So, you've decided it's time to start protecting your home, family, and valuables with a security system. Now the question is: What system should you choose, and is this a project you want to take on yourself, or should you leave it to the professionals?

There are many factors to consider when deciding between professional or DIY home security installation, and which choice is right for you may not be obvious at first. In this guide, you will learn about what is involved in both professional and DIY installation, as well as the pros and cons of each so that you can make an informed decision.

How Difficult Is DIY Home Security Installation?

The biggest question you likely have when it comes to any DIY project is if it is even something you are capable of accomplishing. While having a professional install your system means you won't have to worry about whether it is done right, installing a system yourself doesn't need to be as daunting as it first appears.

The right system, such as Blue by ADT, can be installed by a novice user in as little as an hour or less. Not only that, but we have support people you can call for help anytime and plenty of online resources to walk you through the process. 

How Professional Installation Works

To make an informed decision about whether you should install a system yourself or go with professional installation, it is important to understand the ins and outs of each approach. Here, we discuss how professional installation works.

Professional installation means that your system will be designed and installed by someone who has years of experience. They can help walk you through the entire process, determine what your home needs, and then arrange a time to come to your home and do the installation. They will even show you how to work your equipment and use the various features and functions that your system comes with.

How DIY Installation Works

With DIY installation, you take over the project yourself. You decide what your home needs and choose the products and packages you want to install. 

DIY systems, such as Blue by ADT, are often designed to be easy to install yourself. The systems are generally wireless, so you don’t have to do much more than place security devices in the correct locations around your home. 

Doing it yourself does not mean doing it alone, however. There are a multitude of online resources and service experts you can call and consult while installing your security system. You also can to do the installation on your schedule and don't need to coordinate with a professional service provider.

With a DIY setup, you also tend to have more freedom when it comes to monitoring and contracts. While you purchase the equipment upfront, you can choose to self-monitor or pay a small monthly fee for professional monitoring without a long-term contract.

The Benefits of Professional Installation

There are pluses and minuses to both professional and DIY home security installation. Understanding each will take you another step further in making an informed decision that is right for you.

The pros of professional installation include the following:

• Experts with years of experience do the installation, so you can trust that it has been done correctly without having to worry.

• Systems are customizable, and you can work with an expert to determine a system that fits your needs.

• It often comes with an all-inclusive package that includes equipment, installation, and monitoring for a single monthly payment.

• It can include monitoring for not just break-ins but also floods, fires, and carbon monoxide.

• Professionals can also help integrate your system with your other smart home devices for convenience and ease of use.

• Professionals will train you on how to operate your system and are always available for help and advice.

Meanwhile, some of the obstacles of professional installation include:

• You have to coordinate your schedule with the installer, so there is less flexibility on when the installation occurs.

• Professional installation packages often require long-term contracts.

• You don’t typically have the option of self-monitoring after installation and will need to continue to pay a monthly fee for professional monitoring.

Whether you choose professional installation or go the DIY route, you will want to buy from a reputable source. ADT has 150 years of experience in the home security industry, and our professional installation packages come with $0 down, a six-month money-back guarantee, and 24/7 professional monitoring by one of the most trusted names in the business.

The Pros of DIY Installation

Just as with professional installation, DIY home security installation comes with its own set of pros and cons. Among the pros are the following:

• With the right system, setup can be easy and straightforward. Many DIY systems are wireless, which keeps you from having to do any overly technical electrical work during the installation. 

• You have the freedom to customize the system based on your needs, so you can be sure it meets your specifications. You can also add to and upgrade components at any time. 

• A DIY home security system does not require a subscription to a monitoring service. You can choose to self-monitor or pay for a monthly service without a long-term contract. 

• Installation occurs on your schedule with no need to wait around for a technician to show up and complete the installation.

• You don’t need to let a technician into your home for the installation process. 

• Depending on the system, there may be cost savings associated with installing it yourself since you do not need to pay a professional to do it and only need to cover the cost of the equipment. 

• DIY installation can be a good short-term option for renters or people who plan on moving in the near future since no contract is required, and the equipment can be uninstalled and moved to a new location easily. 

But there are, of course, also downsides to installing a system yourself, such as the following:

• Even if the installation is relatively easy, you still have to sort out the details on your own without professional guidance.

• Sometimes, there are more technical aspects to the installation, including smart home integration, and if you don’t feel comfortable with technology, this may be daunting.

• For some people, there is a certain amount of peace of mind that can come from knowing a professional did the installation. 

• You typically need to make all equipment purchases upfront instead of having them incorporated into your monthly service bill. So, even if the total cost, in the long run, is less with DIY installation, the upfront cost might be more.

If you go the DIY route, you want to buy your system from a trusted name, such as ADT. The ADT DIY smart home security system is made for easy to set up, with installation often taking less than an hour. This gives you the freedom to build your system your way on your schedule, while still giving you access to experts for advice and the option of self-monitoring, or a contract-free monthly professional monitoring service.

When DIY Solutions Are Right for You

Whether a DIY solution is right for you depends on your situation. Factors that come into consideration are your own personal comfort with installing the system, your general experience with technology, your budget and schedule, and your personal preferences about interacting with a professional installer inside your home. 

These factors, taken in conjunction with the pros and cons described above, will hopefully help you make your decision. Some examples of situations in which a DIY solution makes sense are as follows:

• You are a renter looking for a short-term wireless home security solution without a contract.

• You want to avoid long-term contracts and prefer the freedom to change your mind about self-monitoring versus professional monitoring.

• You prefer to install a system yourself so that you have a deeper understanding of how it works.

• You feel safer installing the system yourself. For whatever reason, you want to avoid having someone you don't know involved in your security setup.

Whatever the reason, if you decide to go the DIY route, Blue by ADT has you covered with customizable systems, flexibility in terms, and easy setup, along with online resources and support to guide you through the process.

DIY Smart Home Security Systems: Remote Access

Smart home security systems are incredibly convenient and versatile. In particular, the simple ability to monitor and control devices in your home from virtually anywhere in the world via an app is a power that offers both convenience and peace of mind. 

Part of setting up a DIY smart home security system involves downloading an app that allows you to control devices remotely and view alerts. 

You can check in on security camera feeds from work to see when your kids get home or if your dog is eating the couch cushions again. You will automatically be alerted if an intruder tries to enter through a window, even if you're halfway around the world. 

And if you have other smart devices connected to your system, you can lock the doors, turn off the lights, and even set your thermostat from the airport terminal as you are heading out of town on business. 

In addition to being able to monitor and control smart home and security devices remotely, you can also set up automations. For example, you can create an automation for leaving the house that turns off the light, turns down the thermostat, locks all the doors, and arms your security system, all with the push of a button in your smartphone app. 

You can even set reminders. For example, if your app determines that you are not at home, it can remind you if you forgot to lock the doors. 

The Benefits of a Wireless System

DIY systems tend to be exclusively wireless. Because of this, it's worth understanding the benefits of a wireless system. Among the benefits of a wireless system are:

• There are no wires that can be cut by a potential intruder to disable your system.

• Wireless means there is no need to drill holes and run wires during the installation, which can be a hassle, especially in a DIY project. 

• Wireless systems do not require a landline phone connection to connect the system components.

• Wireless systems can connect to a smart hub and are easily integrated with other smart home devices.

• Wireless systems are also easier to uninstall and move if needed, whether this means you simply want to move a camera to a different location, or you need to move your entire system to a new home.

• Wireless devices are battery-operated, which means they still work even if the power goes out.

• Wireless systems also tend to be less expensive because less hardware and work is needed to get them up and running.

A wireless system can contribute not just to the safety of your home security setup but also the convenience. 

Find Your DIY Solutions Today

If you decide to go the DIY route and are ready to get your system put together, check out Blue by ADT. Blue by ADT allows you to build your system your way and provides the ability to personalize your protection. DIY systems are wireless, which makes them easily portable, allowing you to take them with you as you move from your first apartment to your first house and beyond. 

The system features 24-hour battery backup and multiple layers of protection when you choose professional monitoring. It can also integrate seamlessly with your other smart home devices and smart home system. You will be able to monitor and control all aspects of your system remotely from a simple phone app. 

If you aren’t sure if DIY is right for you, ADT has you covered with professional installation services.

Reach out to us today to talk to an expert who can help you determine the home security solution that best fits your needs.