Although installing a home security system might seem complicated, more and more companies are offering DIY products that come with simple installation instructions.
With ADT Blu, you can order everything online, and ADT ships you the equipment along with step-by-step installation instructions. Now, in less than an hour, you can set up a brand-new security system with innovative technology that you and your family can rely on.
The best part? You can do it all by yourself.
In this post, we'll look at what security components are available with a DIY home security system and offer some best practices in terms of placement of the available components and monitoring.
Essential Components of a DIY Home Security System
A DIY home security system includes far more than just the camera. There are many different components, features, and accessories that you can include to custom-create the best home security system for your family.
- Control panel/entry keypad: Control your entire home security system with an easy-to-use keypad that works as your command center.
- Indoor camera: ADT Indoor Camera lets you see what's happening inside your home from anywhere. It features 2K video, night vision, HDR, 24/7 live streaming, and is compatible with Amazon Alexa via the ADT+ app.
- Outdoor camera: The ADT Outdoor Camera is weather-resistant and easy to install anywhere. It offers motion-activated alerts, HD video, night vision, two-way talk, and smart motion alerts via the ADT+ app.
- Doorbell camera: The ADT Doorbell Camera lets you see who's at your door from anywhere. It features HD video, two-way talk, smart motion alerts, and package detection through the ADT+ app.
- Door and window sensors: These sensors are battery-operated and arm the doors and windows of your home.
- Motion sensors: Protect interior hallways and your home's exterior with pet-friendly (up to 85 lbs) motion detectors.
- Fire and CO sensors: These are designed to accompany your fire alarm for even faster detection. Carbon monoxide detectors quickly alert you to dangerous levels of the odorless, colorless gas in your home. This ensures first responders are alerted quickly, even when you’re not home.
- Keychain remote: Keep your home security close with a keychain remote you can take with you anywhere.
- Signage: ADT yard signs and window decals are an effective crime deterrent, sending a warning that your home is fully monitored and protected by the very best.
Best Practices for DIY Home Security Installation
Although your home security system comes armed with several exclusive safety features, there are still some things you can do to maximize their use. These tips can make sure you are getting the most out of your DIY home security system.
Install Security Cameras by Main Entry and Exit Points
The entrances to your home are often where you are most vulnerable, so placing cameras in these areas ensures a high level of surveillance. It can also deter criminals who may be scared off by the camera.
Install Door Sensors in Entry Points With Low Visibility
While it's not necessary to place a sensor on every door in your home, you do want to be strategic in how you use the sensors you do have. Consider entry points that have low visibility or are covered in shade or shrubbery, as these are the areas that criminals most like to target.
Set Up Your ADT Signage
ADT includes free yard signs and sticker decals for you to place around your home as an added safety measure. This is one of the easiest but most effective ways you can protect your home. Place a sign in your front or backyard (whichever gets the most traffic) and stick the decals to the ground-level windows of your home.
Build Your Custom Security System With ADT
In less than an hour, you can have your system installed or even uninstalled if you’re moving and want to take a top-tier security system with you. There are no heavy tools needed, although you can use your phone to download the ADT+ app that is available on both iOS and Android devices.
ADT requires that you purchase your security equipment upfront. So, to keep things convenient and affordable, ADT has several kits available:
- The Build Your Own package lets you start with the essentials and customize your system with the devices that fit your needs--perfect for flexibility and control.
- The Front Door Protection package helps protect your front door with smart, reliable security. This system offers everything you need to keep your home's main entry safe from intruders, package thieves, and unauthorized access.
- The Outdoor Video package allows you to monitor your home’s exterior, whether you’re home or away. This system includes cameras for your front door and yard so you can have peace of mind knowing what’s going on around your property.
Those are not all of your choices, however. You can also purchase just an outdoor, indoor or doorbell camera(s) with a Video Connect monitoring plan.
With so many safeguards to ensure your home security, you can easily add to your system as you go. If you expand your home, move to a new property, or want to step things up a notch, ADT has everything you need to ensure your home security grows with you.
If you are not sure which home security system is best for you, you can take our online quiz. Speak with a friendly and experienced ADT representative who can explain your options in detail and make recommendations tailored to your home and lifestyle.
Benefits of Professional Monitoring
If you choose professional monitoring for your DIY home security system, it means you're relying on ADT to provide 24/7 monitoring by trained agents. Some of the benefits of using a professional monitoring service include:
- Fast verified response -- ADT's monitoring center responds in an average of 10 seconds, far faster than industry norms.
- 24/7 monitoring by trained agents -- 700+ U.S.-based agents across six fully-redundant, UL-certified monitoring centers.
- Video verification -- agents can view real-time video feeds during an alarm event to confirm an emergency before dispatching help.
- Fewer false alarms -- video and text verification cuts false alarms by more than 50%, helping ensure dispatch happens when it matters.
- Faster emergency dispatch -- agents send verified alerts to emergency services centers for a quicker response when seconds count.
- Insurance discounts -- many homeowners qualify for premium discounts when their home has professional monitoring.
Benefits of Self-Monitoring
If someone chooses to go the DIY home security route, they also can monitor their home themselves. Some benefits of self-monitoring include:
- The ability to check on your home remotely via the ADT Control app
- Can set up alerts for specific activities (when your alarm system is armed or disarmed, when someone is at your door, etc.)
- Doesn't require any additional monitoring fees
- Stay in control with real-time alerts, live video feeds, and full system access through the ADT+ app
- Arm and disarm your system anytime, whether you're at home or on the go
- Get instant notifications and motion alerts so you can quickly check in and take action when needed
Can I Take My DIY Security System When I Move?
The short answer is yes. DIY home security systems like ADT usually require the same amount of effort to install and uninstall them. If you have your system professionally monitored, though, just be sure to notify them you are moving.
ADT Makes DIY Easy
At first glance, home security can seem intimidating. There are so many different packages and options to choose from that it can make your head spin. However, ADT provides a treasure trove of information and resources with its comprehensive online library. And if you happen to hit a snag with DIY installation, you can easily find all of the ADT system manuals and user guides to get back on track.
With its home security solutions, ADT offers a world of possibilities to keep your family safe when it counts. It is only a matter of how involved you want to be in the process because ADT offers you as little or as much control as you want.
If you ever need help during setup, ADT offers Remote Assistance with a live ADT specialist. Through a video call, a technician can walk you step-by-step through the setup process, help answer your questions, and make sure your system is working properly--right from your smartphone.
ADT Blu: easy DIY install, smart home security.
ADT Blu is designed for easy DIY setup using the ADT+ app on a compatible device -- no heavy-duty tools required, no technician in your home. Step-by-step app guidance gets your system up and running in under an hour for most homes.
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