Wondering what are the pros and cons of DIY Installation vs. Professional Installation? Keep reading!
You’re probably thinking of installing a home security system if you’re reading this. A security system to secure your house is an excellent investment.
One of the first considerations to make when purchasing a home security system is whether to install it yourself or hire a professional.
Whether you pursue the DIY or professional installation path, the equipment you need to protect your property has comparable capabilities and benefits.
What sort of home you live in, who lives with you, and your DIY abilities will determine whether a DIY home security system or a professionally installed system is ideal for you.
There are advantages and disadvantages to both DIY and professional home security installation.
According to Park Associates, 50% of all security system sales in 2021 were DIY, and the rest 50% were professionally installed systems.
So which one should you choose? Making the most educated selection based on your current security needs and budget is the greatest thing you can do before putting pen to paper.
To discover more, keep reading. We will examine DIY installation vs. Professional installation and take a look at the pros and cons of these installation types.
Key Takeaways
- DIY installation saves you a lot of money & saves you from contracts, while Professional installation requires you to pay a fee for the service along with paying for monitoring service.
- DIY installation means you do not have to buy everything at once, while Professional installation does not leave you that choice.
- The DIY installation comes with a risk of doing it wrong, while Professional installation gives peace of mind.
- Professional installation comes with monitoring benefits for more security, while DIY leaves you on your own.
What Is DIY Installation?
The do-it-yourself (DIY) option allows you to take control of your home security.
Many shops provide DIY security items, which you can find at big-box stores or online. You are responsible for purchasing, installing, and monitoring a DIY system.
One of the most significant advantages of DIY installation is the cost. You won’t have to pay for installation or monitoring, and you won’t be required to sign a security contract.
It’s worth noting, though, that many security systems are difficult to set up.
When it’s all said and done, you could worry if you installed it correctly without the help of a specialist or how to remedy something if problems develop. Think about whether you want to take that chance.
One of the biggest advantages of a DIY home security system installation is that you don’t have to buy everything at once.
Consider a DIY strategy that allows you to buy a few pieces of equipment now and add more later if you’re even somewhat hesitant about making a potentially large investment in a home security system.
Start with a single, standalone Wi-Fi home security camera if you’re just interested in what it’s like to live with a home security system.
Get one with at least 1080p resolution; however, a newer 4K one will give greater detail, which can come in handy when zooming in on a visitor’s or intruder’s face.
A lot of standalone security cameras provide two-way speech communication.
Pros
- You can begin slowly and add components as needed.
- It’s easier to move from one house to another.
- It does not need expert supervision.
Cons
- Installing in large, multilevel homes is more difficult.
- Maintenance is more difficult, and there is no one to call if something goes wrong.
- Although some DIY systems offer expert monitoring for an additional price, self-monitoring is less effective than professional monitoring.
Read: What Are Some Advanced Security Features In Home Security?
What Is Professional Installation?
Trained specialists create a bespoke system that matches your needs, install the equipment, and monitor your house with a professionally installed and monitored home security system.
A qualified expert will come to your home to install the security system, test it, instruct you on how to use it, and show you best practices for getting the most out of your home protection.
Installation could take an hour or two, depending on the complexity and size of your system.
Professional monitoring might also be useful if you are away from your phone and miss a notice.
When an alarm goes off, you may be certain that the security firm will contact the police or fire department.
A professionally fitted system may be preferable for effective security in a large property.
A professional system, in general, is easier to maintain and easier to combine with smoke alarms and other equipment.
Safety equipment such as smoke, carbon monoxide, flood detectors, smart thermostats, and other smart home gadgets can have better integration with a professionally fitted home security system.
A competent installation will also be able to blend all of this equipment with your existing décor.
Pros
- Personalized for your house and circumstances
- Monitoring for higher quality and reliability
- Sensors and other add-on equipment may be easy to integrate.
Cons
- Significantly more expensive than a DIY system, especially when professional monitoring is necessary.
- The installer may try to persuade you to purchase more equipment than you require.
- For apartments, it’s a bit too much.
- Transferring from one house to another is difficult.
Professional Monitoring vs. Self-Monitoring
Comparison Between Features Of DIY Vs. Professional Installation
Here are the differences based on common features between the two:
Contracts & Price Plans
A monitoring plan requires you to pay an additional fee which could range from anywhere between $5-$100 or even more.
A professional installation also often binds you in a contract that could be for a year to five years, depending on your choice of brand.
On the other hand, because DIY home security does not come with professional monitoring, there is no additional cost for that, and also, there are no contracts that bind you.
24/7 Monitoring
Many professional installations come with professional 24×7 monitoring, where you get help from the support center in case of emergencies.
In the case of DIY, the company ideally won’t offer this benefit, but you can do self-monitoring by setting up smart cameras, doorbells, and sensors and get live updates directly on your phone.
Price
The price for a DIY installation will ideally be less both for the monitoring plan and hardware. Whereas professional installation and professional monitoring will require you to pay more.
Customization
Customization is possible for home security systems as well, and if you have a tight budget, then this could be very helpful to you.
SimpliSafe, Abode, and Ring are some popular home security companies that offer customization.
Here’s what reddit users think:
DIY Security System or Installed Professionally?
by u/ericmchen in HomeImprovement
How To Install a DIY Home Security System?
How Much Does a DIY Home Security Cost?
In a DIY home security kit, you can buy equipment one by one, or you can buy a bundle and add more gadgets as per your requirement.
Most bundles start at $200-$400 and ideally include a controller, camera, motion sensors, door/window sensors, etc.
A larger DIY home security package may start from $1,000.
You can simply buy one of the bundles alone, or you can also choose to buy separate gadgets, such as yard signs, leak detectors, smart lights, etc., along with the DIY package.
How Much Does a Professional Home Security Cost?
The cost of a professional home security package depends on a lot of things actually.
Some companies may sell the hardware for a lesser price and make up for the loss by charging you more in installation or monitoring fees.
Some may do vice versa. Some add the installation cost to the equipment cost.
The monthly monitoring and professional installation cost range from $10-$60. In all, you may end up spending $700-$1000 or even more.
The Verdict
Neither installation method is ideal for everyone, so pick one that speaks to you.
Whether you choose a professionally installed home security system or roll up your sleeves and install a DIY security system, it’s totally up to you.
You are going to need to install a security system either way, but to not make the mistake of spending too much money or time is totally up to you to decide.
Professional systems are more secure but cost more. DIY systems are less secure but cost less.
Making this decision goes down to the pros and cons of both systems and evaluating them according to your needs and make the right decision by reading through these pros and cons.
FAQ
How do you make sure you compare DIY installation vs. Professional installation the right way?
Some components might be there with one of the installation types, and other components might not be present for the other one.
There, you have to come up with each of the details and figure out what you need.
How can you compare DIY installation to professional installation in the way that suits you the best?
You first need to understand these two types of installation the best way possible and then make a list of all of their advantages and disadvantages, and then you make a decision according to your needs and see which one accommodates those needs the best.
Are wireless home security systems reliable?
Yes, wireless home security systems are ever-increasing in demand and are very reliable.
This is because it is very difficult to hack into your system’s hub over a wireless connection.
The case would have been different if you were using a wired connection such as a landline which could easily be disarmed by cutting the line.
Shefali Jain is a Content Editor & Writer at National Planning Cycles.
After completing her graduation in hospitality, Shefali decided to follow her passion and started writing. Shefali has been writing for two years now and contributes to our website as a skilled editor and content writer with strong research skills. Writing product and service reviews, biographies, and book reviews are some of her key areas, among many others in which she specializes.
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