Are you among the group of consumers who avoid electronic home security because you feel it is too expensive? You have legitimate concerns. It is possible to get in way over your head once you start buying things like video cameras, automated lighting, and smart locks. But there is a way to get into the home security market without breaking the bank.
That way is to choose an affordable prepackaged security system that will double as a foundation on which you can build down the road. In other words, you start small and then build as your budget allows. Using a prepackaged system as a foundation is pretty simple. Really, the hardest choice is deciding on a brand.
Plenty of Well-Known Brands
Protecting your budget makes sense if you are getting into home security for the first time. That being the case, it is a good idea to go with a well-known brand when choosing a foundational system. Lesser-known brands and off-brand products might not work as expected, forcing you to spend more money than you really want to.
Vivint is one of the bigger names in home security. They have an affordable package known as HomeProtect. It is a contract-free package that also comes with free installation and month-to-month monitoring.
One of the great things about HomeProtect is that consumers can start with one of two base packages. The first is an entry-level package offering a limited selection of devices, while the second offers a broader selection of devices. Both packages can be customized by adding more devices as needed.
Building Out a Foundational System
Another great reason for going with a well-known brand is to make building out the system easier. Choosing a brand like Vivint virtually guarantees that any device you invest in later on will work with the system. There are fewer worries about loss of function when systems and software are upgraded.
On the other hand, going with off-brand products or a lesser-known brand exposes you to compatibility risks years down the road. Lesser-known brands without the financial resources behind them may not make it for the long term. As for off-brand products, they tend to be standalone products that may or may not be compatible with your system in the future.
As for how to go about building out a system, it is a matter of understanding your priorities. Here are some of the more common options:
Cameras – Since the most affordable foundational systems only come with one or two cameras, a common build-out strategy is to gradually add more cameras as the budget allows. Investing in enough cameras to provide full exterior coverage of your property is a good idea.
Lighting – Although automated lighting is often viewed as a home automation option, it can enhance a security system. Automating your lighting makes it easier to give your home the appearance of being occupied.
Sensors – Entry-level home security systems typically come with a handful of sensors for first-floor windows and doors. Consider adding more sensors to cover more windows. You might even install broken-glass sensors.
Garage Door Controller – Garages are especially vulnerable to burglary and unauthorized entry. Adding a smart garage door controller can help make the garage more secure when integrated with the rest of your security devices.
You can pretty much add just about any home security or home automation device your brand supports. Best of all, you can do it as your budget allows. It is recommended that you initially implement an affordable, foundational system, and subsequently, expand upon it as necessary. It’s easy and straightforward.
