Stepping into the world of electronic home security for the first time can be daunting. Thanks to industry jargon, I have heard some people describe it as learning a whole new language. You have acronyms like Z-Wave and PIR to contend with. Then there are the endless hardware options and different service providers. It’s easy for beginners to get lost in the weeds.
When you strip away all the technical terms and unnecessary gadgets, it becomes clear that effective home security boils down to two simple goals: convenience and reliability. If your system is not easy to operate on a daily basis, you are less likely to use it. And if you can’t set it up correctly from day one, it might not protect you when the time comes.
With that in mind, I believe there are two fundamental concepts every home security beginner should fully understand before spending a dime. What you know and think about them will ultimately determine how you proceed.
1. Full Mobile App Control Is Non-Negotiable
There was a time when security devices, like video cameras, could not be monitored or controlled with a phone. That was in the days before the Internet. Things are obviously different today. Where consumers used to control their systems with a numeric keypad mounted on the wall near the front door, today’s home security systems can be controlled entirely through mobile apps.
From a practical standpoint, a central control hub is still important. Vivint’s HomeProtect package comes with one. But HomeProtect also comes with complete mobile app control. Like so many of its competitors, Vivint has transformed home security from a passive wall accessory to an active real-time safety network via its app. Here’s why it matters:
• Anxiety Is Eliminated – One of the most common home security headaches is the anxiety that comes with wondering if you armed your system or not. You might wonder whether you locked the front door and closed the garage door. With full mobile app control, you don’t have to worry. Just bring up the app, check your devices, and do what needs to be done.
• Alerts Are Contextual – Modern mobile apps can do a lot more than just tell you an alert has been triggered. They can tell you what device triggered the alert, what time the alert was triggered, and more. For example, some video doorbells can distinguish between visitors and package deliveries. That kind of context is everything when alerts come in.
• Guests Get Seamless Access – With full mobile app control, you can give guests seamless access to your home without having to give them a set of keys. You can assign temporary PIN codes that expire after their visit. You can lock and unlock the door remotely. There are so many possibilities that it is hard to quantify them all here.
• Control Is Unified – Full mobile app control with a system like HomeProtect implies a single app that brings all your devices together under one digital roof. Rather than having to deal with half a dozen apps from different brands, you have a cohesive system requiring just one app for access and control.
The proverbial icing on the cake is being able to do everything you need to do remotely. In the days before the internet, you had no control over your home security system while you were away. But with modern mobile apps and smartphones, you are never fully disconnected. Your system and every device in it are just a tap away.
2. Professional Installation vs. DIY
The second important concept involves installation. Will you have your system installed by professionals, or will you go the DIY route? In the era of DIY and online shopping, it’s tempting to order a box of peel-and-stick sensors with the intention that you will connect everything in just a couple of hours. Here is the thing: DIY setups sound good initially, but it doesn’t take long to start running into problems.
Going with professional installation makes a difference. Professionally installed systems don’t just look good, they work as intended. They are laid out in a sensible manner, correctly calibrated, wired securely, and optimized for both your home’s layout and your lifestyle.
Incidentally, HomeProtect comes with an option for free professional installation. Here’s why Vivint recommends it:
• Improper placement can make sensors ineffective.
• Wi-Fi and connectivity issues can lead to dead zones.
• Cameras are subject to blind spots when not placed properly.
• Mounting devices securely is critical to their function.
Peel-and-stick adhesive strips are fine for things like wall hooks and weather stripping. They aren’t suitable for home security devices. The strips will dry out and fail over time, potentially leading to expensive equipment damage. A failed strip is not something you want when there’s a stranger lurking outside your door.
Professional Installation Delivers Results
The better option for home security beginners with limited tech skills is professional installation. A trained technician does more than just drill holes and insert screws. He conducts a comprehensive physical assessment of your property before doing anything. From a practical standpoint, a comprehensive assessment translates into:
• Strategic risk mapping that identifies high-risk entry points, structural vulnerabilities, dark corners, etc.
• Optimal hardware positioning that maximizes coverage while eliminating interference and dead zones.
• Verified signal strength across every device via signal testing and hardened connections.
• Complete onboarding and introductory training before the technician leaves your home.
With professional installation comes the peace of mind you get from knowing that your system has been installed correctly and is performing as it should. That’s invaluable.
A Perfect Combination for Beginners
I would never suggest to home security beginners that they were doing something wrong by choosing to go the DIY route. My own system is a DIY system. But I have an advantage in that my technical skills are up to par. If yours aren’t, I would recommend choosing a system that offers full app control along with professional installation. They will be a great combination for you.
