Home security system DIY or go with the pros

[ozyborn]

Ok, I just use my 2 German shepards and ADT signs. If anyone ever tries to break in and head towards my kids room. Oh boy the dogs will not let that. But they may show you the rest of the house uniting for treats.

 

[dalepres]

My recommendation is to stay away from ADT or other companies that want to own the equipment. It's critical that you negotiate ownership and access to all codes with the monitoring company.

Unless you're already technical enough to know what to do and how to do it, and I assume you're not since you asked here, I recommend going with a professional installation for most people - just not ADT and make sure that you own the system and that they agree to give you all codes on termination of any monitoring contract.

Many installation companies will not give you the installers or other master codes after terminating the agreement. You can usually reset the boards but that eliminates all of the system configuration. Ideally, the termination process means they go into your system, resets the dial or other connection information so you're not calling them in an alarm, and then they give you all codes - which you immediately change, including user codes. If you can't come to that agreement then the alternative is to buy a backup board when the monitoring contract starts and you can always get started again. The reason for the backup is that models change and your board may not be available in a few years. You could always get a new or different model as well.

I'm very technical and I installed my own surveillance and alarm systems. I've worked in both industries in the past and that added to my technical knowledge. But, even then, it would have been cheaper, for both the video surveillance and the alarm system, to have a professional company come in and do a basic installation. They know what they're doing, they have expertise in the specific parts they use and they know what works for what you need.

Even with my background, I found that there were a lot of new models of things and a lot of places to get them. I bought a lot of stuff that ended up not working or not giving me what I wanted so was wasted money. Because of being OCD when it comes to such things, I would have never been happy with the basic system. Both my systems are extensively customized using custom controllers such as arduinos for the security system to give me enhanced and more difficult to defeat security systems. My surveillance system includes more recording devices that a branch office of the NSA , for both local and online storage, etc. The point is, my personality (but not my risk assessment) simply required much more than the basic system and, for my complex systems, it would have cost many times to have done over what I have in it (if I don't count the value of my time). But, if I could have lived with a few cameras covering entry and choke points and primary living and risk spaces, I could have saved a fortune on my surveillance system by just having one put in.

In my security system, if I didn't want redundant reporting options, redundant sirens that, once set off, would run independent of whether the main controller was ripped out, alarms tied to my outbuildings, lawn and farm equipment, trailers, etc., then I could have saved a ton of money on my security system by just having a trustworthy local company put it in and monitor it.

Of course both of those systems, in spite of all I have done, can be defeated or ignored by any smash-and-grab burglar with a ski-mask and stolen car or covered- license plate so, my next, and probably best, security step will be a two-layer fence system, 6-foot high, with dogs. The reason for two layers is that I don't want people building trust with the dog by tossing food when I'm not there. So I'll have an outer fence around the property (half done so far) and an inner fence closer around the house and enough yard for the grandkids to play - also half done so far). Then I'll toss in a couple of big noisy dogs in the inner fence and loud geese in the outer yard.

 

[dalepres]

Just to add, about the monitoring company and installer codes: I gave my installer code to the monitoring company when I signed up. They changed it and I no longer have access to it but the agreement is they reset it for me if I terminate. If they don't, I just keep a spare board and a backup of configuration from before I set up monitoring because it's easier than resetting the board if I had to.

The agreement is, if I need changes to my system, I notify the monitoring company that I will be working on the system and what I'll be doing. They suspend monitoring while I work and I install the wiring and new sensors, etc. and then I call the monitoring company and they change the programming and send me a bill for programming time. They don't want to provide monitoring if I can screw up the system at any time and I don't blame them. This is a good model, I think.

 

[bjl95mustang]

I have 2gig equipment and monitoring from https://suretydiy.com. They use the alarm.com interface but the monitoring is handled by https://suretydiy.com. I work in emergency services and researched this place and they have one of the fastest response time getting alarms sent to dispatch centers.

The system has so many options I'll try to list what i can think of.

Wired and wireless sensors
Garage door control
Zwave controller
Camera integration
Motion sensors that take pictures
Control system with cellphone and pc
Signal extenders
Thermostat
Ring doorbell
secondary remote panel

Smash and grab prevention. As soon as the system starts the disarm timer it sends a pending alarm to the monitoring center. If it doesn't get a system disarmed signal they assume someone attempted to disable the panel and send the cops.

Panel has 2 way comm with alarm center during alarms. You have a I'm ok code word and a hold up code word.


If you check out their website and the tech forums the company support reps answer questions within about an hour during normal business and if you explain what you need they will tell you if it's possible to do or not. They are very diy frendiley and they will recommend how to program your system but ultimately it's your system and your free to set it up as you please.

I pay $33 a month for full monitoring and own all of my equipment. Month to month no contract.

 

[Just Primer]

I set off my neighbors alarm while working there when they were out of town. Made a mistake and punched in the code to late. I knew they would come anyway even tho I disarmed it. The thing is from the time it sounded real loud to the time they came out was about 18 min. This was about 2 miles out of town with residential streets and sheriff cars all around the area. Maybe no sound would be better. Or maybe a private security force that goes with the alarm might help.

 

[metschers]

Check out Canary cameras, I just purchased a couple and so far I'm quite impressed.

 

[JimVonBaden]

I've had very fast response from www.simplisafe.com. Not only that, but they have great service and good prices.

 

[HotrodHR]

Thumbs up for Simplisafe...

Easy to install, expandable, NO contract, adjust alarm monitoring levels, inexpensive 15- 25 bucks an month...

 

[ddurrett896]

Cant help you on the alarm, but highly recommend Nest cameras. I pay $120/year and have something like 10 days of 24/7 video and 30 days of motion clips.

Easy setup and very user friendly from an iPhone. You can set alerts for certain motion (sound, person, any motion, etc.).

Each camera needs to be plugged in and they come with like 25' of cord. I ran a circuit to my attic and put an outlet in each corner.

 

[yeldogt]

Old thread ....

Everything is wireless today in the alarm world. I was surprised

 

[mc4life27]

I have used ip cameras, rf wireless cameras, and a few others like ring. The last war thing I got so far I like the best and it just works. I bought it from crappy Wally World. They had a 4 camera dvr system. It’s a nite owl brand. It was like 150 bucks. It’s cheap and it’s all hard wired. It uses thwir dvr software and has like a 1 gb hard drive witch can be swapped out. At first when I unboxed it I was thinking it feels cheap and most likely sending it back. Well I decided to run the wires which are just standard cctv cables power and video. The cameras are actually half way decent. Sure there are nicer ones out there but they are true 1080p and have fairly good night vision. I can read plates no problem. There’s plenty of detail both during the day and at night and get good range. The software is kind funky to use as far us pulling up past footage but once you figure it out it’s fairly simple and it does the job. The colts may not be the most vibrant. But plenty of detail to see faces and smiles from a good range. Best of all it was easy to set up and get working plus everything just works. I have not had a single problem with it since it was installed. After the wires were ran it was just plug and play and it was up and running. It does need a wired cat5 cable but the wireless app does work even though I still need to run a permit cable to it so not using the app currently. I’m not a fan of Walmart products most of the time but I truly am impressed with the system. I would buy another one to have at my shop if they had more. It’s been going strong for over a year. The cameras and holding up they are mounted under my eves so not in direct rain. Now there is only an option for one mic. One other thing there is no monthly fee but I control it all no one else.


Sent from my iPhone using Garage Journal

 

[slackdaddy1]

I live in a semi rural area, most of us on 5-15 acres.
House with detached shop 200' away.

The house is hardwired when built, with an ADT system that is never armed. Hell the wife wont even lock the door when she leaves.

Since we are no going to "arm" and "disarm" a system, I have to come up with another plan.

I am thinking of 2 separate things working together?

A complete video system to record around the house and shop.
Also a "deterring system" to scare off any would be thief. I have looked for motion activated "flashes",, but not finding any. Or a motion tracking red laser would be the best

Any thoughts?

 

[bbxlr8]

I live in a semi rural area, most of us on 5-15 acres.
House with detached shop 200' away.

The house is hardwired when built, with an ADT system that is never armed. Hell the wife wont even lock the door when she leaves.

Since we are no going to "arm" and "disarm" a system, I have to come up with another plan.

I am thinking of 2 separate things working together?

A complete video system to record around the house and shop.
Also a "deterring system" to scare off any would be thief. I have looked for motion activated "flashes",, but not finding any. Or a motion tracking red laser would be the best

Any thoughts?

I am in the same boat with the hard-wired system never on and so far have relied on signs and a couple of dogs to be the main deterrent. My shop/detached garage is not on the main system (but is badged as if it is) Now with covid, most people are home so things are a bit off.

I am looking to supplement with video and appreciate all of the info and perspectives in this thread.

 

[yeldogt]

I live in a semi rural area, most of us on 5-15 acres.
House with detached shop 200' away.

The house is hardwired when built, with an ADT system that is never armed. Hell the wife wont even lock the door when she leaves.

Since we are no going to "arm" and "disarm" a system, I have to come up with another plan.

I am thinking of 2 separate things working together?

A complete video system to record around the house and shop.
Also a "deterring system" to scare off any would be thief. I have looked for motion activated "flashes",, but not finding any. Or a motion tracking red laser would be the best

Any thoughts?

They make a wireless interface to retrofit old wired systems --- it's about the size of a pack of cigarettes. You simply connect each zone of the wired system up to the devices and tell the new wireless main system what it is ... door .. windows .. motion etc. Each interface is around $70 and will handle 8 zones .... most wired don't have that many. This allows all the old stuff to stay -- with all new controls and any other items needed that new systems can have

 

[ddawg16]

I suppose it depends on where you live because someone who really wants to get into your home will find a way around the dogs. I've even heard of dogs being poisoned. But most burglars are opportunistic anyway and...I think something like 34% just walk through your front door while the vast majority come through unlocked windows. Nowadays DIY home security systems are so affordable anyway like SimpliSafe is only $15 a month and it can really just add that extra layer of security wherever you want it. Plus a lot of these providers offer no-contracts so I would definitely go with the pros on this one.

Work for SimpliSafe?

Of the 'monitored' systems, it's one of the better ones. I guess if you're away a lot, not a bad way to go. At least you know 'when' they broke in.

In $$ terms....my Lorex system was paid off in about 3 years compared to SimpliSafe.

Home security is a layered approach


1. Prevention: Don't make your house look 'attractive'. Barking dogs will make 95% of burglars look at the next house. Obvious cameras will make them have second thoughts. Motion sensing lights will typically scare them off.

2. Detection: If you get a notice someone is trying to break in, your odds of catching them goes up. This is where monitoring centers have a slight edge. This is their job. If you get notifications, you may be busy when it happens which causes a delay in action.

3. Post Record: If you have cameras, you have a record of what happened. The odds of prosecution go up with video. Video also helps document what was taken for insurance purposes.

At the end of the day....if someone really wants in your house....they will get in.

Tips for when you're gone on vacation

1. House sitter
2. Lights on a timer
3. Let neighbors park in your driveway (That is what all of us neighbors do)
4. If you have a garage facing the street, keep the door closed when not in use so people don't see what you have.

 

[drivesitfar]

i'm not sure if this is an old thread that might be active for a bit or one that will continue to talk about home security, but I did like the title.

I also like what DDawg had to post so maybe I can get more information on which home system i should buy and install that I don't want monitored by a company. I'm not sure I even want to monitor from my cell phone (yep conspiracy theory thinking I know), but I would like one with alarms and lights to let me know what's going on outside at night or if somebody GOD help them that breaks in.

somebody mentioned BLINK is one option.

I just read DDawg's LOREX but not sure if his system is self monitored or by a company that charges a monthly service?

THOUGHTS for us NEWBIES to home security other than 357 or bat?

 

[Andrej]

one with alarms and lights to let me know what's going on outside at night or if somebody GOD help them that breaks in.

DSC or PARADOX might be the right security systems for you, they offer some simple panels (as well as more advanced ones). You would need panel, keyboard, power transformer, backup battery, some motion detectors, magnetic contacts for windows and doors, siren with strobe inside and outside.
Please notice, that having an alarm system installed doesn't guarantee complete security.

 

[drivesitfar]

AndreJ: thanks for your post. yep I totally understand that having a good security and or monitoring system doesn't mean you are secure. in fact I bet the only guys that think they are secure are those in prison cause who wants to break in there.

looks like you've been a member for a while now and only a few posts so wanted to WELCOME YOU TO GJ too.

 

[olvs]

To be honest I don't trust DIY systems at all

 

[unslow1]

I've had a DIY system and switched to an ADT with monitoring at home. At work we have an ADT system with monitoring. Honestly the only real difference in the DIY and the ADT is the monitoring and I didn't have to set it up. The nice thing about it is with the signed contract my homeowner's insurance paid for 50% of it with the lower rates. The DIY system called me and two others. The alarm system call station does the same but will call fire or police also depending on which detector gets set off. I get one false alarm per year and then get a $275 charge if police or fire respond to residence or work. I have only had that happen once at home that I didn't answer the call from dispatch. Overall I've been happy with the monitored systems and service. The key fobs on both the house alarms ended up been way too sensitive and I no longer carry them.

 

[nadogail]

IMHO, the best possible protection a homeowner can have is a neighbor that pays attention and knows what should be going on and what should not. Said neighbor should be encouraged to call Police if they become aware of something going on that they are confident you would be bothered by it.

 

[lml999]

Even before a security system or cameras, I'd start with these:

1. Noisy dog
2. Yard and window signs from alarm company (doesn't have to be real...)
3. Motion sensor lights
4. Fake TV LED

I have a couple of each of these scattered around the house, although the dog is more of a lover than a fighter... The fake tv led makes it look like someone is up watching tv. Obviously, it only works at night.

 

[GaryM909]

I installed a Lorex system about 5 years ago. It was an easy installation and no fees. I even caught my daughters boyfriend grilling steaks wearing only his underwear. We haven't had any issues with it. I did have to turn off the notifications going to my phone because they were too annoying.
I also have a couple motion lights and a dog.

 

[lml999]

I even caught my daughters boyfriend grilling steaks wearing only his underwear. We haven't had any issues with it.

I would have if they were my steaks!

 

[PhilJohn]

You could get it installed, if you want long expensive contracts with outdated equipment. Or you can save a ton of money and do it yourself. I suggest Ring from Home Depot. Easy to set up, you can self monitor or have professional monitoring for 10 bucks a month. Smart app allows you to view everything that’s happening, and you can talk through your cameras in real time. The alarm is very loud. I got two high res cameras, all my windows have motion detection, 2 motion detectors, inside outside camera, and motion detection on my three overhand doors, although with the overhand doors I had to be a little inventive (door hinge and gorilla tape placed high, works like a charm). Stay away from ADT and others . Old tech and total rip offs. Mine also runs through Alexa so everything is voice activated. I love it.

Here is how I used the window sensors for my garage doors Plain ol gravity, works great.

Also, I have a warning sign that clearly states that I dont sleep much and I will not hesitate to shoot.

 

[GaryM909]

I would have if they were my steaks!

That was about 3 years ago. We were about out in the next province and I decided to use my phone to check and see if my daughter was home. That's when I caught him using my grill. I still remind him about that every second month.

 

[drivesitfar]

my daughters have the RING and they like it, but isn't it easy to dis arm or remove? even if you are not on their $10 a month service just curious if you can be hacked cause it's online to your cell?

I've lived in the same house for 34 years now and I agree letting your neighbors know when you are gone, having a friend house sit or stop by to watch the cat and as soon as I finish our new fence i'll get another dog maybe an australian shepard/healer/golden retriever friendly dog that is great with kids and a good barker only when somebody is on our property and not a pit bull.

 

[PhilJohn]

I really have no idea. I don’t advertise what type of security I run but maybe there is a way someone could find out. My system is timed to alarm the moment something is tripped. I don’t see how they would have time to do anything but maybe a real fast smash and grab. I can’t even see that really happening because the alarm is so loud my neighbors would probably be able to hear it too.

 

[WES51]

I like to add that apparently a good number of the current cel phone module reporting happens over 3g.

However with the retirement of 3g system, these modules will become obsolete and no longer working. Check for corresponding online articles in this regard.

In our case the control panel has a 3g module and the manufacturer does not have a LTE option for it. So we will need a new control panel soon.

 

[PhilJohn]

I like to add that apparently a good number of the current cel phone module reporting happens over 3g.

However with the retirement of 3g system, these modules will become obsolete and no longer working. Check for corresponding online articles in this regard.

In our case the control panel has a 3g module and the manufacturer does not have a LTE option for it. So we will need a new control panel soon.

Hmm, I will have to check what mine is too.

 

[jkuro]

Don't know if this was mentioned, but I would add your overhead garage doors to your system. I hard wired mine and used wide gap contacts on the doors. When I go to bed its just a quick glance at the panel to see if someone left a door open.

 

[Trapps]

...Home security is a layered approach...

Absolutely sound philosophy!

I have a few layers:

1. ADT - Monitored system (I got a deal through USAA) We have a few window stickers and the yard sign near the driveway, plus I like the app. Like jkuro said, don't forget the garage doors.

2. Ring - w/ Subscription & multiple cameras outside and one inside. I've tried to conceal them.

3. Bode - A two faced German Shepherd.
Face one is "Hi, nice to meet you"

Face two is his way of asking you to leave:

4. A well trained Marine who believes in Sig Sauer, Daniel Defense & personal accountability.

Perhaps overkill, but I sleep well whether I am home or away.

 

[infinkc]

When we had our house built, i opted to have it pre-wired with the stipulation to signup for ADT for 2 years. Got the top of the line Honeywell system installed with every window wired, glass break, motions, 3 keypads. I figured the cost of 2 years service was around 1k. This was close to the cost if i were to purchase just the equipment and not even have it installed. So i got service and the alarm installed.

I now run a Hub6 unit connected to the honewell for full app control and monitoring asmy 2 years with ADT are up.