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These kits are generally expandable, meaning that you can add components at your convenience as your needs change, although you’ll want certainly want to consider compatibility and expansion options in the early stages of your home security system research. The DIY security systems reviewed in this article are self monitored, meaning that when devices and/or sensors are triggered, you’ll receive alerts or notifications directly. You will be responsible for contacting the appropriate emergency personnel as a result of those notifications; however, some DIY security system kits are offering professional monitoring services as an optional add on or on demand. Depending on the home security system’s components, installation might be as easy as using some double sided tape. Or it might be quite complex, requiring specialized tools and configurations. These would be your professionally installed security systems, which often provide 24/7 monitoring but may require multi year contracts.

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All of the systems we've tested feature an app that lets you use your smartphone as your command center to arm and disarm the system, create rules, add and delete components, and receive push notifications when alarms are triggered. Most apps also allow you to do things like view live and recorded video, lock and unlock doors, change thermostat settings, and silence alarms. Some apps will even use your phone's location services to automatically arm and disarm the system according to your physical location. The more expensive systems usually come with a wall mounted panel that acts as a communications hub, with a touch screen display that allows you to do everything the app does. The display lets you communicate with a professional monitoring service when an alarm is triggered and view video from any of the installed security cameras. While many systems use wireless components that are installed using double sided tape, some high end systems use components that require professional installation.