Is it fair to say we live in a DIY culture? I think so. Everywhere you turn, people want to do things themselves. From installing new flooring to redoing the landscaping, people want to handle projects on their own. So here is a question: is professional home security installation still worth the cost?
Much of what goes into the answer depends on the provider you choose and what they charge for installation. If you were to buy a system from Vivint, you would get free installation along with it. The one exception is Vivint’s HomeProtect package. With a contract, installation is free. Without a contract, you pay for it.
With all of that said, here are five reasons to seriously consider pro installation:
1. Savings on the Front End
The most immediate impact of choosing a system with professional installation is upfront savings. Savings are realized on lower equipment costs. For example, imagine a system that costs $300 with free professional installation. The installation is free because you are choosing to accept a monthly monitoring package as well. Without monthly monitoring, you could pay $199 just for the installation – plus higher costs on the equipment.
2. Expert Installation and Device Placement
If you’re willing to look beyond cost alone, there are other benefits to choosing professional installation. The first is expertise. Security technicians are expert installers. They know exactly how to hook up a system in the fastest and most efficient way. They also know exactly where to place individual devices.
Device placement is critical for maximum protection. If you place a camera in the wrong spot, it might not offer the full view you are looking for. Placing a motion sensor in the wrong location could mean plenty of false alarms. None of this is a concern when you have a system installed professionally.
3. Eliminating the Stress of Troubleshooting
Rare is the home security installation that goes off without a hitch. Problems arise; things go wrong; equipment doesn’t always behave the way it should. If you’re installing the system yourself, prepare for several hours of troubleshooting and the stress that comes with it.
Professional installation eliminates that stress. Technicians complete the installation and then handle all the troubleshooting. They figure out what the problems are and fix them in short order. Meanwhile, you’re enjoying a nice cup of coffee or a cold drink.
4. Immediate Verification and Monitoring
A home security system is only as effective as its monitoring. If you have chosen a system with professional installation, it’s assumed that you’re also paying for monitoring. Maybe you’ve decided on a three-year contract; perhaps you’re going with no-contract monitoring. Either way, professional installation ensures that the system is verified, and that monitoring begins right away.
Homeowners who choose DIY installation typically need to put their systems through comprehensive diagnostic testing before they can be registered with a monitoring provider. No testing is required for self-monitoring, but self-monitoring also doesn’t offer the benefits of its professional counterparts.
5. On-site Product Training
Last but not least is on-site product training. Before installation techs leave a customer’s home, they spend time teaching the customer how to use the system. This includes everything from arming and disarming to creating basic automations. On-site training is invaluable if you are not familiar with how security systems work.
No doubt there are reasons to invest in a home security system you install and monitor yourself. But if you can afford a monthly monitoring package, it is hard to beat a professionally installed system for convenience and peace of mind. Professional installation guarantees the job is done right.
