How to Build & Install a Security System

Setting up a do-it-yourself home security system can be a simple and affordable venture.

A person's home is their castle and they will want to protect it from common thieves and intruders in order to feel safe and secure. Most people choose the commercial alarm companies that set up the systems and closely monitor the status of each household. However, the commercial route isn't the only way to go, since it is possible for the homeowner to set up their alarm system without the help of professionals.



This do-it-yourself project should be properly planned and implemented so that there are no loopholes in the security system. However, the modern do-it-yourself home security systems that are now being sold on the market make it easier to cover all ends since they are mainly wireless devices that are either battery operated or consisting of a main power source. These items usually require either little or no wiring and drilling, which is normally done by a professional. This allows for the use of home security kits to be more ideal since it's easier to set up and less costly than using a commercial service.

Things You'll Need

• Wireless alarm kit
• Individual alarm components
• Drill, bits, screwdriver
• Double sided tape
• Wireless home monitoring kit
• DVR video surveillance kit
• Drill bit mounting kit
• Television
• Computer monitor
• Hard drive

Instructions

Installing Wireless Alarm System

1. 

   Installing a wireless alarm simple can be simple, cheap and highly effective in preventing intruders.

   Purchase the equipment to make a wireless alarm system. Alarm kits can be sold at many security and home improvement stores in your town or online. Most kits are usually between the prices of $150 and $350 and it depends on how much security you want in your house. Also, if you prefer to customize your alarm system then you don't need to buy an alarm kit, rather just purchase the necessary items.

2. Think like an intruder and analyze the floor plan layout of your house and decide which areas are vital and where to correctly position devices for the alarm system. Pay extra attention to all known entry and exit points such as windows, doors and any other ways of getting inside the property. Make sure doors and windows that are obstructed from street views are not neglected in this process as it makes them more susceptible to being a target entrance by potential intruders.

3. Place sensors on all your windows and doors so that an alarm will be set-off in case an intruder is breaking or trying to open them.

4. Position motion detectors in main areas of your house such as the living room, kitchen, hallways, basement and any additional areas that would be deemed as a high security risk in your home such as a home office or safe/vault, etc.

5. Find a few primary locations in your house where you can mount your siren so that it will be heard all over the premises. Blend it into the décor of your house but do not cover it with anything.

6. Install the control panel into two or three separate locations throughout the house. Make sure they are in locations that are easily accessible in case you need to disarm it immediately. For example, it might be a good idea to place one by the door entrance leading to the garage and another one in a hallway that separates the bedrooms in the household. Use a drill to make some holes and a screwdriver to attach it into the wall. Once it is built into the wall, you may install the battery and enter the private codes that are used to turn your alarm system on either full capacity--door and window sensors plus motion detectors--or half capacity--door and window sensors.

Installing DVR Video Surveillance System

1. 

   A DVR video surveillance system is a useful way to track and monitor activity in the household while you are away for a period of time via wireless components

   Purchase a wireless DVR video surveillance kit at a local security or home improvement stores or via online distributors.

2. Figure out where you want to place the wireless surveillance cameras in or outside your house. Make sure the cameras will be installed in key locations in or around your house so that all major areas are covered. The wireless cameras should be placed as high as possible when being mounted on the walls.

3. Use a pen or pencil to verify where you want to position the cameras in the wall. Use a drill to make holes and mount the camera into the wall with anchors and screws. Plug in the camera to a nearby power outlet. Apply the same process for every camera.

4. Plug-in the camera's wireless receiver into the DVR device that consist of a specialized hard drive and monitor which will hold several months worth of video footage.

5. Test the system and make sure there are no bugs or inconsistencies.

Tips & Warnings

• Wireless systems will require you to replace the batteries in the sensors, motion detectors and keypads on a regular basis. Check the manual to see how often you have to change them and to see if there are ways to find out how much power is left. Most home-built systems will not be monitored by a third party, so emergency services will not automatically show up if the alarm goes off.

References

• NY Times: Installing Your Own Home Security System
• Popular Mechanics: Install Your Own Home Surveillance System: DIY Tech
• Home Security Systems Advice: Self Install Home Security System