There’s never been a better time to be a DIY enthusiast than now. DIY-friendly smart home devices have expanded in the smart market, giving you more options to choose from for every aspect of your home. Foe home security there are new systems with DIY-friendly installation and setup which are available through most major smart home retailers, and costs are plummeting. DIY-friendly home security systems use smart home technology and give homeowners more flexibility to make changes over time. The flexibility and ease of installation makes them a great option for renters. Some systems are “plug and play,” offering easy setup right out of the box, but more tech-savvy users might consider combining devices from different manufacturers. These tips will help you avoid any hurdles on your path to home protection.
1. CHOOSE YOUR SMART HUB AT FIRST
A smart hub with a digital assistant acts as the brain for your smart home. Digital assistants are voice activated and powered by artificial intelligence, allowing you to control multiple smart home devices from one central device. A smart hub enables seamless voice control across all your devices, but only if they’re all compatible. Doing your homework before you start shopping will help you avoid headaches later on.
- CHOOSE A COMPATIBLE SECURITY KIT
Many companies offer complete kits that include all of the basic elements of a home security system. Most of these packages come with an alarm, a handful of window and door sensors, and a motion detector. If you’re limited by devices from one manufacturer, you may not be able to upgrade your system with the latest technology over time. Some kits will generally be more future-proofed since you’ll have more flexibility when shopping for upgrades.
3. PICK A DIY-FRIENDLY ALARM SYSTEM
Most DIY systems take a more lightweight approach, with simpler installation and a wireless connection. Some DIY-friendly systems use window and door sensors that attach to your walls with paint-safe adhesive. This design makes them easy to install or uninstall and provides a cleaner aesthetic appearance that won’t draw any attention.
4. CHOOSE A PROFESSIONALLY OR SELF-MONITORED SERVICE
Most alarm systems use a subscription to a monitoring service to call emergency services if something goes wrong. This system ensures that the fire department or police are dispatched as soon as there’s an emergency, even when you’re not home. A DIY system that doesn’t require a subscription to a security service is much less expensive. You’ll receive a notification on your smartphone if any of your window or door sensors are tripped, but it’s up to you to decide if you want to call for the police.
5. CHOOSE YOUR PERIPHERALS
One major draw of a DIY home security system is the ability to add additional security devices over time. Most DIY kits offer a range of stand-alone devices you can add to your base system at any time. Having the flexibility to choose your peripheral devices helps you save money by avoiding anything you don’t need.
