A home security system is an essential investment to protect your family, home, and valuables. With crime on the rise, installing a security system has become more important than ever. However, traditional security systems can be expensive and require professional installation. This is where do-it-yourself (DIY) systems come in.
DIY home security systems are affordable, user-friendly, and you can install them yourself. The best DIY systems provide complete home coverage with options like door/window sensors, motion detectors, cameras, and mobile app access. With a few tools and basic handy skills, you can set up a fully-functional system tailored to your needs.
This step-by-step guide will teach you how to install your own DIY-friendly home security system to properly safeguard your home.
Step 1: Assess Your Home Security Needs
Before purchasing and installing a security system, you need to assess your home’s unique security requirements. This involves identifying entry points, high-value items, and potential vulnerabilities.
Here are some key questions to ask yourself:
- How many exterior doors do I have and where are they located?
- Do I have any sliding glass doors or easily accessible windows?
- Do I have a garage door and any other outbuildings like a shed or detached garage?
- What high-value items would I want to protect with security sensors?
- Do I need any outdoor surveillance cameras or lighting?
- Are there certain areas inside my home I’d want to monitor more closely?
Once you’ve surveyed your property and made note of any security gaps, you’ll have a good idea of where you need coverage when installing your system. This will determine how many security devices and sensors you’ll need.
Step 2: Choose a DIY-Friendly Home Security System
With your home’s unique layout and security needs identified, it’s time to pick the right DIY system for you. The good news is there are lots of user-friendly, DIY-focused security systems on the market offering easy installation.
When comparing home security system brands and packages, here are the key factors to consider:
Cost
- DIY systems eliminate professional installation fees, helping keep costs down
- Entry-level systems start around $200, while more advanced systems are $500+
- Avoid contracts and look for flexible month-to-month pricing
Ease of Installation
- Opt for wireless systems – no wiring required
- Look for peel-and-stick sensors that affix to doors/windows easily
- Ensure the system has detailed installation instructions and troubleshooting guides
Features & Coverage
- Verify the system can cover all entry points and high-risk areas
- Prioritize systems with mobile apps, live view, alerts, automation, etc.
- Additional features like smoke detectors, CO monitors, water sensors, etc.
Reviews
- Read reviews on third-party sites to gauge real-world ease of use and reliability
Step 3: Gather the Necessary Tools and Equipment
- Safety gear: glasses, gloves, knee pads
- Basic tools: drill, screwdrivers, wrenches, stud finder, level, ladder
- Measuring tape & pencil
- Hardware: screws, anchors, zip ties
- WiFi router (if internet-connected system)
- Smartphone/tablet (for system app)
For wiring and cabling needs:
- Wire cutters/strippers
- Crimping tool
- Ethernet cable/connectors
While some DIY skills are handy, you likely have most of the basics covered already. Specialty items like crimping tools can easily be ordered online. For hardware needs, make a trip to your local hardware superstore.
If you need to fill gaps in your toolbox or equipment, consider borrowing from helpful neighbors, friends, and family rather than purchasing everything new.
Step 4: Plan Your Home Security System Layout
Careful planning is crucial when installing your DIY home security system. You’ll need to map out ideal locations for all your various sensors, detectors, and surveillance cameras.
Follow this process to design your ideal system layout:
Create a floor plan
Sketch out rough floor plans of your home, marking all exterior entry door, windows, garage doors, and any other access points. Don’t forget vulnerable spots like basement windows, pet doors, or unlocked crawlspace accesses.
Mark sensor placement
Based on your security system equipment, mark locations for each device on your floorplan sketch. Door/window sensors go on all exterior-facing ports of entry and ground-floor windows. Place motion sensors in main living spaces and hallways. Pinpoint ideal camera angles viewing high-value belongings and entryways.
Map ideal hub location
The central hub controller should be centrally located in your home. This allows all the system sensors and detectors to stay within operating range.
Plan cable routes
Map wiring and cable runs from the hub to each security device location. Cable routes should follow baseboards and moldings to stay hidden and out of the way.
Having a wired diagram of all your equipment mapped out ahead of time ensures proper placement during installation. It also confirms you have coverage across all vulnerable areas.
Step 5: Install Your Home Security System
With planning complete, it’s go-time! Use your layout diagram as an installation guide as you put up sensors. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions, but in general, these are the basic DIY installation steps:
Mount the Hub/Panel
Find your planned wall location that’s near both a power outlet and centered within your home. Mount securely using included hardware.
Place Door/Window Sensors
Clean each door/window area to ensure proper sensor adhesion. Remove battery tabs on sensors and attach both halves securely with peel-and-stick backing. Test opening/closing.
Install Motion Sensors
Similarly, mount motion sensors to walls/ceilings with adhesive or screws. Ensure the sensor coverage area aligns with planned zones.
Set Up Surveillance Cameras
Cameras mount to walls, ceilings or stands depending on the coverage area needed and wiring accessibility. Run cabling neatly to each camera housing and adjust angles as needed.
Connect Hub with Sensors
Wire or sync each security device with the main control panel following manufacturer guidelines to enable monitoring and connectivity.
Finish Physical Installation
Complete installation by tidying and securing any loose wiring with cable ties. Confirm all sensors function properly within the app and adjust placement as needed until optimal coverage is achieved.
While physically mounting and connecting devices, adhere to basic electrical safety fundamentals. Turn off the power at the breaker when wiring cameras or sensors to avoid shock risk. Follow all local building codes and regulations as well to keep installations compliant.
Step 6: Regularly Monitor and Maintain System
Congratulations, your new DIY home security system is installed! Now it’s time to reap the ongoing peace of mind benefits of a properly monitored and maintained system.
Test detection functionality weekly
Walk test motion sensors, open protected doors/windows, and trigger cameras routinely to ensure all detection devices capture these security events as expected.
Replace batteries every 1-2 years
Sensors with replaceable batteries will last 1-2 years, depending on usage. Stick to the replacement schedule to avoid offline devices.
Manage user access
Update authorized system users as needed. Revoke access immediately in the case of compromise.
Adjust device settings
Occasionally reassess sensor sensitivity, camera quality, and alert notifications to keep configurations optimal as security needs evolve.
Troubleshoot issues immediately
If you receive offline notices or detection failures, address glitches immediately by adjusting placement or power-cycling equipment to avoid coverage gaps.
Staying on top of system testing, maintenance, and settings adjustments ensures your home stays protected 24/7. Leverage automatic monitoring capabilities via smartphone alerts too for hands-off peace of mind.
Conclusion
Installing a DIY home security system is an approachable project for most homeowners without professional security know-how. Sensors and equipment designed specifically for straightforward self-installation empower you to customize robust protection on your own time and budget.
Assessing your unique household security gaps, planning proper sensor placement, installing equipment methodically, and maintaining vigilance together pave the way for building a comprehensive DIY system. Your home and loved ones remain shielded around the clock while you save substantially over traditional professionally installed systems and contracts.