If you have decided to buy a security system then you may want to consider putting it in yourself. For those who are comfortable with tools and somewhat mechanically inclined to install a burglar alarm can compute into a rather significant amount of savings.
Despite what some people think, it is not a requirement to have a professional install a burglar alarm in your home. But make sure that you are okay with what will be required before you start. Leaving a half finished job for a pro to finish will probably end up costing more money and take more time than having them do the entire job in the first place. Sometimes it's just cheaper to let the professional do the work.
Security systems come in two varieties: wireless and hardwired. There are benefits and disadvantages of both so make sure that whichever one you choose it is something that you are comfortable with.
Wireless security systems mean using radio signals to communicate from the devices or sensors to the control panel. Installation is much easier since there is no drilling involved and as long as the devices can connect to the panel they can go in any location. Well, maybe a little to get the control panel installed on a wall. The downside is that the devices use batteries and if you don't keep an eye on them they could stop working without your knowledge.
To install a hard-wire system you will need to run wiring from each device to the panel. Depending on the configuration and size of your house this could take some time and quite a bit of effort. Make sure to take into account window and door sensors which will require drilling into the frames of each.
It will also require going inside walls where electrical wiring is present and "fishing" around using a metal hook system. This can be dangerous if you don't know what you're doing. In some areas of you home to be able to wire the system through the walls it could require removing some wallboard to access the studs to make the holes to run the wire. As you can see, it would be easier to install a burglar alarm that is hardwired when your home is being built.
Installing the siren is a breeze as it is wired as well and goes anywhere that it can easily be heard outside. A dormer or an attic breezeway are perfect locations. The object is to notify your neighbors so don't place it inside the home. Also try to make it inconspicuous or very hard to reach so that a burglar cannot remove it.
When you install a burglar alarm you will see that the hardest part is wiring everything to the control panel. They come with diagrams so as long as you take your time and follow directions you should be able to figure it out.
