Do It Yourself Home Security Systems

DIY Home Security Systems

Do it yourself home security systems are becoming more common these days as people try to economize. Many homeowners want to protect their property, belongings and families with the use of a security system, but can’t afford fancy home security systems that are professionally installed. Fortunately, self installed home security systems are readily available. What follows are some pointers for the best do it yourself home security system installation.

Consider Wireless — Many do it yourself home security systems on the market today are wireless, making a self installed home security system simpler than ever to set up. Brands like Powermax, Black and Decker, Ademco, and Skylink offer systems that feature pre-programmed sensors for fast and simple do it yourself installation. Most brands allow you to program additional sensors, and offer several options for home monitoring. With most systems, when the alarm is sounded, the system can automatically call the police, or call your cell phone or pager, in addition to sound a loud, ear-piercing siren locally.

Consider Security Cameras — Many security cameras available today also come in a wireless version, making it simple to see what is going on around your home. After you set up the cameras in your desired locations, you simply change from channel to channel on your TV set to see video from each different camera. Video surveillance systems come in basic black and white, and even high definition color, and some are even equipped for night vision, affording visibility even in very low light.

Consider Installing Motion Sensitive Lighting — Speaking of darkness, motion sensitive lights are a great addition to self installed home security systems to protect your propery exterior or perimeter from unwanted attention. The sudden bright beam of light illuminating the area is often enough to scare off a potential intruder, and includes the element of surprise as their approach triggers the motion detector and flips on the flood lights.

Consider Updating Your Locks — Even with a great security system installed, it’s important to be sure that all of your door and window locks are as secure as they can be. Generally speaking, this means a high quality deadbolt lock on every door, and secondary locks on windows. Peepholes and chain locks on entry doors offer the ability to see who’s outside without exposing yourself to potential harm. And don’t forget extra locks on sliding patio doors, which are a prime entry point for burglars.

Consider Burglar Bars — Many people shy away from this, but another simple do it yourself home security system is the installation of burglar bars on windows. Although somewhat unattractive, they certainly do stop entry, and are commonplace in high crime neighborhoods. Security bars are among the easiest self installed home security systems available, and a strong crime deterrent.

Consider Getting a Dog — This may seem like a simple and perhaps unnecessary precaution to some people, but the sound of a large dog’s bark can be just the thing to frighten an intruder and make him think twice about trying to burglarize to your home. And if burglars do get in, a menacing dog will probably send them scurrying away as fast as their legs will carry them!

Consider Your Landscaping — One final type of self installed home security systems that many people overlook is their landscaping. Having large shrubbery that obscures the view of your windows and doors from the street invites intruders, whereas a clear line of visibility may make them seek a less obvious point of entry. You can also plant thorny shrubbery, roses, or even cactus under your windows to make it difficult for an intruder to get to them without at least minor annoyance and injury. Landscaping can be among the least expensive do it yourself home security systems of all!

Consider Driveway Alarm Systems — This often overlooked home security measure can give you a warning any time someone attempts to enter your driveway, or sets foot on your property. Driveway alarm systems are not just for your front gate. You can set up outdoor motion-sensitive, infrared, or video surveillance at almost any imaginable location on your property.

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