
DIY home security means you customize your device kit, self install, and then monitor alerts from your sensors and video feed. Self monitoring is the common difference between DIY and traditional security, but there are plenty of companies that strike a happy medium between both. We looked at providers offering pure DIY as well as those offering professional monitoring, either de facto or as an upgrade. We required all systems to have Z Wave Support — the most universal mesh network for communicating appliance to appliance. One of the biggest draws of a DIY system is the opportunity to add in third party
equipment like Philips Hue lights or a Nest Thermostat at any point. Z Wave is available in over 2,400 home security and automation devices from more than 700 companies. Plus, you have flexibility in where you place various devices because Z Wave can communicate farther distances than other protocols — like Wi Fi, for example — since it functions by sharing an Internet connection between devices as
opposed to a localized router. Ultimately, we wanted systems that could integrate seamlessly into our homes and improve our quality of life. To find which fit the bill, we spent a day outfitting a 1,900 square foot home with the equipment of our finalists. We appraised the installation process, the ease and clarity of registering and syncing, the app experience, and functionality. We were pleased to find we could get most systems up in less than half an hour, but the quality of both hardware and software differed.
Position your cameras under a ledge or inside a box that protects
them from snowfall.

Other security companies can’t even come close!Not only does it provide very good value for money, but it also offers a level of customer service that no other company can match. Their customer service is concierge level, and it’s second to none. No matter what time of day or night a customer calls in with a question or concern, Frontpoint will be ready to answer with knowledgeable, capable, and polite customer service representatives who are keen to help. Here’s a quick snapshot of some of the positives and negatives with Frontpoint:There are also a lot of options that go with Frontpoint, too, including door and window sensors, great keypads and control panels, and more. If there’s something you’re looking for in a home security system, you can probably get it with Frontpoint. You can also
expect excellent customer service, an installation that’s fast and easy to setup, and a very low pressure sales approach that keeps you from feeling bothered about upgrade or
additional purchases when you call in with questions or concerns.