DO IT YOURSELF OR NOT?
By Robert Hessel
Whatever security system you choose, proper
installation is vital to ensure it functions
satisfactorily and provides the safety features
you need every time you need them. While DIY
installations are cheaper, professional installations are not only
easier, but also more reliable. Plus, professional installers can
often provide additional safety tips for your home and detailed
information on how to properly use and maintain your system.
When you DIY your security system, you may worry that
everything might not work correctly, but professional installers
make sure each component is working as it should. Let’s run
down some of the pros and cons of DIY versus professional
installation.
Although there are some benefits to DIY installation, there
are a number of major drawbacks. The biggest benefit when
you install your security system is obviously the money you’ll
save on installation fees. Besides this money savings, when you
choose a company that offers DIY systems, you typically own
the equipment, so if you move, your equipment goes with you,
without an equipment relocation fee. This often appeals to renters
or people whose jobs require them to move around frequently.
You also have the luxury of installing the system on your own
schedule, instead of waiting for an appointment with an installer.
During the actual installation, many homeowners find
wireless DIY systems fairly easy to install with either electronic
prompts or verbal walkthroughs during installation. However,
the professional you talk with over the phone during setup can’t
see the inside of your home and won’t be able to make certain
recommendations that an on-site installer could. Plus, if you
prefer a hard-wired system, you could find these much trickier
to install, especially if you’re not a handy person. The need for
an easy to install system can severely limit your options.
If you’re not a security expert, one major drawback of a DIY
installation is the lingering doubt you might have over whether
your equipment and system are set up correctly. Plus, if you
successfully get your system installed, you’ll now have to teach
yourself how to use it. If you’re technology savvy, this might not
be too disconcerting, but otherwise, the lack of technical guidance
might be rather daunting. With a professional installation,
company representatives walk through the entire system with
you and explain in detail how to use each feature.
Going back to the money you save with a DIY install, you may
end up paying more for your equipment because you miss out
on discounts for package deals. Worse, you might not qualify for
certain warranties, because there’s no guarantee you installed
the system correctly. This could cost you big time! If your home
is burglarized or damaged by fire, your insurance company may
refuse your claim when there’s doubt about whether the system
was installed right. When your system is professionally installed,
the security company takes on this liability.
While a professional installation requires an installation fee,
your biggest benefit is not having to worry about making a
mistake during the installation process. Professionals ensure
your system is set up properly and can answer all your technical
questions. You benefit from and should take advantage of their
vast knowledge and experience. While this service does come
with a price tag, companies often include cost-saving incentives
when you pay for professional installations, such as discounted
equipment or package upgrades.
One drawback is any potential stipulations should you decide to
move to a new home. This could require a second installation fee to
move your equipment or leaving some of your equipment behind
and/or having to purchase new equipment. Other drawbacks
do include rearranging your schedule to have your equipment
installed during a set appointment time and potentially having
less control over your system setup. However, the peace of mind
you receive from knowing your security system was set up for
peak performance often outweighs these inconveniences.
In the end, installing your own security system can potentially
save you money and help avoid scheduling conflicts. However,
when you forego professional installation, you run a big risk of
making a mistake that causes you to experience an undetected
break-in or fire. Faulty installations put both your home and your
family at risk. Furthermore, a DIY system may be much more
prone to false alarms. This could cost you much more than you
saved on the installation fee when you receive a stiff fine from
the police department.
EDITOR’S NOTE: The above article is a preview from Robert Hessel’s
new book, Safe City: From Law Enforcement to Neighborhood
Watches, which is now available for pre-order on amazon.com. Robert
Hessel at Source 1 Solutions can be contacted at (727) 538-4114 or
visit source1security.com.
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NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2017 | TAMPA BAY MAGAZINE 117