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Posted: 4/30/2026 9:09:15 PM EDT
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Can someone talk me through or point me to info on potentially putting my own alarm/smoke system together? If I do this, can I have it monitored? I was quoted over $5k (installed) today from a local company. $1k - 2 keypads, control panel, cell dialer, siren inside and out, door sensors (this is there basic kit although there’s a few other odds and ends included to make it work) $1600 window sensors $1400 break sensors $400 low voltage smoke detectors There’s more money in some other odd and ends but this gets most of it covered. Also, what’s the go to camera system? I was quoted $4k for an 8 camera, nvr, cat 5, installed. House is framed with electrical and plumbing rough in. This seems steep to me. |
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I installed my own using Frontpoint system and pay for the monitoring subscription. System is all wireless and very easy to install. It has been working for approx. 15 years and I only had to change the battery of some of the sensors. Frontpoint was purchased by Alarm 360, which uses a similar model (sends the sensors and control pad) and charges for the monitoring subscription. The kit also included a smoke/CO sensor. I bought a couple water leak sensors (not included in the basic kit they send) and those helped a lot in a water leak I had in the basement. Also had to get a long-range sensor for the garage door because it's detached and at the range limit. I saw an ADT system and the control panel is the same. Therefore, I do not know if nowadays everyone uses the same stuff and only the brand/logo is different. As far as cameras go, I installed the Eufy system. It used to work very well but the company has been screwing up the software really bad. Some imbacile there decided to combine the security, vacuum robot, smart scale, lights, etc. apps into a single one and turned the whole thing into a train wreck. Therefore, I cannot recommend it, since I am planning to replace it with the Ubiquiti models or something else. |
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I went easy & did Simplisafe. You put it in yourself, it's all wireless, and simple to do. They are always having 40% off sales, & during the big holidays you can get a new system for 50-60% off. You can pick & choose what you want & add to your system as you figure out what you do & don't like. Monitoring is a little over $30 a month & I've bee happy with it. Hell, I even like their cameras. They are battery powered, but I ended up getting the power cables for them, except 1 that's on a solar charger, because I hated pulling & charging the batteries. Now the cameras come with a power cable. I also have a couple of Reolink pan/tilt cameras on the corners so I can follow things around the house. I had them before the Simplisafe system & like them as well. |
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Originally Posted By SNAFU-M1A: I went easy & did Simplisafe. You put it in yourself, it's all wireless, and simple to do. They are always having 40% off sales, & during the big holidays you can get a new system for 50-60% off. You can pick & choose what you want & add to your system as you figure out what you do & don't like. Monitoring is a little over $30 a month & I've bee happy with it. Hell, I even like their cameras. They are battery powered, but I ended up getting the power cables for them, except 1 that's on a solar charger, because I hated pulling & charging the batteries. Now the cameras come with a power cable. I also have a couple of Reolink pan/tilt cameras on the corners so I can follow things around the house. I had them before the Simplisafe system & like them as well. this is not the answer to a new build, run cat 5 or cat 6 to every location you might want a camera, run cabling to every location you want door / window sensors. wireless is a option if there is no route but it is a pain in the ass long term |
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Originally Posted By icecold1: this is not the answer to a new build, run cat 5 or cat 6 to every location you might want a camera, run cabling to every location you want door / window sensors. wireless is a option if there is no route but it is a pain in the ass long term This. I would pick up a Vista panel, like a 20P, run the wires for the door / window / motion sensors, get compatible smoke alarms and add an Envisalink. Then run the cat5 / 5e / 6 for the POE cameras, to connect to an NVR or Blue Iris system. |
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