9 Essential Factors to Consider Before You Install A Security System

In the US, a burglary happens every 23 seconds on average. This number is even higher in developing countries.

Therefore, security systems are of prime importance whether it is for your home, office, warehouse, shop, or any other place you would like to secure from would-be intruders.

Choosing and installing a security system that best suits your needs is the first thing you should consider when you buy a new home or set up a new office.

There are countless options available in the market and it can get a bit confusing.

To make matters a bit easier, you should make a decision based on a number of factors which will help you pinpoint exactly what you need.

Here are nine factors that you should consider before installing a security system.

1.Budget

First off is the amount you are willing to spend. Security systems come in all sorts of configurations and service plans.

In recent years, many companies have started offering smart security devices too that can be set up by the user without much hassle.

Fixing up a budget will filter the options available and you could simply choose the best products and services that your budget allows you to buy.

But don’t be too frugal while deciding on the budget, as this concerns the security of life and property. 

2.Professional Install or DIY

Next, you have two options. You could either let the pros do the installation or you could do it yourself.

If you let the pros do it, you won’t have to stress about anything except paying them. You can rest assured that everything is done in a professional manner and you could just oversee and try to understand the system. 

You could also choose to do it yourself.

These days, with the advent of a plethora of smart devices, setting up a security system is just a matter of buying individual devices, mounting them to the desired place, and connecting to the wifi.

This way, you can set up the system just the way you like it. 

3.Wireless or Wired

There is a growing trend for wireless security devices among people as these can be installed without professional help, and are more aesthetically pleasing since there are no wires running up the walls or around them. 

Wired solutions are preferable if your home or office is under construction since all the wires and drilling can be done in tandem with the construction which will give you the same aesthetics as wireless solutions.

4.Monitored or Unmonitored

Installing a security system is half the battle. Next comes monitoring.

A monitored plan will cost you a monthly fee but it comes with great protection plans.

In emergency situations, monitored systems can notify your alarm company which will then notify the police or the fire department.

Unmonitored systems won’t cost you a monthly plan and will, therefore, be cheaper but the onus of monitoring falls on your shoulders.

5.Mobile App Control

Like many other people, are expected to sell your mobile to acquire a high tech security device.

Thanks to the magic of the internet of things devices (IoT), your entire security system can today be operated and controlled from a single app on your smartphone or tablet, all wirelessly. 

This is another important factor and feature that you should definitely want to have as it gives you a lot of flexibility.

Usually, there are control panels set up in multiple locations that let you access the system but these days that can and should be done through mobile apps.

6.Remote/Cloud Access

Having access to your security system from anywhere in the world is one of the most important features that you will need.

We are not always present at our homes or offices and therefore remote or cloud access to surveillance becomes a must.

Cloud backup of security data can also come in handy in case of emergencies. This allows you to quickly check up on everything and have peace of mind. 

7.Surveillance Systems

Installing a surveillance system helps you keep an eye on things whenever you want and wherever you want if you have remote access.

You can improve surveillance through cameras which is the preferred method of surveillance and the most effective too. 

Cameras can be installed in your backyard or areas where you keep your valuables or are accessed by maids, staff or other service people.

Basically, this will let you keep an invisible eye on things and people. 

8.Environmental Factors

Burglars and other intruders are not the only concern when it comes to security.

Your security system should also be able to warn you about environmental factors such as moisture, smoke, fire, carbon monoxide, high temperatures, and so on.

There are sensors for each of these factors that you should integrate into your system.

9.Power Backup

A security system is useless if it goes offline due to power outage.

Therefore proper power backup is necessary to keep things running even if the power goes out.

These days, most security devices come with rechargeable batteries which keep things running for a long time.