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DIY Security: How to Build a Custom Security System

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Having a custom security system gives you what you want, without buying products that you’ll never use. Instead of buying a bundled package, here are some tips and tricks to creating your own custom security system. Between what products you should have, and which products you should skip, we have you covered. 

Security Cameras 

The beauty with making a custom security system is that you can pick and choose which brand of camera you want, and maybe even have a different indoor and outdoor camera. Here are four different security camera companies that can help make your custom security system a success. 

Wyze

Prodcut Spotlight: Wyze Cam V2

Specs

  • Price: $19.99
  • Payment Plans: No 
  • Camera Quality: 1080p HD
  • Indoor/Outdoor: Indoor only
  • Operating Temperature:  32° to 104° 
  • Warranty: One year

Wyze is great for creating cheaper alternatives for anyone on a budget. Their camera is high definition, but this specific model is only made to be outdoors, due to the operating temperature limits. However, they do offer outdoor cameras as well, such as the Wyze Cam Outdoor for $49.99

Ring

Product Spotlight: Ring Spotlight Camera

Specs

  • Price: $199
  • Payment Plans: 12 months/No interest
  • Camera Quality: 1080p HD
  • Indoor/Outdoor: Outdoor
  • Operating Temperature: -5° to 120° Fahrenheit
  • Warranty: One year

The Ring Spotlight Camera comes with a live-view HD camera equipped with with an LED spotlight and infrared night vision for optimal viewing at night. The motion-activated spotlight is ideal for ekeping the nighttime prowlers away from your property. If the LED spotlight wasn’t enough, the 110 decibel alarm and two-way audio gives you another layer of protection. 

Nest

Product spotlight: Nest Cam IQ Indoor & Outdoor

Nest Cam IQ Outdoor Specs

  • Price: $399
  • Payment Plans: $16.62/24 Months with 0% APR through Google Store Financing
  • Camera Quality: 1080p HD
  • Indoor/Outdoor: Outdoor
  • Operating Temperature: -40° to 114° Fahrenheit
  • Warranty: Two year limited warranty

Nest Cam IQ Indoor Specs 

  • Price: $299
  • Payment Plans: No
  • Camera Quality: Up to 1080p
  • Indoor/Outdoor: Indoor
  • Operating Temperature: 32° to 104° Fahrenheit
  • Warranty: Two year limited warranty

These cameras come with state of the art equipment, and great night vision, allowing for over 50 feet of vision. For an extra green touch, this camera can be powered through a solar panel for renewable, clean energy. 

A Ring doorbell camera installed next to a bright blue front door.

Doorbell Cameras

Installing a doorbell camera is another great way to secure your home. There are plenty of options on the market for doorbell cameras, here are the top, reliable companies. 

Ring

Product Spotlight: Ring Peephole Camera

Specs

  • Price: $129.99, or 12 months/no interest
  • Camera Quality: 1080p HD
  • Video Storage: First 30 days are free, then $3 a month/per camera, or $30/year. 

The Ring Peephole Camera is ideal for anyone in an apartment. This doorbell camera does not require a pre-existing hardwiring, and instead is just attached to the peephole of your front door and powered through a battery. 

Nest

Product Spotlight: Nest Hello

Specs

  • Price: $229
  • Camera Quality: 1080HD
  • Video Storage: 30 days free, then $6/month

The Nest Hello comes with a 1080 high definition camera, night vision and also records in a 4:3 ratio, giving you a full head to toe vision of whoever comes to your door. 

Arlo

Product Spotlight: Arlo Video Doorbell

Specs

  • Price: $129.99 or 0% interest over three months. 
  • Camera Quality: 1080HD 
  • Video Storage: $3/month, with three months free

The Arlo Video Doorbell records in a 1:1 ratio with a 180 degree viewing angle to get the full scope of your front doorway. This doorbell also allows you to set up motion zones, so you only get notifications within that area, instead of receiving many unwanted notifications. 

Sensors 

Sensors are often overlooked, but they are an essential part of any home security system. Putting sensors on your windows and doors is a great way to ensure that you are notified anytime a window or door is opened. If purchasing sensors, it’s smart to put them on any window that can be accessed without needing a ladder, so secure your first floor and any basement windows, if applicable. 

Alarm.com

Alarm.com offers great sensors for your home windows and doors. Wanting to learn more about how to use their sensors? Here are ten different places you can put sensors to increase security. Sensors are the backbone of a great custom security system between letting you know whenever something is opened to deterring any intruders from the noise.

a door lock with a keypad

Smart Locks

Smart locks are the way of the future. With a smart lock, you can change your passcode whenever you see fit. Therefore, if you’re having someone check on your pets during vacation, you can give them a code and change it when you’ve returned.

Yale 

Product Spotlight: Nest x Yale

Specs

Price: $249

Keypad: Touch screen, with LED light display

The Yale Smart lock allows you to change your passcode at any time. It will also notify you whenever someone comes and goes from your house. This smart lock also allows you to lock your door with a simple tap, which is perfect for anyone who often leaves the house with full hands.

Simplisafe

Product Spotlight:

Specs

Price: $99

Keypad: Pinpad with numbers 

The Simplisafe smart lock can be locked through your home security system or through your phone. In the event that there are 15 wrong attempts at the code, your system will automatically lock and will not let any other attempts happen for 30 minutes. 

A family is gathered around a kitchen island to prepare a meal.

Don’t Want to DIY or Need More Advice? Call ONIT

While creating a custom security system on your own can be fun, it can also be stressful. That’s where we step in. We have decades of experience in securing homes, let your home be the next! Visit us online, or give us a call at 1-833-433-0331 today to set up your appointment. 

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