Is Installing a Security System Right for You?

There are many factors to contemplate when you are thinking about a home security system. For some homeowners and renters, it is a no-brainer and just an absolute and routine part of setting up a new home each time they move. For others, perhaps they haven’t fully considered all of the ins and outs of having a home security system. Read on to find out what you may need to know in order to determine whether or not installing a security system is right for you.

Why Do You Need One?

At a basic level, a home security system is a way to protect your home, your property, and those inside from threats of burglary, home intrusion, and accidents or disasters like fire, flooding, or carbon monoxide fumes. Many home systems also have features that can aid them in the event of medical emergencies as well. Ultimately, home security systems place peace of mind at a premium for those residing inside the home. Military families that often move into unfamiliar cities and neighborhoods can benefit from the deterrent features that a home security system provides, especially when they travel or the service member leaves family members behind for long-term training or deployments.

What Are Your Options?

Not so long ago, homeowners were limited to one or two big-name national security companies like ADT or Vivint to come in and sell you the system, install it, and monitor it. While these large companies still exist and in most cases provide excellent service, there are now other ways to have your own home security. Companies like SimpliSafe, FrontPoint, and Cove promote self-installation so you can DIY your own system, often for a much lower price point than the all-inclusive services. As you shop around, consider which equipment is the most necessary for your needs (cameras, motion lights, sensors) as well as your comfort level with base or installation prices, monthly fees for monitoring, and a contract you may be locked into.

What Do The Experts Say?

According to the U.S. News and World Report, there are some non-negotiable features you should look for in any system whether it is a DIY version or one from one of the big guys. Make sure your system offers proper battery backup in the event that the system goes down without power to the home. Also, make sure it comes with a cellular radio to communicate with the monitoring system center in the event that WiFi capabilities are limited or down. Finally, any good system these days should come equipped with a wide selection of communication protocols that will enable homeowners to expand into other areas of home automation down the road.

Are There Any Other Financial Benefits?

In addition to basic security benefits, having a home security system may also save homeowners money. In many cases, home insurance companies offer savings on premiums when a home has an actively monitored home security system. It is not conclusive, in many situations, home security systems can also intrinsically increase the property’s value or at least increase the attraction for a buyer.

Having a home security system with a sensor network and the ability to add smart home devices is attractive to potential buyers. For this reason, many homebuilders are adding these types of systems as a base feature of newly built homes. According to a 2018 survey by Coldwell Banker, about 75% of buyers revealed they wanted smart thermostats and smart smoke alarms in a new home, 66% said they would look for preinstalled smart security cameras, and 63% were interested in smart door locks.

Whether you are looking to provide an added layer of security for the people you love inside your home, or you are looking ahead at the potential financial payoff of adding a home security system, there seem to be only advantages to having one.