Installation of security systems: Security System Installation: Professional vs. DIY

Security System Installation: Professional vs. DIY

Security System Installation: Professional vs. DIY | SafeWise
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By

John Carlsen

Senior Staff Writer, Security & Smart Home

November 01, 2022

Go professional or DIY?

The quickest comparison is that professional installation is easier while DIY installation is cheaper.

Most professionally installed systems require professional monitoring and usually have contracts, whereas it’s easier to find a DIY installed system with no contracts and optional self monitoring.

Real savings

Our proprietary research says that the average monitoring price is $28.05 a month on DIY security systems and $50.08 per month on professionally installed systems. DIY security companies don’t need to pay technician wages or recoup equipment costs, so they pass the savings on to you.

Whether you install a security system yourself or pay a security company to do it for you is ultimately your choice, so it’s good to know what you’re getting into with each option.

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Choose professional installation if you want:

• Sensors for every door and window (especially true for large homes)
• Both indoor and outdoor security cameras
• A scheduled appointment with an installer explaining your options
• Installation fees but lower up-front equipment costs

Learn more about professional installation.

Best pro-install home security

Vivint home security

4.5

Monitoring starts at

$29.99

/mo

Advanced smart home tech

Customizable packages

Smart lurker detection doorbell camera

View Packages

Call

855-813-7566

Choose DIY installation if you want:

• A simple system with a few window and door sensors
• Maybe one indoor security camera
• Power over your schedule
• No installation fees but higher up-front equipment costs

Learn more about DIY installation.

Affordable DIY system

SimpliSafe

4.25

Monitoring starts at

$17.99

/mo

View Packages

Info current as of publish date. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.

Those statements are just the tip of the iceberg, so let’s dive in to the pros and cons of each.

Professional installation

Pros

No toolbelt required

Security assessment included

System tutorial provided

Lower up-front equipment costs

Cons

Installation fees

Time commitment

May not work for renters

Usually requires long contracts

The best part of professional installation is putting up your feet and relaxing while someone installs your home security system. While convenience is an important benefit of professional installation, sometimes you just want to feel safe again as soon as possible after a break-in.

In either case, forget your worries about finding the right spot for each device, watching tutorial videos, or reading an installation manual.

Pro tip

Depending on where you live, many security companies do same-day installation. In essence, you could get a professional system much sooner than waiting for DIY equipment to come in the mail.

While you need to be home during the appointment, you can use your downtime to catch up on work emails or get a head start on weekend chores. All while leaving the security system installation to the professionals.

Knowledgeable installers

Here are the main perks of having an experienced technician on site:

• They can conduct a security assessment.
• They troubleshoot problems and make sure the equipment works correctly.
• They walk you through the ins and outs of your system.
• They explain the mobile app.
• They suggest other ways to secure your home.

A good example of a technician’s training is knowing where to place a motion sensor, since installing it too high can reduce effectiveness. You don’t want a lack of security expertise to cost you time and effort, or worse, lead to undetected break-ins and false alarms.

A helping hand

Professional installation is also perfect for people with limited mobility. This way, you don’t have to worry about standing on a wobbly step stool or fiddling with small parts on window sensors.

Security cameras

While installing indoor security cameras is fairly simple—some just sit on a bookshelf—outdoor cameras are more complex. Sometimes the best view of your property is the worst place for a camera to get power. A professional installer can drill clean holes and run wiring so you get maximum performance out of your cameras.

You might also want an installer if devices require running power cables or working with electrical circuits. So if you’re installing a wired video doorbell or putting up a lot of security cameras, consider leaving it to the pros.

Pricing

Professional installation is a pretty sweet deal, but it’s not without drawbacks. Sure, a technician may outfit your home with cutting-edge technology with little to no effort on your part, but you should expect hefty installation fees.

Expect to pay between $99 and $199 for professional installation, depending on the security company and the type of equipment you’re getting. You pay higher equipment costs with a professional install, since these companies usually sell expensive equipment they design in house.

Contracts

You’re more likely to get roped into a long-term contract with a professional installer than with a DIY system.

In exchange for lower up-front equipment costs, the company spreads the costs throughout the course of your contract. Security companies make more money selling a monitoring service than selling equipment.

Look at it this way: it’s more profitable to lock you into a contract because every alarm-free month a company monitors your home is money in the bank (though selling mosquito repellent in Antarctica is a good alternative).

Contracts can be a bitter pill to swallow if you’re just starting out or if you rent your home. So choosing a no-contract DIY system you can take with you is a better investment if you move a lot.

It’s their schedule

As convenient as professional installation is, it’s also inconvenient to change up your schedule to align with the installer’s availability. If you’re already juggling a lot of to-do’s, time spent waiting for the installer can be frustrating when you’d rather be elsewhere.

Pro installation companies

If you want a professional to install your home security system, check out our top pick in our in-depth Vivint review.

If you want to learn more about the runners-up, read our reviews of ADT and Brinks.

DIY installation

Pros

No extra fees

No wires (perfect for renters)

No strangers in your home

No contracts, usually

Cons

You do the work

No professional expertise

Higher up-front equipment costs

Bigger houses take longer

Whether it’s painting a bedroom or installing a security system, doing it yourself is a great way to save money and maybe learn something new about home security. Still, even if you take pride in doing odd jobs around the house, it’s helpful to know what you’re getting into before you install a security system.

Wireless equipment

Without exception, modern security systems (even professional ones) use wireless sensors, so you don’t need to tangle yourself in a heap of wiring. If a device needs wires, it’s usually nothing more than a power cable you plug into a wall outlet.

Power up

The most common DIY devices with power cables are the security camera, control panel, and base station. Thermostats are trickier to install, but DIY security companies don’t usually sell these. Unless a company says otherwise, you can expect wireless equipment for the rest of your system.

Simple installation

Almost every basic component in a burglar alarm is surprisingly simple to install. It’s about as easy as changing a lightbulb or hanging a picture frame on the wall. Here are the basics:

• Most DIY security companies pre-program devices before shipping to save you time and stress.
• DIY sensors use an adhesive pad to stick to the wall or door. You don’t need to drill holes—you simply put your sensors and control panel in place and activate the system.
• Some devices, like smart locks, require a little more work to install, but you can usually do this with a screwdriver in 15 minutes or less in our experience.

Pro tip

DIY doesn’t mean you’re alone—if you run into trouble, most companies with DIY installation let you speak over the phone or chat online with a technician.

Time commitment

The real trickiness with DIY security starts when you realize that you’re installing more than one device. Essentially, security system installation is more of a time commitment than a complex operation.

Based on our own experiences, it takes about an hour to install a DIY system, unless you live in a particularly large house.

It’s your schedule with no fees

Another perk is having full control of your time, rather than scheduling around a technician—and it comes with the bonus of not inviting a stranger into your home or paying an installation fee.

While you sidestep installation fees with DIY security systems, you might pay a small activation fee to get intrusion detection monitoring up and running after setup.

Paying for equipment

With most do-it-yourself home security companies, you own your security equipment from the start. This means a bigger up-front expense, but it also means it’s easy to take your system with you if you move.

Equipment ownership and wireless design make DIY home security systems the best home security solution for renters.

If you don’t want to pay for equipment right away, some DIY security companies (like Frontpoint) offer consumer financing plans.

No contracts, usually

There’s usually no contract with DIY install alarm systems, making it an even better deal for renters. You pay for monitoring only when you want it. Depending on the company, you might get monitoring by calling customer support, logging into your account online, or tapping away in the mobile app.

Some companies with DIY installs still require a contract including Link Interactive and Alder.

No experts

Still, DIY installation isn’t perfect for every situation. You’re probably not a security expert, and that means you may struggle to know if you set up your equipment correctly.

And even though you can live-chat or talk to a professional over the phone, they can’t see inside your home to make specific recommendations that an in-person installer could.

DIY home security systems come with the risks of improper equipment placement and missing security vulnerabilities a pro would catch. Check out our home safety and security checklist if you want help spotting gaps in your security.

DIY installation companies

If you love the idea of DIY installation but aren’t sure where to start, take a look at out our reviews of  DIY home security solutions like Frontpoint, SimpliSafe, and Abode, and Ring security.

Final word

Neither installation type is perfect for everyone, so choose the one that resonates with you. Whether you pass the buck with a professionally installed home security system or roll up your sleeves to install a DIY security system is entirely up to you.

Contributing writer: Rebecca Edwards

Related articles on SafeWise

• Best DIY Home Security Systems
• Installing a Home Security System Is Easier Than You Think
• Do I Really Need a Security System?
• Do I Need an Alarm Permit to Install a Security System in My Home?

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Certain content that appears on this site comes from Amazon. This content is provided “as is” and is subject to change or removal at any time.

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Written by

John Carlsen

John is a technology journalist specializing in smart home devices, security cameras, and home security systems. He has over nine years of experience researching, testing, and reviewing the latest tech—he was the Smart Home Editor for Top Ten Reviews and wrote for ASecureLife before joining SafeWise as a Staff Writer in 2020.

John holds a Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism emphasis from Utah Valley University. In his spare time, he enjoys hiking, photography, cooking, and starting countless DIY projects he has yet to complete.

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Tips for Home Security System Installation

Save money on a home security system by installing it yourself. Here’s how.

Our editors and experts handpick every product we feature. We may earn a commission from your purchases.

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Grzegorz_P/Shutterstock

DIY Home Security Systems

Installing a total home security system has never been this easy or affordable. You can handle the security system installation, complete with burglary, fire, carbon monoxide, freeze and water sensors, in about two hours. And you can do it all without fishing a single wire. You can even add wireless video surveillance and get central-station monitoring for about half of what professional alarm companies charge.

Starter kits run about $200, but plan to spend around $500 to $800 to protect an average-size home.

Designing the right home security system requires some planning, so don’t rush out and buy a kit as your first step. You’ll wind up short on components you need and have extras that you might not use.

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Family Handyman

Reinforce Doors and Locks

Some burglaries and assaults happen at night. But the vast majority happen during the day when no one is home. Some burglars break glass to reach in and unlock doors and windows. But the smarter ones don’t because they don’t want to leave blood DNA at the scene. They’d rather kick in your door or pry open a window.

So your first step, before you even think about buying an alarm, is to reinforce all door jambs and add better locks to all vulnerable doors and windows.

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Christian Delbert/Shutterstock

Start with a Perimeter Plan

The primary goal of any security system is to detect burglars before they enter your home. That requires a sensor on every vulnerable exterior door and window. That way, the system can activate the instant a burglar cracks a door or window. With the siren screaming, most burglars choose to run, rather than risk getting caught. You’ll have to fix the broken window sash or door jamb, but you’ll still have your belongings.

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Artazum/Shutterstock

Evaluate the Openings on the Back of your House

Every openable window and door on the main floor is vulnerable. However, if you have an elevated deck with stairs, you must also protect the second floor patio door and all windows accessible from the deck.

Here’s the back side of a typical home. There are eight very accessible and easily openable doors and windows. Each door and window must have its own sensor.

Skimping on door and window sensors is the biggest home security mistake DIYers make. Trust us, the one window you skip, is the one window they’ll choose to enter.

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SUSAN LEGGETT/Shutterstock

Check for Side Vulnerabilities

This house has five vulnerable side windows. Don’t skip the garage window or garage exterior service door! Burglars love to break into garages. Be thorough and consider all possible points of entry when you’re planning out your security system.

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Breadmaker/Shutterstock

Move to the Front and Tally Up

There are seven more vulnerable windows on the front of this house. Add in a sensor for a garage service door and the door from an attached garage to the house and you get a grand total of 22 door/window sensors, which is way more than most home security kits include.

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Luis Louro/Shutterstock

Use Glass Break Sensors On Large Windows

Glass break sensors are perfect for protecting large windows that don’t open, like a large family room picture window. Or, they can add additional protection for especially vulnerable windows. But they’re not a substitute for an individual sensor on every openable window.

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Bertold Werkmann/Shutterstock

Use Motion Sensors as Back Up Protection

Motion sensors offer backup protection in case a burglar manages to get into your home. But they only operate when you’re out of the house. Don’t think they’ll protect you if someone enters when you’re sleeping! Quite the opposite, your alarm system actually ignores motion sensor signals if you arm the system but stay home. If the system worked any other way, it would false alarm every time you walked into a protected room.

Since they only work when you’re away from home and only detect a burglar once they’re already inside, they’re not much of a deterrent.

Worse yet, motion sensors generate the greatest number of false alarms, especially if you have pets. Because “pet safe” motion sensors can still false alarm if your dog or cat jumps into the protected area or puts on some weight. Use them sparingly and make sure you follow placement directions to the letter.

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Knumina Studios/Shutterstock

Add Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Sure, you’ve already got smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. But do they alert you by text or email if they detect a fire or CO when you’re away from home? We didn’t think so.

Neighbors won’t notice a fire in your home until the flames are leaping from the windows. That’s too late.

If you want to catch a house fire in the early stages, you need alarm-compatible smoke detectors. If you hook up to a monitoring service, they’ll call the fire department right away. If you don’t use a monitoring service, the system can call, text or email you and a list of friends and neighbors.

You’ll need one smoke detector in every bedroom, one in each hallway near the bedrooms and at least one on every level of your home.

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Helioscribe/Shutterstock

Add Water Sensors

Water sensors alert you right away if your water heater springs a leak or your sump pump fails and the sump overflows. The sensors are cheap (around $20 each), yet they provide tremendous value by alerting you early to a potentially devastating water problem.

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wiktord/Shutterstock

Add Freeze Protection

If you live in a cold climate, add a freeze sensor. The sensor works with your alarm to alert you if your home’s temperature drops below 41° F. That’ll give you enough time to call friends or neighbors and coordinate an emergency HVAC repair before pipes freeze and burst.

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SimliSafe

Add Panic Buttons

Panic buttons add an important layer of personal protection to your home security system. Use them to report a forced intrusion or medical emergency. They’re especially helpful if you’re connected to a monitoring service because police respond faster to panic alarms. Install a panic button near your front door and in bedrooms.

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SimpliSafe

Add At Least One Keypad

Some alarm systems allow you to arm and disarm from your smartphone. That’s a convenient feature, but it doesn’t eliminate the need for at least one keypad arming station.

You’ll need a keypad to allow neighbors and family to access your home when you’re out of town or in the event of an emergency.

Locate the keypad near the door you use most often. Add a second keypad in your bedroom so you can arm the system at night without your smartphone.

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Skylink

Use Key Fobs for Convenience

An alarm key fob works just like a car key fob. Instead of pulling out your smartphone or entering a code on a keypad, simply click the key fob to arm/disarm your alarm system. These are handy as you can easily carry them on your person and unlike a phone you don’t have to enter a full passcode.

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Skylink

Add Exterior and Interior Video Surveillance Cameras

Adding an exterior video camera gives you even more control over your home’s security. The motion detection feature starts recording the instant someone approaches your doorstep and sends you an alert. You can monitor the live action right on your smartphone, tablet or computer.

Plus, the camera’s talk-back feature allows you to converse directly with delivery people or have a “friendly conversation” with the neighborhood package thief. Turn the recording over to the police to help with arrest and prosecution.

Interior surveillance cameras operate the same way.

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Skylink

Additional Accessories

Emergency dialer: If you don’t want to connect to a monitoring service, buy a dialer and program it to call and play a recorded message to neighbors and friends to notify them of an alarm at your home.

Indoor siren: Add a siren on each level to alert family members.

Garage door sensor and switch: The sensor mounts on your garage door top panel and lets you know if you’ve left your garage door open. Command a close operation from your smartphone and the open/close switch operates your garage door opener.

Home automation lamp switch: Integrate home automation switching with your alarm system.

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Rick Muscoplat

How to Mount the Door Sensors

You can handle the security system sensor installation yourself. Apply the double-stick adhesive tape to the back of the sensor and magnet. Place the sensor on the jamb side of the door. Align the arrows on the sensor and magnet and apply the magnet as close to the sensor as possible.

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Family Handyman

Mount the Window Sensors

Follow the same procedure to install sensors on every window. Remember, as tempting as it may be to skip this step or to do only a few windows, it’s crucial that you get all of them. As we said earlier, the window you skip is going to be the one that burglars enter through.

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Family Handyman

Installation Tip for Fresh Air

The only downside to installing a sensor on every window is that you can’t open the window for fresh air and still be protected. But there is a way around that problem. Install a single sensor with two magnets. Open the window just enough to get fresh air, but not enough to allow an intruder to squeeze through. Place the sensor and a magnet at that open location. Then close the window and place a second magnet next to the sensor when the window is closed.

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Family Handyman

Add Yard Signs and Stickers

Interviews with burglars show that yard signs and window stickers are an effective theft deterrent. If the burglar thinks you’ve got an alarm system, they’ll move on to a more vulnerable house.

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Family Handyman

Don’t Forget Your Alarm Permit

Most cities and townships require an alarm permit if you subscribe to a monitoring service. Some even require a permit if you’re installing a local alarm that doesn’t call the police. If you skip this step and have a false alarm that results in a police call, you’ll get a stern warning and possibly a fine.

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Andrey_Popov/Shutterstock

Hook Up to Monitoring

Most home insurance companies offer up to a 10% discount if you install an alarm with monitoring. If you install either the SimpliSafe or Skylink systems we show here, monitoring costs just $15/month. In many cases the discount offsets the monitoring fee.

With monitoring, you get the peace of mind knowing that you’ll be notified right away if there’s a break in, fire, carbon monoxide or water leak, or a furnace failure.

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SimpliSafe, Skylink, Iris

Assess the Internet and Phone Requirements Before you Buy

Wireless door, window, glass break, motion, water and freeze sensors communicate with a hub or base station in your home. The main control must be centrally located in your home and have full time non-switched AC power.

To work with your smartphone, the hub/base station must also connect to your router with either an Ethernet cable or your home’s WiFi.

If you decide to connect to a monitoring service, you may also need a landline or a good cellular signal. Check with the manufacturer for phone and Internet requirements before you buy.

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MikeBiTa/Shutterstock

Install a Battery Backup

Some alarm systems come equipped with internal battery backup. But if you lose power, you also lose your modem and WiFi router, and that means you lose alerts from your home’s security system. Protect yourself by installing an uninterruptible power supply system (around $125) from any electronics store.

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Simplisafe

SimpliSafe Home Security System Is Easy to Install

The SimpliSafe system is super easy to install. There’s no programming. Just attach the sensors and plug in the base station. SimpliSafe offers six packages starting at $229. SimpliSafe offers “no contract” monitoring for just $15 per month.

Get more information, at simplisafe.com

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Skylink

A Skylink System Provides Home Security and Home Automation System In One

Skylink offers a complete assortment of home security and home automation components. Monitor and operate up to 100 security and automation components from a single hub. Skylink monitoring is $15 per month.

Get more information, at skylinkstore.com

Originally Published: October 10, 2018

Installation of security systems

DESIGN:
our specialists are ready to select equipment and design a video surveillance system, fire alarm or access control system of any complexity, both in accordance with the existing technical specifications and according to the description, guided by the wishes of the Customer.

INSTALLATION:
our specialists have many years of experience in installing security and video surveillance systems at high-level facilities. All video surveillance systems, burglar alarms, fire alarms, access control, barriers, turnstiles are installed in accordance with the requirements of current regulatory documents, SNIPs and norms. Extensive experience, as well as the technical and human potential of the company allows us to perform complex complex work with high quality and on time.

List of services for installation, installation, commissioning:

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The company “Intellectual Security Systems” provides post-warranty maintenance.

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• installation, connection and commissioning of black and white and color video surveillance systems

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SECURITY INSTALLATION – FIRE ALARMS

Installation, connection and commissioning of security and fire alarms of any complexity

• installation of security alarms
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