Simplify Home Security: DIY Kits Offer

Do-it-yourself home security kits have made protecting a home simpler and cheaper, especially for renters and anyone who doesn't want a technician drilling into the walls. Most kits are built around a plug-in base station and wireless sensors that stick in place with adhesive. A typical starter package takes minutes to set up and can be expanded later with extra cameras, sensors and sirens.

Prices vary by brand and package. SimpliSafe's pre-built bundles range from about $250 to $730 at regular price, according to SafeHome, though they are often on sale at around half off. Building your own system starts with a base station and keypad for $199.98, then adds parts such as an entry sensor at $15.99, a motion sensor at $34.99, a wireless indoor camera at $149.99 and an outdoor camera at $199.99. NerdWallet lists Ring's base kit at $199.99 and Abode's at $130, and notes that Abode, like SimpliSafe, sells equipment you set up yourself. Optional professional monitoring starts around $22.99 a month with SimpliSafe, according to Security.org, and about $24.99 with ADT, according to NerdWallet. Professional installation is usually optional, and SimpliSafe offers it through a third-party installer for $125.

Monitoring is where DIY kits are often better than people expect. Both SimpliSafe and Ring use certified monitoring centers, and SimpliSafe's higher tier adds live agents who view camera footage before sending police, which can cut false alarms and speed up response. Trial periods help too. SimpliSafe offers a 60-day money-back guarantee on equipment and Ring offers 30 days on hardware, so buyers can test a system at home. A monitoring plan is not always required, and you can usually arm and disarm a system yourself without paying for one, though you give up professional dispatch if nobody responds to an alert.

DIY systems have gaps. Most kits don't include smoke detection, and some offer a listening device that alerts you when your existing smoke alarm sounds, which only works if those alarms are working. Home security experts also point to fewer smart home features in some systems and limited customization compared with professionally designed setups. Anyone shopping should compare equipment prices, monitoring fees and return policies, which change often. I couldn't identify the specific article behind this headline, so this is a general guide, and prices were current as of recent reviews. Details come from SafeHome, Security.org, NerdWallet and HDSS.