Posted on Tuesday, November 23rd, 2021 | 1,113 views
When it comes to home security everyone has questions and the first one is whether you they hire a professional home security installer or do it yourself.
The short answer is: if you value the security of your home and family, you obviously want the best home security protection. It means you want to know every camera will work, that there are no bugs in the software, that it can’t be hacked and that your alarms will still work when the power goes out.
Can a high level of security be achieved with a DIY installation of a home security system? It depends, but a DIY installation is not nearly as reliable as a professional install. In the end, true dependability is all that matters and can only be achieved by hiring a specialist.
Did you know?
With a DIY you’re setting yourself up for a letdown
We’ve had hundreds of customers tell us stories about their DIY security installs that ended up not working properly. We hear the same stories all the time: they spent hours reading setup instructions and setting up the cameras; they failed at properly programming the system, and in the end nothing works properly or reliably. It’s a common story.
Buying a home security system online or in a box-store may provide you with a cheap and easy to install product but at the end of the day you’ll always wonder if the system is working right. No one wants to spend the day installing a security system only to be disappointed and out of luck when it comes to valuable customer support.
With professional installations, the techs will be certified to use, install and configure their products and ensure the final product is a reliable system that will reliably serve you for years to come.
Product warranties
Did you know that the products installed within a professional installation generally come with a 3 year warranty vs a do-it-yourself installation where the products only fall under a one year warranty?
Like all products, security cameras, control panels, power banks and other equipment can all fail after time or through some manufacturing error. With a professional install, if there’s a problem with any of your equipment, you’ll feel much better knowing the equipment can be replaced long after you purchase it and that your security system is truly stable.
Workmanship
If you’re reading this, you’re probably not a security installation specialist; you probably understand very little about professional security cameras and you’re limited in your wiring abilities.
These are all areas where quality workmanship is crucial, because how your system is installed will reflect in the level of reliable security for your home.
A professional security camera installation involves adhering to industry standards, safety specifications and using proper outdoor rated wiring where required. In contrast, a DIY install can involve using substandard wiring and installation practices that can result in a substandard setup and a malfunctioning security system.
With a professional install, cables are concealed, conduit cables/wires are used when required, exposed cables are cut, and the finished product is a seamless system that works reliably.
System support
Chances are that your DIY installation will not include customized support. If your system goes down or your cameras are not working, you’re left to deal with the problem on your own.
You may have the product manufacture’s email address on hand, but you probably won’t get a response in a timely manner, and it may take days for your issue to be resolved.
During this waiting period your home security is diminished and your frustration will probably mount to no ends.
On the contrary, professionally installed home monitoring systems are packed with 24/7 phone and email support by a local installer that can be dispatched to your home as quickly as possible.
System training
After you’ve installed your security system yourself, you’re going to have to train yourself to use the system. This won’t be a problem if you have a basic system or a general understanding of wiring, but if you want a system that’s more advanced there’s going to be a learning curve.
With your DIY install, you’re going to have to figure out how everything works yourself. By hiring a professional installer, you’ll be trained on all functions and features and learn to use the system properly and optimally.
Alarm monitoring
Does your DIY install include alarm monitoring? Probably not. The major benefits of a professional security install is that you can be equipped with 24/7 alarm monitoring.
With alarm monitoring, you’re getting more than images and videos of people acting suspicious around your home. You’re getting 24/7 security and monitoring that’s specifically designed to keep your family safe and intruders at bay. When something suspicious occurs like someone breaking into your home while you’re out, the alarm company will be notified and the police dispatched at the same time. That’s the definition of home security.
What’s the Verdict?
The verdict is obvious. Don’t install a home security system yourself. If you do you’ll likely waste your money and be working with a subpar system—a system that’s susceptible to frequent fails.
Instead, hire the professionals who are experts in their field and who can guarantee that the safety of your home will increase and remain reliable for years to come.
If you live in Brantford, you can explore our home security packages and find the one that’s best suited for you.