by Invision Systems

DIY or Do It Yourself projects are more popular than ever. It’s really no surprise that people want to save time and money and believe that by completing a project themselves they will save both. However, this is not always the case with DIY projects.  In today’s world, completing a project on your own sounds rewarding and can be less expensive. In reality, DIY projects end up costing more time, money, and energy to complete. This is especially true with your security system. Security systems professionals train for years to gain the knowledge and experience they have. That being said, Security camera systems, burglar alarms, and other high-value security systems are installations you should leave to the professionals.

Security system professionals have years of knowledge in this specialty field. These folks trained to manage and configure complex networks. They trained to install, program, and maintain complex security systems. Often, they attend ongoing factory training and industry seminars, all to provide their customers with the latest technology.

You get what you pay for.

That camera package deal at Costco seems like a STEAL, but is it? How do you know it’s going to fit the specifications at your home or business? Will all of the components work properly once installed and programmed?  Who will you reach out to if you encounter installation issues? Do you have a contact number in case you need technical support? Most discount brand manufacturers do not have customer support centers or technicians to help with configurations and installations.

“Well…” you say, “I planned to hire a professional. My best friend’s boyfriend’s cousin is a very skilled handyman, he’ll be installing my system.”  Great! A handyman may install parts of the system correctly, but can he program it? Can he service the hardware components and support the software components?  Has he taken into consideration the placement of your security cameras?  How much time did he spend designing the system to best fit your security needs?

Another thing to consider is the actual security for the system itself. Hiring a handyman may leave your system vulnerable to hackers and other security threats. Professional security companies employ staff who have gone through background checks and vigorous security training. Security system professionals complete training to update software, firmware, and assure that the latest encryption and security protocols are in place. They have to pass examinations and receive certifications to install, program and service security equipment and components. 

Let’s compare the professional installation to the DIY or cheap installation. 

To start, a professional security systems company has to have an alarm contractor license. The license information must be CLEARLY visible on websites, business cards, etc. Security system professionals must have years of experience in the field. They must also pass a series of examinations given by the state.  These security system professionals take their profession very seriously and their work shows it.                                                       

A professional installation starts with a walk-through or site survey. This is a chance for the professional to gather the lay of the land. The walk-through is where the security specialist begins to design your system. Afterward, they take the information gathered during the walk-through and spend hours, days and sometimes weeks designing custom solutions to fit specific security needs.   

They examine every detail of the installation and provide their professional recommendations. These recommendations include the BEST equipment to fit the needs of your home or business. You can be confident it will be a secure investment.     

Speaking of that investment! The upfront costs of a professional security company installing your camera system or burglar alarm may seem overwhelmingly high at first. The benefit is that the professionals are going to get it right the first time! Don’t waste your time, money or energy with handyman installs and cheap equipment. Make your investment count and it will reward you for years to come.

If you think it’s expensive to hire a professional to do the work, wait until you hire an amateur.

-Red Adair