You can create your own home alarm and security system with a few trips to the hardware store. There are tons of locks, gadgets, and programs that you can combine to create your own custom system. In most cases, a do it yourself home security system won’t be as comprehensive or extensive as a professional system—with a DIY home security system you don’t have the 24-hour monitoring services that home security companies offer—but there are three things you can focus on to create a safe home environment using materials found at most hardware stores or online retailers.
Budget and time are both concerns with the DIY home security system. By piecing everything together, you could end up spending more money and more time on your home security that you would if you went with a professional homes security company. So make sure to do your research when shopping for security products and pick the things that offer the best value in terms of security, price and convenience.
Locks
Any entrance to the house needs to have a sturdy lock. The main entrances to your home should have a door knob lock as well as a deadbolt lock. If you’re willing to sacrifice a bit of convenience, you can get separate keys for each lock, which will thwart anyone that manages to get a copy of your main house key.
Keep windows latched and locked when you’re not home. You can find window bar locks online or at a hardware store. These locks screw on to most windows and feature discreet swivel bars that prevent windows from sliding up. If you have a two-storey home, and you’re on a budget, protect the windows on the bottom floor first.
Equipment
Sometimes the piercing noise of a loud alarm is enough to ward off a would-be burglar. You can find home security equipment kits online to fit any budget. Most kits involve a central keypad and alarm sensors that can be placed at entrances around the house. Once triggered, an alarm will sound until the password on the keypad is entered.
The number of sensors and the complexity of the technology in those sensors and in the central unit vary. The higher end units include dozens of sensors and can even send messages to your phone when an alarm has been tripped and/or contact a local emergency center. The low end units act as simple noise makers that go off until a password is entered. Of course the improved features and technology come with a higher price tag.
Monitoring
If you’re building your own system, you’ll need to put in some extra work to keep up with surveillance. There are a number of inconspicuous surveillance devices you can buy—motion activated cameras, hidden video recorders, etc.—and place around the perimeter of your home. Like the alarms, the sophistication of your surveillance equipment depends on your budget. Some high-priced cameras can tap into your cable or internet line and send a live feed of the outside of your home to your TV. Others can record to removable media, like memory cards or DVDs, so you can look through the footage later.
In addition to video surveillance, you can also pay a local security company to monitor your home and respond to any breach in security. These services can get pricey, and some aren’t as comprehensive as the monitoring services on offer from full-service home security companies.
