Professional installation or do it yourself?
Installations are needed, for all security systems, but you have the choice to either do a do-it-yourself installation or hire a professional to install it.
Here are some tips if professional installation is needed:
- You are not into doing it yourself
- You have the budget to hire a professional to install your security system
- You have ample time to wait for a professional
The statements above are just a few from a thousand reasons. Either DIY or professional installation has its pros and cons. Broadly, DIY is less expensive, but professional installation is much more comfortable. Contracts are mostly required if you hire a professional to do the installation, plus a professional monitor system. Contradicting that DIY, it does not require arrangements or optional monitoring.
To help you make the right choice, we dig deep and spotted the pros and cons of security system installation types.
Professional Installation
Sit back and relax; this is the best part when it comes to a professional installation. You get to relax or even work while someone's doing the job for you. Reading pamphlets or listening to directions would not be your thing, and you won't worry about doing it wrong.
Still, you'd have to be there when the installation is being done, but you get to do other things and let a professional do it.
Here's another reason why you need a professional; the benefits you can gain from the experience of the expert. Opting for DIY might cause the possibility of missing screws or even damaging the whole thing. Imagine, motion sensor or voice control functions are very vulnerable. If not installed properly, you'd have to do it again or worse buy another set of a home security system again.
Lack of expertise could cost you not just money but your effort, leading to worse undetected break-in. An expert installer is proposed if you want to make sure your equipment is set-up correctly. An expert would be able to provide you with the ins and outs of the system installed and make suggestions or give options on making the best out of your home security.
While expert installation has its perks, there are obvious pitfalls. If an expert has to come out to install your home security, the cost is expensive. There are installation and activation fees of an estimated ninety-nine to five-hundred dollars, depending on different factors. Your choice of equipment, security company, and even where you want to place the cameras are considered.
Time is also one thing you need to take into consideration, and it is not easy to schedule time available both for you and the expert. You'll save time by having the expert install your home security, but you still have to be there when the installation occurs. In busy schedules, clearing them off for the appointment might be a real pain.
Nevertheless, there are many professional installation options that might suit your demands, for example, Vivint and ADT home security. But be sure to read reviews such as ADT reviews before deciding on one.
DIY Installation
Saving money is essential to everyone, and DIY means keeping the cost for installation and activation fees. Handy persons usually go with this option, depending on the choice of the home system it can be demanding. For a handyperson, DIY isn't that difficult; if you choose a wireless bundle, there wouldn't be a need for drilling holes or using heavy materials. A hard-wired option is more complicated and could be more delicate.
DIY means do-it-yourself which entails no waiting for schedules or set up an appointment for an expert. DIY is a hundred per cent your plan! Plus if you are not good with meeting new people or strangers, this would be your right choice.
Most of the do-it-yourself home security companies have more upfront expense, that's because you would own the security system from the start instead of having it on contracts. It means you can quickly bring your equipment if you ever move out. Renters choose this option more often as security system ownership collaborated with the wireless design is an utmost best for them.
DIY raises the bar as it is easier than you think. Although expert installation does not require you work, the work demand for do-it-yourself is minimal. Feedback of self-install has been reported, primarily from Simplisafe and FrontPoint, to be comfortable and only takes less than an hour.
There would be no need in using hard and heavy materials, as most self-install alarm systems are wireless. Plus, its components come with adherent backing, all that is needed is to put the control panel and sensors in place and then activate the system.
DIY installation isn't always perfect, especially in certain situations. Probably, you are not an expert in a security system, and you struggle in identifying if you are doing the right thing with the installation. There would always be live-chat or talk to a professional over the phone, but remember that they can never see what's inside your home. Therefore, the recommendations they provide might not be a solution to any issues you face with self-install.
Self-install home security systems have risks, and considering these risks would help you choose the right way. Chances of mistakes in installation and improper placement of equipment would overall risk the safety of your household.
Takeaway
It is a hard decision in making a DIY install or the need to hire an expert for the installation. Remember, know what type of system you need and consider the pros and cons of each install type.
To add up, for professional installation, depending on your place and residence, few companies can install your home security the same day you have called. Meaning, you could get an expert install your security system faster than a DIY system.
On the other hand, DIY does not mean you're working on it alone. If you ever run into a problem, companies would always have experts available via call or chat to help you out.
Author's Bio Tyler Pack is a real estate consultant and journalist, with a passion for smart homes technology. He is keen on writing about home and property security, and cybersecurity.