DIY vs. Professional Alarm

When you decide to upgrade your property’s security, you have two options — professional or do-it-yourself (DIY) installation. What’s the difference between DIY and professional installation? Working with a professional means you’ll pay a trained technician to set up your purchased security alarm devices during an appointment. When you DIY, you still buy the equipment but rely on your know-how and spare time to set it up. We’ve covered some noteworthy distinctions of DIY vs. professional security system installation below.

Why Buy a DIY Home Security System?

As a property owner, you might buy a DIY home security system to have more control over the setup process and customize it to your needs and preferences. If you have a few hours, the skills and patience, you’ll receive these benefits from going the DIY route:

• Affordable, upfront purchase: One of the top advantages of home DIY security systems is their affordability. They tend to cost less than their professionally installed counterparts since you don’t pay service fees or installation costs.
• Cheaper to install: With no service fee, you could save about $100 or more compared to most professional installations.
• Plenty of free-access tutorials: Many DIY systems are user-friendly and come with detailed setup instructions. Product manufacturers try to write comprehensive guides or use apps to walk users through the installation process, and it’s simple to search for how-to videos online. The quality of these instructions will vary, though.
• Useful for temporary living arrangements: DIY installation can be more versatile for rented homes and apartments where a more permanent security solution might not be necessary. Simply dismantle the system and move it to your next place — you can typically pack up the wireless components and take them with you when you relocate.

Overall, DIY installation can offer a cost-effective, user-friendly and flexible security option for improving your property’s safety.

Why Buy a Professionally Installed Home Security System?

People who aren’t tech-savvy or are uncomfortable with climbing ladders or fiddling with wiring can benefit from professional security alarm installation. Everyone who schedules an install from a trusted security company can expect these qualities:

Assured Reliability

Requesting an expert will cost you more, but you’ll get as close to a perfect job as possible. An experienced team will leave a clean appearance on your walls or ceiling with little to no exposed wires. They’ll also ensure every component functions properly together, protecting your environment at maximum efficiency from the start.

Proper Positioning

Rather than solve any guesswork yourself, a professional can locate sensors and angle surveillance cameras to provide you the most consistent coverage. Professionals have extensive experience with various types of security systems and alarm devices, so they know the exact placement for optimal security. One of the disadvantages of a DIY security system installation is that you may not maximize its use.

Direct Advice and Support

Why choose a professional alarm installation? Once your new installation is in place, professionals usually give you a detailed demonstration of the security system’s features, answer your questions, and offer their future assistance with troubleshooting.

Integration With Smart Home Devices

Many property owners prefer to pair their security systems with smart home devices, like outdoor security cameras and lighting systems. If an alarm goes off, for instance, you’ll be able to view the situation remotely from your smart device. Professionals will integrate these systems to ensure they work properly, creating a convenient, cohesive security solution for your property.

Advanced Technology

As a property owner, few things are scarier or more frustrating than a false alarm from a poor-quality security system. When it comes to DIY security systems vs. professional solutions, many opt for professional ones for their use of technology. These systems use the latest advancements in sensor programming, correctly identifying real intruders and threats for your peace of mind.

Longer Service Life

One of the differences between commercial professional alarm installation vs. DIY is that professionals choose security configurations that net you ultimate value and longevity. We’ve found that a poor DIY installation will lead to a system that experiences problems and needs repairs or maintenance sooner than expected, adding extra spending and frustration compared to a technician’s work.

How Much Do DIY and Professional Home Security Systems Cost?

The costs of DIY home security vs. professional systems will depend on factors like the brand, features and complexity of the system. Average costs for DIY systems range from $100 to $150. While they may have a lower upfront cost than professional systems, you might find yourself paying extra for equipment and monitoring services, which can add up over time. On the other hand, professionally installed systems usually cost around $200. These systems often provide more comprehensive security features and ongoing support, which contribute to their higher cost. However, the added security and peace of mind you get when an expert installs your system are invaluable when comparing DIY vs. professional home security systems.

Feature Comparison Costs

The following are some common features of DIY and professional security systems to give you a complete picture of the costs:

• Plans and contracts: Both DIY and professional systems often require monthly monitoring fees on top of equipment costs. These can range from $5 to over $100 per month. Some let you bundle security monitoring with TV and internet.
• 24/7 monitoring: This feature is most common among professional systems. They come with smart cameras that can detect your pets, packages and people while providing custom alerts for things like smoke detection. Professional systems can range from $45 to $60 per month and provide more extensive support than DIY systems, including staffed monitoring centers that typically start around $20 per month.
• Customization: Customization lets you configure your system. DIY options may let you build your system by selecting individual alarm devices, making it easier to budget or fit your preferences. Still, with professional systems, you can enjoy the convenience and peace of mind that comes from expert installation. An experienced technician will come to your property to configure the system, ensuring that you receive optimal security without the hassle of doing it yourself.

Contact Prestige Security Solutions for Professional Alarm Installation in Massachusetts

Do you have a large or complex security system to set up, or want to make sure the job is done correctly? The technicians at Prestige Security Solutions treat each project with a superior level of care, ensuring that your security system is expertly installed for maximum effectiveness. Our past clients in Massachusetts can attest to the peace of mind and enhanced protection that comes from professional installation. With our services, you’ll benefit from personalized assessments, advanced technology and ongoing support to keep your system running smoothly. Receive your free quote through our online form today and protect your home with a professional installation.