Welcome to Part 6 of our 14-day security series.
Choosing a security system depends on your property, budget and level of risk. DIY alarm and CCTV kits can suit some homes and small premises. Professionally designed systems provide greater planning, support and expansion options.
This guide compares both approaches for homeowners, landlords and businesses across North Wales.
DIY security systems
DIY systems are supplied as kits. You usually install the hub, door contacts, motion detectors and cameras yourself.
Most connect through Wi-Fi or a mobile application. You receive alerts directly on your phone. Some systems also offer optional subscription-based monitoring.
Advantages
DIY systems can provide:
- Lower initial equipment costs.
- Quick installation.
- Wireless installation with limited disruption.
- App-based alerts and remote access.
- Flexible equipment for smaller properties.
- The option to expand the system later.
Self-monitored systems can be suitable for a lower-risk home, garage, holiday property or small premises. They can also provide useful reassurance when you are prepared to respond to alerts yourself.
Correct specification remains important. A low-cost kit may not cover every entrance, outbuilding or vulnerable area. You must also maintain the system and keep the app, passwords and firmware secure.
Professional security systems
A professional system starts with a survey. The installer assesses the building, access points, internal layout, connectivity and likely risks.
The system is then designed around the property. It may include an intruder alarm, CCTV, remote access, external detection and optional monitoring.
Dragon installs Risco intruder alarm systems for domestic and commercial properties. Risco offers wired, wireless and hybrid options. This allows the system to suit different building types and future requirements.
Advantages
Professional installation can provide:
- A structured assessment of the property.
- Better sensor and camera positioning.
- More complete coverage.
- Correct configuration of entry and exit delays.
- Reduced risk of avoidable false alarms.
- Professional commissioning and handover.
- Ongoing maintenance and fault support.
- Options for self-monitoring or Alarm Receiving Centre monitoring.
- Easier expansion when the property changes.
Professional systems are often the better option for larger homes, landlords, businesses, retail premises, offices, warehouses and properties with specific insurance requirements.
Cost comparison
DIY systems usually have a lower purchase price. You may pay for the equipment and install it yourself. Some services then add monthly charges for video storage, advanced alerts or professional monitoring.
You must also consider the cost of:
- Additional sensors.
- Replacement batteries.
- Extra cameras.
- Wi-Fi improvements.
- Storage subscriptions.
- Repairs after incorrect installation.
- Replacing equipment that does not suit the property.
Professional systems cost more at the start because the price includes design, installation, programming and testing.
Dragon provides self-monitored security options from £499.99 + VAT. Terms and conditions apply. The final price depends on the property, equipment and required coverage.
A professional survey helps you avoid buying equipment that cannot cover the building properly. It also identifies whether wired, wireless or hybrid equipment is most suitable.
Installation and coverage
DIY equipment is usually easy to fit in basic layouts. However, positioning affects performance.
A motion detector may not cover a room if it is placed behind furniture. A camera may produce poor footage if it faces direct sunlight. A wireless device may lose communication if it is too far from the hub or separated by thick walls.
North Wales properties can present additional challenges. Stone buildings, outbuildings, large gardens, rural locations and detached garages may require careful planning.
A professional survey considers:
- Main entrances.
- Rear doors.
- Ground-floor windows.
- Conservatories and extensions.
- Garages and outbuildings.
- Driveways and side access.
- Internal routes between rooms.
- Blind spots around the building.
- Wireless signal strength.
- Available power and network connections.
Professional CCTV should capture useful footage rather than simply produce a large number of recordings. Cameras must be aimed at important areas and configured for suitable detection and recording.
CCTV that captures public areas or neighbouring property may also create data protection responsibilities. Check the Information Commissioner’s Office guidance if your cameras record beyond your property boundary.
Connectivity and remote access
DIY systems normally depend on broadband and Wi-Fi. This can work well when the internet connection is stable.
Problems can occur if:
- The router loses power.
- The Wi-Fi signal is weak.
- The broadband service fails.
- The app account becomes locked.
- The device loses connection to the cloud.
- A camera battery becomes depleted.
Professional systems can be designed with additional communication options. Depending on the system, this may include broadband and mobile communication paths.
Dragon can configure Risco systems for remote access and notifications. You can check the alarm status, receive alerts and manage selected functions through the relevant application.
Remote access does not remove the need for local testing. You should confirm that the alarm, notifications and communication path continue to work.
Cybersecurity
Both DIY and professional systems require secure management.
Follow these steps:
- Change all default passwords.
- Use a unique password for the alarm and CCTV account.
- Enable two-factor authentication where available.
- Keep the app and firmware updated.
- Secure your home or business router.
- Review user access regularly.
- Remove former occupants, staff or contractors.
- Avoid sharing administrator credentials.
- Use a separate network for connected security equipment where appropriate.
- Check that remote access remains enabled only for authorised users.
A professional installation does not automatically make a system cyber-secure. Your password and user-management practices still matter.
Maintenance and false alarms
DIY owners must manage their own maintenance. This includes testing sensors, checking batteries, cleaning cameras and confirming that recordings are available.
False alarms may result from:
- Incorrect motion-detector positioning.
- Pets moving through protected areas.
- Loose doors or windows.
- Poorly aligned contacts.
- Heating vents or direct sunlight.
- Staff or family members using the wrong entry procedure.
- Low batteries.
- Unstable network connections.
- Changes to the internal layout.
Professional commissioning reduces these risks. An installer can set suitable entry delays, configure detectors and explain how to operate the system.
Regular servicing is also important. Dragon provides maintenance, fault-finding and support for security systems. Planned maintenance can identify battery faults, communication problems and damaged equipment before a security incident occurs.
Insurance requirements
Do not choose a security system based only on a product price.
Ask your insurer:
- Is an alarm required?
- Must it be professionally installed?
- Does the installer need specific accreditation?
- Is a particular alarm grade required?
- Must the system be maintained?
- Is monitoring required?
- Must the alarm be set whenever the property is unoccupied?
- What documents must you keep?
A DIY alarm may be acceptable for some policies. It may not meet the requirements for a high-value home, commercial premises, rented property or specialist insurance policy.
Always confirm the requirements before installation. Keep the installation records, maintenance reports and certificates provided.
Self-monitoring or professional monitoring?
Self-monitoring sends alerts to you or your nominated keyholders. You decide what action to take.
This can be suitable when:
- You live close to the property.
- You can respond quickly.
- You have reliable keyholders.
- The property has a lower risk profile.
- Your insurer accepts self-monitoring.
- You are willing to test and maintain the system.
Professional monitoring sends alarm signals to an Alarm Receiving Centre. The response process depends on the service, system configuration and agreed keyholder arrangements.
Monitoring may be more suitable for:
- Businesses.
- Empty properties.
- Rental portfolios.
- Remote buildings.
- Premises with valuable stock.
- Sites where a rapid response process is important.
- Properties with insurer or contract requirements.
Police attendance is not automatic. It depends on the system, verification arrangements, current requirements and operational priorities.
Future expansion
A basic DIY kit may be enough today. Your requirements may change later.
You may add:
- More doors and window contacts.
- Additional cameras.
- Smoke or heat detection.
- Garage protection.
- Outbuilding coverage.
- Access control.
- Additional users.
- A second property.
- Professional monitoring.
Check the expansion limits before buying. Some systems accept only specific accessories. Others may depend on a particular subscription or cloud service.
Professional systems can be planned for future changes. Risco wired, wireless and hybrid options can support different layouts and expansion requirements, subject to the system design.
Which option should you choose?
Choose a suitable DIY system if you need straightforward protection, understand the limitations and can manage installation and maintenance correctly.
Choose a professional system if you need:
- A property-specific design.
- More complete coverage.
- A formal installation record.
- Ongoing maintenance.
- Support for multiple sites.
- Integration with CCTV.
- Flexible monitoring options.
- Assistance with insurer requirements.
- A system that can grow with the property.
There is no single solution for every North Wales property. The right choice depends on the building, its contents, occupancy, connectivity, insurance requirements and budget.
Dragon can survey your property and explain the available options without unnecessary extras. We install and maintain Risco intruder alarms, CCTV and related security systems for homes, landlords and businesses.
For advice or a professional survey, call 01492 330330 or contact Dragon Security & Electrical Ltd.
You can also review our security services and learn more about professional Risco intruder alarm systems.
Prices and system availability depend on the property survey and specification. Self-monitored options are available from £499.99 + VAT. Terms and conditions apply.