For those homeowners addicted to the newest gadgets that prefer to do nearly everything on their own, DIY home security systems are now available from a variety of sources. Even some of the discount retailers and shopping clubs are offering security in a box with cameras, recorders, monitors and a few door and window sensors that allows the customer to head home and begin installing their own security system with only a few pages of directions.
The simplicity of installing many of the DIY home security systems (like a wireless driveway alarm) make it easy for anyone that knows how to use a drill and a screwdriver to install their own system. Cameras included with many of the kits and pre-focused and designed for typical set up. Most are designed strictly for indoor use and even mounting them in a protective housing for outdoors, they can be damaged by severe temperature changes. Most of the kits contain enough equipment and installation materials for four cameras and a couple of doors and additional equipment is also sold separately to expand the system.
For the more elaborate DIY home security systems, there are many companies that are no longer in the wholesale-only business of selling alarm system components. As recently as 10 years ago finding closed circuit television cameras was difficult and their prices put them out of reach for the average homeowner. A loan was usually required to hire a firm to install a relatively small basic system for about $1,000 without cameras, whereas today, a similar system can be found in a box for less than $100, including cameras.
It is nothing today to see these DIY home security kits installed in small retailers or in many public places as more businesses are attempting to protect themselves not only from theft, but also from fraudulent lawsuits. A business is assumed to carry liability insurance and many people think nothing of pretending they were hurt on the premises and file an injury lawsuit. With a closed circuit recording of the pretend injury the business can protect itself. They have also proven a valuable asset in fighting off worker's compensation claims when the employee realizes their false accident has been caught on tape.
There are many components available for installing a DIY home security system and the only limitation is the homeowner's budget and willingness to spend it on equipment. However, before blowing a ton of money on cameras and sensors, be sure to leave a sufficient amount to buy dependable recording equipment. It will not matter how expensive or elaborate a CCTV system is if the recordings are blurry or unavailable when needed to identify a bad guy.
Many owners of a DIY home security system have replaced the system's monitor with their computer screen, having run the system through their home computer. An external hard drive can be connected and used to record all the video and store it for later need. Many programs available also allow the user to print a picture from the video as well as copy a piece of the video to a compact disk for use in court.
