January 2023
If you’re looking to invest in a home security system, it’s understandable that you would want to save money where you can, especially when DIY (do it yourself) systems are an option. However, when it comes to securing your property, price shouldn’t be the only consideration when you value your safety and belongings. While DIY may be the best route for some, others may prefer to opt for professionally set up home security. As the discussion is an important one, in this article we will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of DIY and professional house alarm systems.
DIY House Alarms: The Pros
DIY house alarms offer a cost-effective and efficient way of installing security by yourself. Purchasable in store or online, the product often comes with a user manual and instructions on setting it up yourself which can be especially good for those who are ‘tech-savvy’ and confident working with technology. Some DIY alarm systems also come with no subscriptions – however, this can differ depending on the product and services your chosen system offers.
DIY House Alarms: The Cons
So, what is the problem with DIY alarm systems? One of the biggest disadvantages is the lack of professional expertise. During installation, a lack of knowledge can create a challenge and result in improper installation which could lead to further problems down the line, especially if the system you install still leaves certain areas of your home vulnerable. Another disadvantage is the lack of maintenance support - You will be responsible for the overall maintenance of the device, along with ensuring to check any associated batteries. Whereas professional installation companies use their own suppliers, sourcing replacement parts for a DIY system can be a bit more time consuming.
Professional House Alarms: The Pros
A professional security installation offers certified security professionals with years of experience and industry knowledge – there’s no need for you to figure out what devices you need, how that system needs to be put together. You would receive full instructions on how to use the system, allowing you that extra peace of mind that the alarm has been installed properly and you understand how it should be used. If you are unsure what security alarm system is best for your property, don’t worry, our experts will be able to advise you and discuss your options based on your requirements. Alternatively, you could check out what security systems are available for your house in this article here.
Professional installations also give you the option to book in for annual maintenance. For your convenience, here at Lynx, we offer annual maintenance services for your security systems (intruder alarm, CCTV system or both). Another advantage of a professional security installation is the option for monitoring services which ensures that your property remains secure – if needed, you can receive notifications via an Alarm Receiving Centre (ARC) as Keyholder Response only or as Police Response. Lynx also offers monitoring services as safety is our top priority and we strive to make it as easy as possible to protect your home from intruders.
Professional House Alarms: The Cons
The main disadvantage of having a professional security system installation is that it may cost more than a DIY security system. Another disadvantage for some could be any ongoing costs. Some people may want to just make one payment and forget about any further payments. At Lynx, we recommend services annually (twice annually for monitored systems) but other installation companies may ask for a monthly payment to cover maintenance or system rental. One other disadvantage may be the installation timeframe - installation slots may vary depending on the availability of your chosen Company. Here at Lynx, we work hard to ensure we have installation times that work best for you. If you would like to find out more about what our customers say about our installations and ongoing maintenance, feel free to read through our customer reviews here.
In conclusion, DIY house alarm systems may be more cost-efficient and easier to install by yourself, however here at Lynx, we believe that the disadvantages outweigh the advantages when it comes to comprehensive home security alarms. Professionally set up alarm systems can be less stressful - the only other step you will have left is to book in for annual maintenance visit.
Interested in having a home security system installed by Lynx? Get in contact with us today, by calling 0800 998 1303, emailing [email protected], or filling in our online enquiry form today!
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