People need to feel safe inside their homes. People need to be at peace when they are out for work or on vacation. Yet, only about 17% of the homeowners have home security systems. Why is there such a stark contrast between the need and the use? The reason is the cost of security systems. Traditional systems cost hundreds of dollars. Several reputed security and surveillance brands sell ready-to-install systems, but they cost a fortune. They also involve monthly payments and long-term contracts.

The only alternative to the smart technology for your home is your very own DIY setup. There is no reason it has to be inferior to the traditional home security and surveillance systems. The DIY systems have enough room for innovations at considerably less expense.

What are the essential components of any home security system?

Setting up home security may be tricky, but it is not rocket science. You need to understand the working principles of it. Here are the standard components of any home security device –

1. Surveillance
2. Sensors

• Locks

What influences the constituents of a security system?

You need to find out what your home security needs are. Any standard home surveillance system requires cameras, sensors, locks, and a cloud network. Here are a few points you might want to consider before assembling the units of your home security system –

1. Large home with a front garden, backyard, and pool will require an expandable kit. A large house usually has multiple access points. You need to consider options that you can expand later.
2. Small rental apartments are usually less demanding, and you can go with portable all-in-one devices for your security needs.

• Large apartments and small homes are somewhere in the middle. They demand a la carte assembly of security devices that include sensors, cameras, alarms, and smart locks.

If you want to set up an a la carte home security system, you need to consider all affordable options. While only a handful of company websites will tell you exactly how many sensors you need and which areas of your property require camera coverage, a few sites do help buyers out. Check out Spy Centre for a complete list of gadgets you will need to safeguard your home against break-ins.

What does your home surveillance setup need?

Today, home security has evolved thanks to the Internet of Things (IoT) and smart devices. Here are a few things you will need while setting up your DIY surveillance system –

Cameras

You will need cameras to record possible points of entrances. Your exterior cameras should be weatherproof, and they should have night vision. You can choose between wireless systems and Wi-Fi cameras. Check for two-way communication, zoom and pan tilt abilities and motion sensing software notifications while investing in entrance-point cameras.

Purchase sensors

• Motion sensors – these are the simple alarm like devices that can detect motion at the access points. They make loud noises when anyone tries to trespass through an open window.

• Motion detectors – they are a little different from the sensors. Motion detectors can “sense” when someone is moving in space. Most homeowners couple them with outdoor lighting to create a deterrent effect for squatters and prowlers.

• Environmental sensors – these are the primary sensors like your smoke and carbon monoxide sensors. Every home should have at least a couple of these. Smart sensors can communicate with the sources of the smoke and pollutants and shut them off automatically.

• Smart lights – the ultimate boon of the hands-free systems. Smart lights come on when there is no one in the house at fixed intervals, to create the impression that the occupants are present. It deters potential trespassers.

Smart locks

Combining smart technology with security can give you several minimal technologies, but nothing compares to the smart locks.

• Keypad – forget handing out keys to your siblings, friends and other family members. Keypads will eliminate all the headache as everyone, who knows the passcode can enter. You can also change the code in case you sense a breach of trust.

• Smart locks – these can work with keys, but that is not mandatory. They use the occupant’s smartphone to authenticate the identity. It uses Bluetooth technology to accomplish the same.

• Smart doorbells – are you tired of low visibility through the eye-hole? Well, you will always be able to see who’s at the door with the smart doorbells. When the person rings the bell, your phone will ring, and you will be able to see the face of the person.

1. Smart safes – there are several options thanks to the advancement of biometrics and security tech. You can go with a simple, smart safe that uses Bluetooth tech like the smart lock to authenticate access. Or, you can use one that scans your fingerprints to provide exclusive access. Several safe designs come with smartphone coupling options. Any unauthorized attempt to open the safe will send an alert to your smartphone directly.

You might want to opt for some of the simpler safe designs that look identical to coffee cans and showpieces. These are the perfect ways to hide the money and valuables in plain sight. Some safes also come in the form of faux switchboards. These carve-out secure spaces for the users and keep the valuables far away from the view of the intruders. 

All-in-one systems are great and powerful. They are perfect for larger homes just like their wireless smart home security setup that comes in a box. However, the DIY systems are cheaper than the ready-to-use systems, and they offer the chance to the homeowners to add elements or eliminate unnecessary gadgets depending on the needs. Some home might need two cameras at the entrance to cover the entire area, whereas, some homes might not need one at all since the sensors right next to the door catch the unwanted movements at the entrance. Some homes may need lawn security like smart sensor lights, whereas other dwellings might require surveillance on the back porch.

The need for security is as personal as the design of a home. Therefore, always go for surveillance options that are customizable and pocket-friendly.