Best Do It Yourself Alarm Systems

The alarm system industry has completely changed and do it yourself alarm systems are extremely popular and relatively easy to install. Using cellular or wireless alarm systems eliminate the need to do wiring throughout your house and can be setup in a matter of hours with a few simple tools. The price of even the best do it yourself alarm systems is substantially lower when compared to professionally installed home alarm systems. The price savings for a do it yourself alarm system is enough to opt out of the professionally installed systems.

We’ve reviewed the best do it yourself alarm systems and can only recommend a few options. There are lots of options out there, but we’re focused exclusively on price, quality, and ease of installation. The DIY alarm systems that we are recommending have the same monitoring fees (roughly $15-20 per month), but the savings on installation is outrageous. A do it yourself alarm system is by far the most cost effective way to secure your home. Check out our review of the best do it yourself alarm systems and we’re sure you’ll find one that suits you.

Here is our list of the best do it yourself alarm systems for your home:

What Is A Do It Yourself Alarm System?

In the simplest of terms a do it yourself alarm system is an alarm system that you install yourself. Traditionally, after you purchased your home alarm system from the alarm system company they would send someone out to install it for you. This usually entailed running wires, drilling and perhaps a full day’s worth of labor. Not only did this take a long time and was intrusive but it could also become expensive, adding more to your up-front cost.

These days the do it yourself alarm system installation is taking the industry by storm and for several reasons. Installing a do it yourself alarm system is fairly simply and does not require any advance knowledge. You won’t even need any tools. In short, installing a DIY alarm system is as easy as plugging in your main Control Panel, peeling and placing your wireless sensors and calling the alarm company to have them activate the system.

A DIY alarm system installation usually takes anywhere from 30 minutes for basis set ups to about an hour for more complex set ups. Once you have ordered your alarm system from the alarm system company they will usually pre-program the system for you by “learning” the alarm sensors in to the Control Panel. They will then ship the system to your door.

When you receive your wireless alarm system it’s time for the simple DIY setup. The system should come with easy to follow instructions and if you run into any snags you can always call the alarm company technical support.

Overall, do it yourself alarm systems are not only easier to install but don’t add any additional installation costs to your up-front price. Not to mention it takes a lot less time to install a wireless DIY alarm system.

The Best Do It Yourself Alarm Systems

There are several different types of do it yourself alarm systems out there today. Perhaps the most common one is the GE Simon alarm system. The latest Control Panel for the Simon system is called the GE Simon XT. There is also a touchscreen version of the XT on the market known as the GE Simon XTi. The GE Simon XT Control Panel simply sits on a tabletop or can be mounted on the wall with a small screw. In fact, companies like FrontPoint Security even created their own tabletop “stand” for the Simon XT, making it that much easier to install. The GE Simon system is considered one of the best do it yourself alarm systems out there today. FrontPoint Security and Protect America are two major alarm companies using the GE Simon system in a do it yourself capacity.

2Gig Technologies also makes a do it yourself alarm system. Their Go!Control Panel is a wireless touchscreen Control Panel and all alarm system equipment is wireless for simply DIY setup. However, more 2Gig systems are installed professionally. Alarm companies like Vivint use 2Gig systems and install them with a technician. 2Gig makes great alarm system equipment and is definitely considered one of the best alarm systems in general, whether it’s installed b you or the company.

Finally, LifeShield Security offers its own brand of do it yourself alarm system. LifeShield offers proprietary alarm system equipment that closely resembles Honeywell alarm systems. LifeShield’s do it yourself alarm system is wireless just like the others, and can actually be installed by you or they can send a technician. A technician installation will cost extra, however, so we recommend the do it yourself alarm system installation to save a few bucks.

All of the DIY alarm systems and alarm companies mentioned above are some of best in the alarm industry. The best DIY alarm systems will be simple to install and will save you money and time. The ones described above fit the bill perfectly.

Installing A Do It Yourself Alarm System

A do it yourself alarm system is another aspect of home alarms that is fairly new. If you haven’t looked around for a new alarm system in while you may find that many of the newer alarm systems are do it yourself alarm systems. Installing a do it yourself alarm system is pretty simple. Most alarm system companies like FrontPoint Security and Protect America will program your alarm system equipment prior to shipping it to you. When you receive it all you have to do is follow the simple instructions for plugging in your Control Panel and placing your sensors.

The Control Panel for a do it yourself alarm system can be placed wherever you would like. However, it is recommended that you put that Control Panel in an easily accessible place in your home. Newer technology prevents intruders from tampering with your Control Panel and disrupting the signal, so placing it right next to a door or in the kitchen is not a problem.

Alarm sensors are easy to set up as well. Each alarm sensor should come with some sort of double sided adhesive, or can even be mounted with a small screw if you prefer to go the extra mile. Simply “peel and place” your sensors according to the instructions. Once you have placed your Control Panel and your sensors the last step is to call your alarm system company to have your system activated. The alarm company will likely go through each sensor with you to make sure each is set up correctly and will also test your Control Panel remotely. Once this is done your system will be activated and you’ll be ready to go.

Do it yourself alarm systems are not something to be afraid of. They are extremely easy to set up and take less than an hour for most people. You cannot only save time, but save some money with a do it yourself alarm system.

Common Do It Yourself Alarm System Questions

Every so often we receive a number of questions regarding alarm systems and different aspects of the system and companies. Here are some common do it yourself alarm system questions:
How Much Do DIY Alarm Systems Cost?

Ah, the ever important question of price. The up-front cost of a do it yourself alarm system will depend largely on the amount of alarm system equipment you purchase. In effect a do it yourself alarm system is just a wireless alarm system that you install yourself. So the pricing remains the same as far as equipment. However, you do not need to pay for the alarm system installation since you will be conducting it yourself. This can ultimately save you money on installation costs.

How Much Can I Save With A Do It Yourself Alarm System?

Again, the savings that come from a do it yourself alarm system will depend on the amount of equipment you get. Most alarm system companies that offer installation services will charge anywhere from $100 to $250. Some will install free or charge, but these days most companies will charge something for a professional alarm system installation. So, in the end you could save as little as $100 or as much as $200-$300 by going with a do it yourself alarm system installation.

Where Can I Find DIY Alarm System Reviews?

This question always gets us going! You came to the right place if you’re looking for DIY alarm system reviews! Alarm System Report is a great source for do it yourself alarm system reviews. We review a number of alarm system companies that offer do it yourself alarm systems. Our alarm system reviews go over every facet, including installation, to give you the most thorough review of the best alarm companies. At least three of the alarm companies in our alarm system rankings offer DIY alarm systems

Where Can I Find DIY Alarm System Discounts?

It’s no secret that Alarm System Report is a great source for alarm system reviews. It’s also a great place to find alarm system discounts. By visiting our alarm system coupons section you can do it yourself alarm system discounts and coupons. Find the best DIY alarm system discounts doesn’t have to be difficult. You can also call each alarm company that offers DIY alarm systems to ask about any current, unadvertised promotions.

Reasons To Purchase A Do It Yourself Alarm System

It’s always good to know why you’re buying something. Purchasing a home alarm system is usually done by those that want to protect their home, we know that. But, what are the reasons to purchase a do it yourself alarm system?

• No tools required
• No prior experience needed
• Saves installation time, can be installed in under and hour
• Saves money on up-front installation or activation costs
• You can move it with you to a new home
• DIY alarm system are wireless alarm systems. Wireless alarm systems are the best alarm systems

These are the main reasons one would purchase a do it yourself alarm system

Moving With A Do It Yourself Alarm System

One of the great things about a do it yourself alarm system is the ability to take it with you if you move. Uninstalling a DIY alarm system is just as easy as installing it. You would simply unplug your main Control Panel and take down your wireless alarm sensors. Don’t forget to disarm your system first though! It’s also a good idea to let you alarm company know that you will be moving the system.

When you get to the new home all you need to do is install the alarm system the same way you did the first time. Simply plug in the Control Panel, peel and place your sensors and call the alarm company to make sure everything is working as it’s supposed to. If you need more adhesive for your alarm sensors you can contact your alarm system company or find the adhesive at a local hardware store. Also, if you need more sensors for your DIY system contact the alarm company and have them send you a few new ones. You may need extra sensors if you move in to a larger house, or have more doors and windows in your new home than your old one.

Ultimately, moving a do it yourself alarm system is extremely simple and not time consuming at all. In fact, if you took out actual driving/moving time you could probably uninstall your alarm system and reinstall in the matter of an hour.

Do It Yourself Alarm System Tips

Before and after installing a DIY alarm system there are a few things you should keep in mind a few tips that might help you along the way.

First, before you install a do it yourself alarm system you should mark where you will be placing your alarm sensors. Even if you haven’t received your alarm system delivery yet this can be a small time saver when installing your alarm system. Knowing where your alarm sensors will be placed in advance can help you in your set up.

Second, make sure to keep track of which sensors are being placed where. Meaning when you are placing your sensors make a note of the sensor’s “number” or identifier, this can help you keep track of the sensors. You may end up having three of four door sensors, 10+ window sensors and 2-3 motion sensors or something along these lines. Either way, if you have more than one of the same sensor it can be confusing remembering which door your put the sensor on when programming the Control Panel later.

After you have installed your alarm system go around to each sensor and make sure it is securely in place. The next step will be to call the alarm company for activation so you want to make sure the sensors are solidly in place. While the alarm system company will tell you if there is an issue, this can save you a few minutes by double checking first.

Finally, after you have your do it yourself alarm system installed and activated it’s time to make sure it stays that way it is. Once a month or so you should check each sensor to make sure everything is in working order. The Control Panel will likely notify you of any issues with your system anyways, but it’s always good to double check and not necessarily rely on technology.

Installing and maintaining a DIY alarm system is extremely easy and doesn’t take a lot of time or effort. This is perfect for families and people on the go.