10 Reasons Why You Need to Install Your Own Alarm System

If you're taking the leap into the exciting world of home security, one of the first decisions you will make is whether to hire a professional installer or to install the system yourself. While most new users still hire a professional, installing your own system is often the better option.

Many people mistakenly believe that a home security system is difficult to install and that it has to be done by a professional. But the industry has actually made great strides in recent years, and now alarm systems can be installed by almost anyone. DIY monitoring companies like Alarm Grid have helped to make this possible. We've shown the security industry why the DIY model is the right model for alarm systems. Now you too can install your own home or business security system! Simply obtain the equipment you need, either from our website or from somewhere else, and sign-up for one of our alarm monitoring plans to get started.

The key to setting up your own home security system without hiring a professional is to make the installation as easy as possible. Choose a wireless control panel and wireless sensors that don't require holes to be drilled. Most wireless panels can be rested on a desk or table with a compatible desk mount, and the sensors can be mounted using double-sided foam tape that often comes included. From there, you just need to program the sensors, which is super easy when you own your own system and know the proper access codes. Before you know it, you will be a true DIYer!

Here are ten reasons why you should install alarm system instead of hiring a professional:

1. Understand Your System Better

When a professional installer sets up your own home or business security system, they usually aren't there to play teacher. They will often show you the bare minimum so that you can perform basic functions on the system. By setting up your own system, you can understand its features and capabilities better. This way, you can configure the system exactly to your liking to suit your lifestyle!

2. Choose Your Own Equipment

If you hire a professional, you might have little say over what equipment will be used in the installation. To have full control over what equipment is used, your best bet is to install the system yourself. If you need help choosing your equipment, Alarm Grid offers free support online and over the phone in planning home and business security systems. And with a DIY monitoring company like Alarm Grid, it doesn't matter where you find the equipment. If you can find it cheaper outside our website, go for it!

3. It's More Satisfying

We've discussed the IKEA Effect in the past and how customers who install their own equipment are more satisfied with the end result than if they had someone else do it for them. When you put in the time and effort to set up your own alarm system, it becomes much more valuable and personal to you than if you just throw money at someone to get the job done. Users who complete their own installation grow to love their alarm systems and the protection they provide for their families.

4. Save Money

This one is obvious. Installers charge hundreds or even thousands of dollars for most alarm system installations. Just check out the hourly rates for most outside installers. It's staggering! The truth is that you can install your own equipment just as well as a professional, all without having to spend a cent. So roll up those sleeves, get an Alarm Grid Tech on the phone, and save some money by installing your own system!

5. Feel Empowered

Installing your own alarm system is empowering. It offers a feeling of accomplishment in knowing that you did it yourself. You don't have to rely on others to install the system for you. Instead, you are self-sufficient and in control. Of course, if you ever do need some assistance, our technicians can walk you through the process online or over the phone. But you're the one in control of the project. You have the power!

6. Learn Something New

Many people enjoy learning new processes and tasks. Why not learn how to install and program a security system? It can actually be a fun and amusing challenge to take on for yourself, and it's knowledge that might come in handy later. After you've installed your own alarm system, you can add it to the list of things you know how to do. And it might make for interesting conversation to teach others about the system as well.

7. Make Your Own System Changes

Almost all alarm system users will need to make changes and adjustments to the settings at some point or another. For users who hire a professional, they often don't know the system's Installer Code, and they have to have an installer come out to their home or business to make the changes. But if you install your own system, you'll know the Installer Code so you can go right in and make your own changes in a matter of minutes. How cool is that?

8. Easily Move Your System

Are you planning to move to a new home? Do you need to take your business security system to a new office? If you set up your own system, this process is a breeze. Simply dismount your equipment, and set it up in your new location. You will need to contact your monitoring company and let them know about the address change, but the transition is seamless overall. Remember to test your sensors after moving them to your new home or business!

9. Complete Ownership

It's a common tactic for other security companies to offer a free installation and a free security system when signing-up for their monitoring services. The problem with this is that most of these companies offer proprietary equipment that will only work with their services. So while you might own the system, it's no good if you want to take it somewhere else. When you choose and set up your own equipment, it is usually non-proprietary, and you can take it to a different monitoring company if you want to.

10. Future Installations

Once you have installed your own alarm system, you can repeat the process and steps for any future installations you might complete. Perhaps you're setting up a security system for your office, or maybe you need one for a summer home. What you've learned from your first installation can easily apply to a second one. Take what you've learned, and put it into action!

Whether you're installing your own system for a home or business, Alarm Grid is here to help you every step of the way. We offer support online and over the phone so that you can get your system exactly the way you want it. To get started, sign-up for one of our monitoring plans with the orange button above.

If you have any questions, you can always email us at support@alarmgrid.com, you can call us during our normal business hours of 9am to 8pm EST M-F. We look forward to working with you and helping you complete your own security system installation!