Installing a home security system doesn’t have to take up a huge chunk of your household budget. Whether you’re a seasoned DIYer or a new to this project, there are plenty of ways to secure your home at a price you are comfortable with.

In the past, having a system set up in your house was considered ambitious and expensive. But, thanks to technological evolutions that have made devices more user-friendly, there exist simpler ways to feel more at peace in your own space. And no, you won’t need to watch dozens of how-to videos on YouTube or deal with complicated instructionals to succeed. DIY home security projects these days are pretty much straightfoward that even novices can get them done.

But, before we look into these tried and tested ways, let’s first look at home a home security systems works and what elements are most important.

Understanding How A Home Security System Works

What makes up a home security system? Let’s first understand what makes each part important before you get to the actual DIY assembly process. To achieve the best type of security system for your home, you need to find the right balance between the technology that is available and how much you can spend. At the barest minimum, you will need a device that is wireless, multi-functioning, and flexible enough to accommodate future expansion when your budget allows.

Most basic smart security systems are composed of a control hub, entryway sensors, security cameras, motion detectors, alarms or sirens, yard signs or stickers, monitoring services, key forbs, and an integrated app on your smartphone.

The control hub serves as the command center for your entire setup. It is what receives signals from the different components and is the source of status updates. Without the control hub, your home security system will be crippled. General motions sensors alert the system to any suspicious movements in and outside your home, depending on where they are positioned. Door and window sensors also alert you of any attempt to enter your home, either via breakage or vibration.

Security cameras provide the visual confirmation you need to feel safer at home or at your business. By having eyes on all possible points of entry at all times, you can sleep better or enjoy your vacation with greater peace of mind. There are certain downloadable apps that can be linked to your home security system so can watch your home even if you’re miles away at any time of the day. You can also program your alarm or siren to go off at your instruction in case you see someone approaching, just to scare him or her away before anything happens. If you’re not looking, having a motion detector in place will set the noise off.

Creating Your Home Security System With A $200 Budget

You can always go for a $100 ceiling budget but that won’t likely get you far in terms of having smart system installed. However, this amount can already get you a good security camera, motion sensor and some yard signs and stickers you can place at the front yard to tell people that a security system is in place.

However, if you want to have a reliable smart home security system in place, you might as well prepare $200. Smart hubs act as the brain that monitors and controls the network of wireless devices that you have connected to it. It can even accommodate connections with automated home appliances such as thermostats, lights, and even coffee machines and smart locks.

For around $90, you can already get the Samsung SmartThings Hub. You can reinforce this with the SmartThings door multi-purpose sensor, which costs about $35, and the Samsung motion sensor, which goes at around $36. You can complete the set with an indoor security camera like the Zmodo Wireless, which retails for around $39. These are pretty much the basic elements you need for a smart home security system. Each of these devices will have a set of instructions for assembly. Better yet, get them as a package so you only need to know how things connect.

The fancier devices cost much more, with the stylish abode Connected Home Security and Automation Starter Kit retailing for about $500. But let’s get to that when you’re ready to enhance your system and splurge a little more.

DIYing Home Security

Of course, to successfully install a home security system, you must first ensure that the devices you are using are compatible with each other. This is the whole point of having a smart hub and a centralized security setup. Choosing sensors, alarms and cameras that use the same communication protocols is crucial to achieve a fully integrated and working package — even if the entire thing is just under $200.

Setting up an affordable package on your own is fine. It’s actually quite a challenge to do so. But while you might start out with monitoring your own home yourself, it is still the wisest to eventually employ a professional service to watch your home. Knowing about a break-in is one thing, but responding to it is another.  While monitoring your own home lets you decide whether to respond to the threat or not, this can be potentially dangerous. You can always call the authorities to head over to your home, but in times of surprise, panic could set in and you might jump into the situation yourself.  The delay in the response time by the police can also lead to property damage or loss.

This is especially true if you own a business or have a lot of valuables in your premises. If there are things that need to be doubly protected, or if you are worried about your and your family’s safety, spending on a more solid security setup will not feel like a burden at all. The sense of security and confidence that you can sleep soundly at night without worrying about being burgled or attacked is priceless.