When you buy a new home security system, after the first moment of excitement, you will soon realize that it needs to be installed. There are wires to be connected, CCTV cameras to be located, and inevitably everything needs to be tested.
At this point, you must choose how you want to proceed. In other words, you must either seek professional installation or do it yourself and put your DIY skills to the test. Since home security systems tend to be as sophisticated as complicated, the DIY options should be taken into account only if you are confident in your expertise.
To help you make the best choice to make your life easier, we have taken a more in-depth look at both the pros and cons of both types of installation. Before you decide, it may also be a good idea to check the installation manual of your new security hub.
When should you choose a professional installation?
Not everyone is into DIY, and if you are not passionate about drilling and hammering stuff, you will soon end up struggling to install your home security system. Besides, there are cases where, no matter your DIY skills, professional installation is always advisable, that is:
- When you need to install a particularly sophisticated hub, with multiple sensors and detectors, and CCTV cameras
- When the installation services are included in your budget or in your home security system’s price
When should you choose a DIY installation?
For many people, DIY is funny. Others find in it a way to relax. If you cannot wait to play with wires and you think you are ready to approach the installation of your home security system, then DIY is the right path for you. This is when you should proceed with it:
- You bought a simple home security system, which has only a few sensors and no more than a couple of CCTV cameras
- You do not wish to pay extra charges for installation
- You have no time to schedule an appointment with an installer, or you just don’t want a stranger in your house.
Pros and cons of professional installation
Let’s be honest: the best part of hiring a professional installer is that you don’t have to worry about a single thing. You can just sit back and relax. If your alarm doesn’t work, you can have someone else to blame, and you don’t even need to know where the pamphlet with the installation instructions is.
Another reason to choose professional installation is that you don’t need to have any tool belt in your house. Even the most complicated and delicate sensor will be installed in no time. Besides, often, the price for this service includes additional security assessments and also a tutorial to learn how to use your new home security system.
On the other hand, calling someone to install your hub will cost money, as well as time. You need to book an appointment, try to match your availability with the installer’s. In some cases, you may even need to take a day off from the office to get your equipment finally installed.
Pros and cons of professional installation
Whether it is about installing your home security system or even making your own dinner, doing it yourself always means saving money. In other words, if you are a handy person, you can try and set up your new security hub on your own.
If you are always busy and you only have the weekends free to dedicate to you new smart devices, choosing the DIY options means that you will not have to work around someone else’s schedule.
You can even install your system in the middle of the night, or at 4 a.m. on a Saturday morning. If you are paranoid about having strangers in your house, you will not have to invite an installer in your home. These are only a few of the advantages of the power of DIY.
It must be noted that the majority of home security systems now available on the market have been specifically designed for domestic use. This means they shouldn’t be too challenging to be installed without professional help.
In most cases, detectors and CCTV cameras are wireless, meaning that you don’t have to be handy with too many tools. Speaking of which, you should ensure you have the right ones to install each component. Otherwise you will have to buy some new ones, and this process will not be as cost-effective as you initially thought.
However, you don’t have to worry too much: components usually come with standard adhesive backing, which can be attached to different indoors surface. Outdoor installation, on the other hand, may require more expertise, as well as more patience, especially if you live in a rainy country.
