DIY Installation or Professional Installation?Budget is the first consideration of whether or not to DIY or professionally install your
home security system, although it’s not the only one. Obviously, doing it yourself will save money on installation charges and then the followup subscription fees. The DIY kits available on the market are sold as kits that are easily installed and configured to meet your specific needs in your home. These kits are generally expandable, meaning that you can add components at your convenience as your needs change, although you’ll
want certainly want to consider compatibility and expansion options in the early stages of your home security system research. The DIY security systems reviewed in this article are self monitored, meaning that when devices and/or sensors are triggered, you’ll receive alerts or notifications directly. You will be responsible for contacting the appropriate emergency personnel as a result of those notifications; however, some DIY security system kits are offering professional monitoring services as an optional add on or on demand.
These professional service providers are highly skilled and they will understand your requirements and can offer you
what you need.
At only $149, Minut is by far the most affordable security system I’ve reviewed. That probably has something to do with the fact that it’s only composed of one component. Rather than having different
sensors for different purposes, the Point combines everything into one. It can sense motion, glass break, temperature, humidity, light, mold, and noise. It can even turn your regular old smoke or C. O alarms into smart alarms, as it can hear them go off and notify you via the mobile app. Throw in some tamper protection and a built in siren, and you’ve got an entire security system in one
convenient package. If you’re not looking to pay a monthly fee for professional monitoring, then abode is a great option that lets you self monitor. Their abode Essentials Starter Kit is pretty minimal, with only a Gateway, a door/ window sensor, a motion sensor, and a key fob plus the abode Cam, which I couldn’t resist adding. Installation is DIY, saving you more money, and abode has pretty good app and customer support ratings. Plus, abode has tons of integrations with Google Assistant, Amazon Echo, Nest, Philips Hue lightbulbs, ecobee, LIFX, Yale, Kwikset, Z wave, First Alert, and IFTTT, so you’ll be able to create home automations galore.