DIY vs. Professionally Monitored Smart Home Security: Pros and Cons

  AUTHOR: Carlos Paras
 UPDATED: January 15, 2024

There once was a time when professional security monitoring companies were the only viable options for those serious about protecting their homes.

But times are changing.

The rise of several powerful DIY home security monitoring systems has widened the market to give consumers unprecedented flexibility in safeguarding their homes.

Investing in a smart home security system can help protect you and your loved ones from unwanted harm.

When selecting a home security method, it’s important to choose an option that works best for you. There are several variables to consider when making your choice, but don’t worry. We’ve got you covered.

In this article, we’ll review the critical information you need to know before you invest in a home security system.

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What Is DIY Smart Home Security?

DIY smart home security is a relatively new phenomenon that has resulted from the recent explosion in popularity of smart home devices.

With DIY smart home security, homeowners are able to choose from a variety of security devices and do the installation and monitoring of their home themselves.

Because most DIY smart devices can be synced to your smartphone, you can enjoy constant monitoring and get alerts in real time so that you can keep watch over the things you value most.

How Do Smart Home Security Systems Work?

Smart home security devices can connect and communicate with each other through a variety of protocols such as: Wi-Fi, Zigbee, and Z-wave.

Once the devices are connected to a central hub, you can then control the system through your smartphone or computer.

DIY systems also allow you to set up your security system in any way that you like.

Do you want your security light to turn on and notify you on your smartphone if someone comes within a certain distance of your house?

No problem.

Would you like an alarm to go off if dangerous levels of carbon monoxide are detected in the air?

DIY security systems allow you to do that, too.

Most DIY security systems are self-monitored, meaning the owner will have the responsibility to watch over the home and react if an emergency arises.

It’s also important to note that most DIY systems are equipped to handle multiple security devices.

If you'd like to add an additional sensor to monitor your windows or another camera to watch over the back door of your home, you can seamlessly integrate these devices into the existing system.

In addition, because many reputable brands can work with Google Assistant and Amazon’s Alexa, you’ll be able to control your security system by voice.

This allows homeowners even more flexibility in the operation of their home security systems.

This convenience is one of the main reasons the use of DIY smart home security systems has increased in market popularity.

Consumers are able to have more control and be more involved in their home’s protection.

With this information in mind, it’s time to take an in-depth look at some of the key differences between DIY systems and professional security monitoring.

How Does DIY Home Security Differ from Professional Security Monitoring?

Though both forms of home security are known to be viable methods of protecting your home, they differ greatly in their fundamental approaches.

While DIY home security looks to give homeowners the resources they need to better monitor their home themselves, professional monitoring outsources the protection to a third party.

And one of the most obvious ways this impacts the consumer is cost.

While you can purchase a DIY home security kit for a one-time cost, professional security monitoring comes with a recurring monthly fee.

Additionally, because you’re outsourcing the job to another party, you won’t have as much control over the equipment used—as it won’t be yours.

While professional monitoring companies are looking to increase the flexibility they provide to their customers, the real benefit comes in their ability to assist in case of an emergency.

With professionals on staff 24/7, professional monitoring companies have the manpower and the resources available to quickly respond in case of a home emergency.

Now, let’s take a look at some of the pros and cons of DIY and professionally monitored systems so that you can make a more informed home security decision.

Pros and Cons of DIY Home Security Systems

DIY smart home security systems are becoming increasingly popular and are very effective, but are they right for you?

Consider some of the pros and cons of DIY security systems before making your home protection investment.

Let’s get things started by listing some of the benefits of DIY home security systems.

Pros

• Convenience — Because you have much greater control over the system as a whole, DIY security kits are more convenient to use.
  
  

  Though they do take more work to install, many DIY systems give you the option to control several aspects of your house—such as lighting or temperature—all through voice-controlled assistants or through a smartphone or computer.

• Flexibilty — Because you’ll be able to build the system the way you want, you can make sure that your security system is really working for you.
  
  

  You can get the protection you want by customizing your system to fit your specific needs. This gives you ultimate flexibility and greater peace of mind in your security service.

• Cost — Unlike professional monitoring services that will charge you a monthly fee, DIY home security systems come only with the one-time, upfront cost of purchasing it.
  
  

  If you want to upgrade your system to cover additional doors or windows, you may have to purchase another add-on, but even then, you’ll be good to go once that’s done. This makes DIY kits an effective means of protection even for those on a budget.

With all the positives of DIY home security sytems, it’s important to understand some of the drawbacks before making your purchase.

Cons

• Room for Error — One of the biggest concerns when purchasing a DIY security kit is that you may be using it incorrectly. If you’re new to home security systems, it’s possible that you can mess up the installation even if you think you’re following the directions to the best of your ability.
  
  

  Misplaced sensors, cameras, or hubs can make it difficult to effectively monitor your home, reducing the protection you could be getting. Because of this, it’s important that you spend time making sure that you are installing the system correctly.

• More Work for You — If you’re looking for a security system that protects you while you’re away, DIY home kits might not be the best option for you.
  
  

  Because they do little in the way of actually reporting incidents, you may find that your system isn’t offering the protection you need.

  Though you’ll be notified in the event something occurs, it will be your responsibility to report it to authorities—and if you happen to be away from your phone, you could end up being the victim of theft or other crimes.

  Because of this, DIY systems require active monitoring and quick, appropriate action on your part to be effective.

• Replacing Broken Equipment — Let’s say you’ve purchased your home security system, and it’s been working great for a few months. Then, an unfortunate accident or an electrical malfunction has suddenly put your security system out of business.
  
  

  What do you do now? Will you be forced to buy a new system? Do you have a warranty available? Will your home be without protection while you wait for a replacement?

  When it comes to protecting your loved ones, this kind of uncertainty can be a make-or-break factor in determining the right security system for your home.

  If you’re looking to use DIY home systems, make sure that you have a plan in the event of an emergency.

Pros and Cons of Professional Security Monitoring

The traditional alternative, professional security monitoring, is used by millions across the country as a way to protect their homes.

With several big-name companies available to choose from, there is a degree of flexibility in finding the right professional monitoring services.

If you’re looking to protect your home, is it worth venturing out and joining the DIY smart home security system trend, or would it be better to stick to what’s tried-and-true?

Consider the following pros and cons as you weigh your decision.

Pros

• Professional monitoring — As the name suggests, professional monitoring systems can offer better protection in case an event actually occurs.
  
  

  Though DIY systems can alert you when things go wrong, if you’re not available, there’s often no second course of action.

  You don’t have to worry about this with professional monitoring services.

  If an emergency happens, they’re likely to attempt to contact you or make sure the proper authorities are sent to the scene.

  In this regard, you’re almost guaranteed the protection you need for your home to stay safe.

  In situations where you may be incapacitated — for example, if carbon monoxide levels have gotten too high in your house and you pass out — professional monitoring could save your life or the lives of your loved ones.

• Professional Installation — Unlike DIY kits where you’ll have to set up everything yourself, these professional monitoring companies will send experts out to install your security equipment in the correct manner.
  
  

  And if the system breaks down or needs repairs—it will be up to the company to provide a replacement.

• Customer Service — Have a question about your system? Looking to make an upgrade? Professional monitoring companies will have experts on hand who can help you make informed decisions about your home’s protection.
  
  

  Instead of trying to figure things out yourself, you can speak to an industry professional who can guide you in the right direction.

  And because there’s a lot of diverse competition in the market, you can even get a second opinion from another professional monitoring company to be sure that you’re getting the protection you need.

Cons

If professional monitoring were perfect, DIY smart home security systems would not be on the rise.  So, let’s take a look at some of the areas in which professional monitoring systems come up short.

• Cost — Many consumers simply cannot afford professional monitoring options.
  
  Unlike DIY systems that require a one-time, upfront cost, professional monitoring systems charge a monthly fee. This could definitely add up over time.

• Less Flexibility — Professional monitoring services don’t provide the same customizable security options that some of the more popular DIY systems do. This means that you may not be able to protect your home in the exact manner which you see fit.

Ultimately, the right security system for your home will depend on your own personal situation.

Those looking for greater flexibility and a more hands-on approach to their home security may wish to invest in DIY systems.

If you're looking for voice and smartphone-controlled options and the ability to customize your security system, then DIY smart home security may be the right choice for you.

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