Should I DIY My Home Security While I’m Renting?
For various reasons, not everyone can go for the full package of home security with a contract. Maybe you are renting and will not be in the same place too long. However, that doesn’t mean that you don’t want to protect the property you are in right now. What are your options? Is there something you can do on your own, like DIY home security? Choosing a DIY home security system is getting more popular recently.
DIY Home Security Equipment
Although it is a DIY system, you still get the same high-quality equipment that the home security companies use for everyone. The best part of the advanced technology happening these days is that most devices are going wireless. This makes it possible to easily take the equipment with you if you move. So, the first order of business is to evaluate what you need. A DIY package usually includes the basics:
- Alarm Panel
- Door/Window Contacts
- Motion Detectors
Another useful item might be a video doorbell. The convenience is that it has a wireless option with a battery and a Wi-Fi connection. This makes it easy to temporarily install and move when you need to. Although the video doorbell has a livestreaming camera, you may want to add additional outside cameras depending on if you are in an apartment or house. Inside, you will use the window and door contacts at any entry points, but a couple of indoor cameras are useful also. With a DIY home security plan, you add the things you want and will use. This may include integrating your smoke detector and carbon monoxide detector.
What Are the Pros and Cons of DIY
There are advantages to both, of course. It depends on your living arrangement and your needs. A big advantage with DIY home security is that you stay in control of everything, from installation to uninstall when you move. You get to pick and choose what you want and where it goes. The majority of the devices are easy to install due to being wireless. Also, being DIY keeps you out of a contract and monthly fee, unless you decide to have it monitored or use a cloud service for any storage of your videos.
The main disadvantage is if you are not a DIY kind of person. There are some minor assembly and programming items you will need to figure out. Another negative side of DIY is having to monitor the activity on your own. If there is an alert of a window or door opening, you will have to watch the cameras to decide what action to take. If there is a fire, you may not see it right away. But, those are the instances where you get the alert and have to make a decision. What if you are unavailable at the moment or do not have a good signal to receive the alerts? Now the activity will be going on without any assistance heading that way.
Bottom Line of DIY Home Security
If you are in housing that isn’t permanent and you need something mobile, DIY is an option for you. Keep in mind that without outside monitoring, the responsibility falls on you to stay alert with the activity around your home. However, even when you have a DIY home security system, it is still possible to enlist the services of 24/7 alarm monitoring if you choose to do so. If you need assistance in making a decision, give us a call at True Protection Home Security. We offer where you can pick and choose the devices you want to add. True Protection offers a tech support line for your setup questions or how to operate the system. Our Resource site has manuals and videos that will walk you through your setup or device usage if you are still determined to DIY. Just remember, we are interested in your safety and see to it that whatever you need, we make it available for you. Give us a call today and learn more.
