Pros and Cons of DIY Home Security System Cameras

A security camera system can be a smart investment in your home’s safety, preventing criminals from targeting your home, protecting your loved ones, and providing evidence to law enforcement if you ever experience a break-in.

There are so many choices when it comes to picking the right camera for your home. One of the biggest decisions you’ll need to make is whether to purchase a do-it-yourself (DIY) security camera or enlist the help of a professional.

This guide can help you weigh the pros and cons of DIY security camera installation.

Can you install your own security cameras?

While it’s possible to install your own security cameras, the process can be difficult and time consuming—especially if you have a large home or a home with complex security needs.

To get the best performance from your security camera system, you’ll need to know more than just how to install your cameras. You’ll also have to know where to place your cameras to get maximum coverage and how to configure them so they work together.

If you have a wireless security camera, you’ll need to be familiar with the method your camera uses to communicate with other smart devices. Some wireless home security systems communicate through Wi-Fi technology, while others connect through Z-wave technology.

Trying to install your own security system can be a hassle. That’s why Vivint offers professional installation. An expert installer can analyze the layout of your home to determine your security needs. They’ll also install your security devices for optimum efficiency and to ensure everything works well together.

Pros of DIY home security cameras

If you have a small living space like an apartment or a condo, DIY home security cameras might offer all the protection you need. There are a few advantages to installing your own security cameras.

• DIY security cameras have smaller upfront costs. When you connect your own cameras, you don’t have to pay for things like professional installation, professional monitoring, or cloud storage.
• You don’t have to get everything at once. You might start by getting an outdoor security camera with a motion detector to monitor your front yard, then purchase an indoor camera to plug into your living room. A DIY starter kit lets you see the benefits of a security camera before splurging on a full home security kit.
• DIY security cameras are almost always wireless. They can be brought with you when you move. This might not always be the case with wired cameras or professionally installed camera systems.

Cons of DIY home security cameras

DIY security cameras probably aren’t for you if you have a large home or property. Even if you have a smaller place, professional installation will likely help you get the most out of your cameras.

When an expert installs your home security cameras, you know they’ll set everything up correctly. Here are a few reasons you might not want to get a DIY security camera.

• You might be on your own when your DIY camera needs repairs. Not only are professionally installed cameras less likely to malfunction, but they usually also come with knowledgeable support staff to help you troubleshoot your camera if it has problems.
• DIY cameras have shorter warranties. Even though DIY cameras save you money on things like monthly fees, they can end up costing you money in repairs or replacements over time. Professionally installed options, like Vivint’s security camera systems, typically come with an extended warranty.
• Cameras that aren’t mounted in the right locations won’t offer complete protection. Professional installers know exactly where your cameras need to be. For example, they’ll likely set up your camera so it can view areas of your home that intruders would have to walk by, like your main hallway.
• DIY installation can require a lot of time and research. You have to take the time to learn how to connect your security camera to the rest of your home alarm and wider security system.
• DIY cameras often require self-monitoring. Professionally installed cameras usually give you the option to purchase a home monitoring plan with a security company. For a monthly monitoring fee, a monitoring center will keep tabs on your camera and contact emergency services if there’s a problem.
• DIY cameras may not come with cloud storage. Cloud storage lets you control your security camera, receive security notifications, and watch video clips using your smartphone.

Home security cameras FAQs

We answer some of the most common questions about security cameras below.

Are DIY security cameras good?

There are high-quality DIY security cameras that have compatibility with top-of-the-line smart devices. Some DIY security cameras even have security add-ons like night vision, motion detection, and an alarm system.

To fully benefit from them, you need to know how to install and connect them so all your devices work together. If you don’t have experience installing security systems or expert knowledge about smart security devices, it’s a good idea to go with professional installation.

What are the best home security cameras?

There are a variety of security cameras available with an assortment of different features. The best home security systems can be customized to meet the needs of different homeowners.

Here are some things that can help you decide on the best DIY security camera.

• The size of your property: If you have a large home, you might need a weatherproof, outdoor security camera to mount high on your outside wall to monitor your yard. If you live in a small apartment, a doorbell camera might be all you need to watch the area in front of your door.
• What you plan on monitoring: Different security cameras have different functionality and attributes depending on what they’re designed to do. For example, outdoor security cameras need to be weather-resistant to keep working in harsh weather conditions.
• Features you want your camera to have: A security camera can have several features and add-ons. For example, your camera might have a floodlight that illuminates a large area whenever a motion sensor picks up movement, or a battery or cellular backup that lets it function during a power outage.
• Your existing security smart home devices: If you want your security camera to be part of the larger interconnected security system, it will need to have compatibility with the smart security devices you already have (including window sensors, entry sensors, and smart LED lighting).
• The type of storage you want: How do you want your camera to store video clips? Some cameras have local storage options like micro SD cards, while others are capable of storing footage on the cloud.

Are home security cameras worth it?

Home security cameras are the backbone of a wider security system. Just having a security camera can be a powerful deterrent against intruders. Households with security cameras are around three times less likely to be broken into than those without.

Security cameras, like those offered by Vivint, are a central part of a smart security system. With smart cameras in place, you can do things like monitor your home, disarm your sensors, and receive security push notifications from anywhere using a mobile app on your smartphone.

Discover the ultimate home security solutions from Vivint

If you’re looking for the best tools to help protect your home and give you peace of mind, Vivint can help with security camera systems. We offer outdoor cameras, indoor cameras, video doorbells, and a reliable monitoring service that can help you keep an eye on your abode while you’re at work, at the gym, or anywhere else.

Our security cameras have smart home integrations with home automation tools like Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, as well as a number of smart appliances like smart garage door openers, smart smoke detectors, and smart locks.

Contact us to meet with one of our knowledgeable smart home experts. They’ll help you analyze your home’s layout to determine which smart home security products will work best for your particular space, so you can design a smart home setup that you can control from a central base station or mobile device. Call us at 855.822.1220 for a free consultation today.