Despite the obvious popularity of DIY home security, professional systems still command a strong market share. That likely won’t change. There will always be a segment of the population that would prefer to let the professionals install and monitor their home security systems.
Are you thinking of investing in home security? If so, you might benefit from knowing what to expect from professional installation before you choose your setup. You might decide that DIY home security is your thing. On the other hand, you might also prefer to leave installation to the professionals.
The remainder of this post offers a description of what to expect from professional installation. Although there are a number of well-known home security providers offering professional installation and monitoring, I will use Vivint Home Security as an example. Their process is fairly representative of the industry.
Also note that Vivint does not offer a DIY option. Some of their competitors do. If you choose to go with Vivint, the system must be professionally installed.
The Installation Process
A typical home security installation includes five steps. Three of the five steps require your participation. The other two do not.
1. Pre-Installation Walk-Through
Every professional installation begins with a pre-installation walk-through. This is essentially a review of the home and how the security components can be best utilized in various spaces. The technician reviews all the devices and discusses with the homeowner where and how to install them.
It is not unusual for technicians to recommend additional devices. Expect at least some up-selling during the installation process. But also remember that you are the homeowner. You can always say ‘no’ to any additional devices not included in your original order.
2. Paperwork Review
The pre-installation walk-through is generally followed by a review of the paperwork. Before the technician begins unpacking and installing equipment, the home security company wants to make sure that you know what you are purchasing. The company wants you to be aware of your rights and obligations under any contract you might sign.
This is the time to ask any questions about service fees, activation fees, warranties, etc. Do not sign any documents if you don’t understand what they say. It is better to skip the installation altogether than get roped into a service agreement you don’t like.
3. Device Installation
Once the review is complete and you have gone through the paperwork, the technician will begin the actual installation. An entry-level system with window and door sensors, a few cameras, smoke and carbon monoxide sensors, and a centralized hub could take anywhere from 2-4 hours to install.
Assuming you’ve chosen wireless home security, there should be very little need for drilling and tapping into your home’s electrical system. But both might be necessary depending on the equipment you choose. For example, a centralized hub that hangs on the wall in the main hallway will likely be fastened with two screws. The technician will probably have to tap into your electrical system to power the hub.
Everything else in the system should work wirelessly. That means the technician will not be cutting into every wall in your house and running miles of wire.
4. System Testing
Testing is part of the installation process. As each device is installed, it is tested to ensure it is working properly. After all devices are installed, the entire system is tested again to ensure that each device is communicating properly across the network.
With Vivint, you also get professional monitoring. So that portion of the system will be tested as well. The technician needs to ensure that your system is properly connected to the remote monitoring center.
5. App Setup and Training
The final step in the process is setting up the companion mobile app and training you in how to use your new system. Do not sell yourself short on this final step. You are paying the home security company for full service. Make sure your service includes training that is detailed enough to give you a firm handle on your new home security system. Don’t let the technician leave till all your questions are answered.
The mobile app offered by your security provider is what allows you to control the system when you’re away from home. While at home, you can use either the mobile app or the central hub. Just note that the central hub can give you more precise control. Its larger screen and menu selections also make it easier to create programs for your devices. Programming the system with a phone can be a bit tedious.
Monthly Subscription Costs
Assuming you have elected to include professional monitoring with your installation, expect a monthly subscription charge. Subscription costs can vary quite a bit from one provider to the next. Therefore, it’s not a good idea for me to mention specific pricing in this post.
You might also want to consider monitoring upgrades. For example, some companies keep things to a minimum. You get around-the-clock monitoring and nothing more. Other companies throw in extras, like free relocation services should you choose to move. Some companies require a year-long contract while others provide monitoring on a month-to-month basis. The point is that you need to know the details of the monitoring agreement before you sign it.
The Setup Isn’t Set in Stone
The last thing you should know is that your setup isn’t set in stone. Maybe you and the technician chose a location for the camera by the front door. Later on, you decide you want a different view that can only be accomplished by moving the camera. No worries. You can contact your provider and ask them to send a technician out to move the camera. Or you can just move it yourself.
Professional home security installation does have its advantages. Although I prefer the DIY model myself, letting professionals handle things is certainly a valid choice. It’s a great option for people who want home security but don’t want to do the work that comes with installing it.
