DIY vs. Professional Installation: Do You Really Need the Big Names for Home Security Systems?
When it comes to protecting your home and family, choosing the right home security system is a critical decision. But do you really need to spend thousands of dollars on a professionally installed system from one of the big-name providers like ADT, Vivint, or Brinks—along with a multi-year contract to go with it? Or can you get the same protection with a wireless system you install yourself, backed by professional alarm monitoring, without the long-term commitment?
Spoiler alert: You absolutely can. And companies like SafeHomeCentral.com are making it easier and more affordable than ever.
Professional Installation vs. DIY: What’s the Difference?
Traditional alarm companies such as ADT, Brinks, and Vivint have long relied on professional installation as a selling point. A technician comes to your home, wires up your system (or installs a wireless version), and connects it to a central monitoring center. It feels official—and it’s priced that way, often with installation costs that can range from $500 to $1,500 or more.
These systems are typically bundled with multi-year contracts—3 to 5 years is common—which lock you into ongoing monthly monitoring fees that often exceed $40 to $60 per month. And if you decide to cancel early? Expect cancellation fees or the remainder of the contract due in full.
But here’s the catch: much of the hardware used by the big brands is not exclusive to them. Systems from Qolsys, 2GIG, and Napco Prima—used by many professional installers—are also available to the public through dealers like SafeHomeCentral.com. The main difference? When you buy through SafeHomeCentral, you own the equipment, and you’re not locked into a high-priced, long-term contract.
Proprietary Hardware: How Vivint and ADT Lock You In
While companies like Brinks often use standard systems rebranded under their name, Vivint and ADT have taken a different approach—using proprietary hardware that only works with their service. This strategy prevents customers from switching providers even after their contracts end, leaving no choice but to continue paying for their monitoring or start over with a new system entirely.
By contrast, SafeHomeCentral sells non-proprietary, professional-grade wireless systems that are used across the industry. These include:
- Qolsys IQ Panel 4
- 2GIG Edge
- Napco Prima All-In-One Panels
These systems are fully wireless, easy to install yourself, and compatible with leading smart home devices and platforms like Z-Wave, Alarm.com, and Amazon Alexa.
Are Wireless Home Security Systems Easy to Install?
Yes! One of the biggest myths in the home security industry is that professional installation is required. Modern wireless home security systems are designed with DIY users in mind. In many cases, sensors come pre-programmed and ready to mount. Installation is as simple as placing door and window sensors using included adhesive, powering up the control panel, and following a step-by-step setup wizard.
Even better, SafeHomeCentral.com offers free tech support 7 days a week. So if you run into any trouble, you’re not alone—they’ll walk you through it.
Whether you’re setting up a system for your house, condo, or small business, you don’t need to be a tech expert or an electrician to get up and running.
Monitoring Options: Contract vs. No Contract
One of the biggest advantages of going with an independent provider like SafeHomeCentral is the flexibility in alarm monitoring. Unlike the big names, who require long-term commitments, SafeHomeCentral offers no contract monitoring plans, including cellular, IP, and landline options.
Plans start at just $8.95/month for landline-based monitoring, and even the most advanced cellular plans are a fraction of what you’d pay through ADT or Vivint. Plus, all plans include:
- 24/7 professional monitoring through UL-certified central stations
- Free text and phone notifications
- Mobile app control (via Alarm.com, Alula, Honeywell Total Connect, etc.)
- Insurance certificate to save 15-20% on your homeowner’s policy
The insurance savings alone can cover the cost of monitoring in many cases.
Can You Still Get Professional Monitoring?
Absolutely. DIY doesn’t mean “no monitoring.” When you buy from SafeHomeCentral, you still get professional-grade monitoring services, just like the big names. The only difference is, you’re not paying for sales commissions, in-home consultations, or inflated prices.
SafeHomeCentral partners with multiple U.S.-based UL-certified monitoring centers to ensure fast response times in emergencies. When an alarm is triggered, you’ll get a text message immediately, followed by a call from a trained dispatcher within seconds.
The Verdict: DIY Home Security with Professional Monitoring Is the Smart Choice
Here’s the bottom line: You don’t need to sign a long-term contract or spend thousands with ADT or Vivint to get a reliable, secure home alarm system. Today’s wireless home security systems are easy to install, cost-effective, and just as powerful as anything the big brands offer.
When you choose a provider like SafeHomeCentral.com, you get:
- Professional-grade equipment from top brands
- No contract alarm monitoring
- DIY-friendly installation
- 7-day tech support
- An insurance certificate to save on your premiums
- Peace of mind—without the price tag
So before locking yourself into a 5-year commitment with proprietary equipment, take a look at what the DIY market has to offer. You’ll be surprised how much you can save—without sacrificing an ounce of safety.
Ready to ditch the contracts and high prices? Visit SafeHomeCentral.com or call 1-800-840-6150 to get started today.
