Professionals are handling your security. Their wealth of experience ensures that nothing is left to chance.
Disadvantages of Professional Home Security Systems:
- The subscription plans can be pretty costly.
Final Words
As you can see, DIY home security system and professional home security system both have their own advantages and disadvantages. You should consider the quality, protection they offer, prices and installation process required. So take your time and decide which one is more suitable for you.
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