Homemade Driveway Alarm

A driveway alarm adds convenience and security to your home.

Adding a driveway alarm is an easy do-it-yourself project that saves money by avoiding the installation fees charged by a professional. Driveway alarms range from simple motion sensors with doorbell-like chimes to a system of cameras and lighting.

Choosing the Right Alarm

When choosing a driveway alarm, the homeowner must consider what they want the alarm system to accomplish. A casual alarm system can alert you to when a guest arrives if you are out of earshot of the driveway, while a more advanced system can alert you to an intruder and set off safety precautions such as security lights.

Installing the Post

A fence post will serve as a steady anchor to your alarm sytem.

Choose a place in your yard on the side of the driveway to install a post. With a fence post digger, dig an18-inch hole. Fill the hole with 6 inches of gravel for drainage. Insert upright a 3 foot long, 3 inch by 3 inch fence post. Check straightness with a level. Fill the sides with ready-to-mix concrete. Tap the sides to displace air bubbles. When the concrete is dry, you can finish the post with a decorative cap.

Installing the Alarm

When the post has set, attach the motion sensor to the post facing the driveway. Plug in the receiver in the room in which you wish to monitor the driveway.

References

• Alarm Systems
• Choosing Fence Posts
• Installing Fence Posts

Resources

• Importance of Driveway Alarms
• Alarm Systems and Property Value