First-generation home security systems were installed and monitored by a single company. With the exception of the wealthy, homeowners did not have any other choice. Then DIY home security was introduced about twenty years ago. People could buy and install their own security systems and not have to pay for monthly monitoring. Today we have a third model: the hybrid model of DIY installation and professional monitoring.
The hybrid model is not the best choice for every homeowner. Then again, neither is the fully DIY nor the fully professional model. But there is something for everyone between the three. As for the hybrid model, let us unpack it in full detail.
You Buy the Equipment
Pursuing the hybrid model begins with purchasing equipment. There are a number of ways to approach it. The first is to purchase a prepackaged system from a well-known brand like Ring or Wyze. You purchase one of their standard packages and then add various components to it.
You can also start with a home automation ecosystem like Apple HomeKit or Google Home. Then you can add a variety of security devices to meet your needs. Everything from video cameras to automated lighting to window sensors are on the table.
A third choice is to start with an open-source home automation platform or a commercial hub, then add devices to it. With this third option, you’re essentially building your entire system from scratch.
You Install Everything
Next, you install all of your own devices. You set up the network. You decide on the location of each of your cameras. You place your motion sensors and install the contact sensors on your windows and doors.
You also need to set up the software environment that will control it all. Here is the most important thing to note: if you invest in five different brands and control each brand with a separate mobile app, you’re not going to have a setup that is friendly to remote monitoring. In order to monitor remotely, everything needs to be tied together with a centralized control platform.
You Choose a Monitoring Provider
Finally, you need to choose a monitoring provider. This could be easier said than done based on your ecosystem and device selection. Let us contrast for clarification.
Vivint Home Security is a leading U.S. brand offering both security systems and professional monitoring. Every device in a Vivint system is tied to a system control panel and can be effectively monitored remotely. It only makes sense. Everything in a Vivint system just works.
If you were to buy a prepackaged system from one of the previously mentioned brands, you would be able to pay for monitoring through their monitoring partners. But their systems may not be compatible with other monitoring providers. You would have to check with each provider on a case-by-case basis.
Building a system from scratch is the most challenging for monitoring purposes. Your choices for professional monitoring would be slim, if there were any at all. So building a system from scratch dictates being prepared to monitor it yourself.
The Best of Both Worlds
You might consider a hybrid system the best of both worlds. You get to design your own system and install it yourself. You also save money by handling installation and maintenance. At the same time, you are willing to spend a nominal amount on monthly monitoring.
If you are not into the DIY thing, you are probably more interested in a professionally installed and monitored package. And if you’re more of the build-from-scratch kind of person, well then you probably don’t mind self-monitoring.
