With the crime rates climbing, our most important task is protecting our families. The place to start is to make sure our home is secure. But do you install a security system yourself or pay to have it done? This article helps you weigh the pros and cons of DIY vs. Pro.
DIY Pros:
Cost- The primary benefit to installing a system yourself is obviously the cost. You save on labor and instillation costs which can be significant. You also don’t have to pick from a pre-planned package. You have complete control over the components that will go into your system. You can also budget and spread out the cost over an extended period of time.
Knowledge- The knowledge you’ll gain will be invaluable. You’ll know ever piece of the system, you’ll know how to trouble shoot them if they fail, and what you’ll need to do the repair. Who better to fix an issue than the person who installed it.
DIY Cons:
Finding out that you’ve bitten off more than you can chew is a possibility. There are so many options that it can be hard to know what your needs are exactly and what will work perfectly for your home. There is also a possibility that you may run into trouble with the install. Some systems especially can be harder to work with than others, these complications can intensify if you’re not a natural handyman.
Professional Pros:
This is pretty easy to figure out. Having a professional do it will usually mean a smooth instillation. They’ll know what you need and where you need it to go to protect your home properly. A good professional crew will get the job done quickly and you won’t have to lift a finger. There are usually warranties that come with professional install jobs as well.
Professional Cons:
Not every company is going to get an A+. A poorly done job can mean damage to your home and your wallet. You could always end up with a system that you’re unhappy with or one that doesn’t work the way you need it to. Cost is another real concern. Shop around and see which companies charge which fees and see if there is one in your area that may not charge for installation.
Both can be good options. Make sure you do your research before you start anything. Either way, make sure you call you insurance company to tell them about your security system. A lot of companies will offer discounts on your insurance policies when your home is protected by a security system.
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