How Easy Is It to Install a DIY Home Security System?

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, 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: Google Nest Cam (indoor, wired) lets you see what’s happening inside your home from anywhere. It features 1080p HD video, night vision, HDR, 24/7 live streaming, and is compatible with Google Assistant and Alexa.

• Outdoor camera: The Google Nest Cam (outdoor or indoor, battery) is weather-resistant and easy to install anywhere. It offers motion-activated alerts, HDR video, night vision, two-way talk with noise cancellation, and local SD card storage.

• Doorbell camera: The Google Nest Doorbell (battery) lets you see who’s at your door from anywhere. It features HD video with HDR, two-way audio with noise cancellation, smart alerts for people, packages, animals, and vehicles, and works with Google Assistant and Alexa.

• 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 60 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. 

Prepare a High-Speed Wireless Internet Connection

To complete installation, you or your ADT Technician will need access to a high-speed internet connection. You will also need to supply your Wi-Fi or wireless network (SSID) name and password. Additionally, you will need to specify your encryption or security type, which will be WPA/WPA2, WEP, or none.

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 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 packages 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 Smart Home package includes connected devices like smart plugs, locks, and sensors, giving you remote access and automation through the ADT+ app.

• The Video & Smart Home package adds video monitoring with indoor and outdoor cameras and a video doorbell, combining full visibility with smart control for a complete home security experience.

Those are not all of your choices, however. ADT allows you to shop security features a la carte, so you can custom-build the perfect security system for your home.

Add-ons include:

• Door sensors

• Window sensors

• Motion sensors

• Fire safety sensors

• Glass break sensors

• Temperature/flood sensors

• Keychain remote

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 benefit from one of our complimentary in-home consultations. You can sit down 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 outside help to provide an extra set of eyes. Some of the benefits of using a professional monitoring service include:

• Quick response times 

• Someone can respond even if you are busy or miss an alert

• Savings on homeowners insurance premiums for some policyholders

• The ability to check on your home yourself through remote access via the ADT Control app

   

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

   

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 as to why your system is going blank for a bit. 

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.