Designing the Perfect Smart Home Security System

Home security is a crucial aspect of owning a home, but with so many options available, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. How do you know where to start or know what’s best for your home? 

In this post, we’ll break down the key components, features, and add-ons that define a perfect smart home security system and provide advice for purchasing your first smart home security system so you can start protecting your home sooner rather than later. 

What is a Smart Home Security System?

A smart home security system is a type of alarm system that can be controlled and monitored remotely through a smartphone or mobile device. Unlike traditional alarm systems, a smart home security system allows you to arm and disarm the system, receive alerts, and view live footage recorded from cameras, all from the convenience of your mobile device. Additionally, many smart home security systems seamlessly integrate with other smart home products within your home, helping you to simplify your home routine.

Another benefit of smart home security systems is that many allow you the option to add on professional monitoring so that the authorities can be alerted of a break-in or other emergency as it’s happening. From warding off porch pirates to keeping a closer eye on your kids, these systems offer flexibility and security without the contracts or hefty fees that often come with traditional systems. 

How to Design the “Perfect” Smart Home Security System

In general, one of the main perks of a smart home security system is that it gives you the opportunity to create a home security system that’s tailored to your own specific needs, wants, and budget. 

If you’ve never had a smart home security system before, it can be hard to know where to begin your search. The good news is you don’t have to go in all at once – smart home security systems are designed with flexibility in mind, meaning you can add on products as you grow more comfortable with the technology or as your home security needs evolve.

That being said, it’s helpful to have some guidance to get started. Follow these steps to get yourself the best smart home security system for you:

Step 1: Know the Benefits

Before we get to the details of how to pick the best smart home security system for your home, here’s a recap on what makes these systems a good choice in the first place.

• Customizable: You can add or remove components as needed.

• Convenience: You can arm and disarm your system, receive alerts, and view live footage from cameras, all from the convenience of your mobile device.

• Integration: You can often integrate your system with other smart home devices, such as lights and thermostats, to control them remotely.

• Protection: Smart home security systems are equipped with sophisticated sensors and cameras that can detect intrusions, prevent break-ins, and alert you to other home hazards.

Step 2: Understand the Types of Equipment Available

There are a lot of components that make up smart home security systems. Understanding what’s essential, what’s popular, and what’s an add-on can help you start picking and choosing the components that are right for you. 

The Essentials: To get started, we recommend outfitting your home with some of the basic home protection components including a Base Station and Keypad, the hub of your home security system and its accompanying control panel that llows you to arm and disarm your system. Add on burglary detection components such as entry sensors to protect your windows and doors, motion sensors to alert you to movement in rooms or hallways, and a combined smoke & carbon monoxide detector to alert you to dangerous levels of smoke or CO in your home. To make your life even easier, SimpliSafe’s Essential Kit is a great starting point. 

The Popular Choices: Cameras are becoming increasingly popular, and for good reason too! Video doorbells help you to monitor for packages and visitors, indoor cameras allow you to glimpse into your home when you’re away and outdoor cameras give you eyes on your property’s entire perimeter. 

To enhance your camera’s abilities, we recommend signing up for 24/7 professional monitoring. With professional monitoring, monitoring agents are able to use video footage to verify and alarm and send help to your home immediately, thereby bringing you the help you need fast when you need it most. 

Other Add-Ons: As you become more familiar with smart home security, you may choose to add on additional components that fit your home’s unique needs. Temperature sensors that alert you to extreme high or low temperatures are great for those who live in climates that experience extreme weather, and water sensors are great for those who want to protect their home from leaks and floods. 

It’s also worth considering adding a panic button or an extra siren for additional protection and peace of mind. 

Step 3: Decide Your Budget

One of the benefits of a smart home security system -- especially compared to a traditional system -- is that you can pick and choose equipment based on your budget, and there are no contracts, either. 

SimpliSafe, for example, offers various options to fit different budgets. Our packages start at just $200 and our monitoring at just $9.99/mo. 

Step 4: Decide if You Want Professional Installation

Many people like the fact that smart home security devices can be installed by themselves. But this doesn’t mean you have to. If you like the convenience and ease that these systems offer but still want some help installing and setting them up, you can ask for professional installation service. 

Additional Advice for Designing Your First Smart Home Security System

• Start small with the essential equipment and gradually add on as needed.

• Look for a system that is easy to set up and use.

• Ensure that the system is compatible with other smart home devices you may already have.

• Look for a system that offers remote access and alerts through a mobile app.

• Consider professional monitoring services for added peace of mind.

At the end of the day, smart home security systems offer the flexibility to customize a system that meets your specific needs, budget, and lifestyle, with the ability to add on equipment and other features down the road. If you still need help deciding or simply want someone to choose components for you, take a look at SimpliSafe packages. There you will find a variety of different pre-designed packages made with multiple use cases in mind, helping make your decision a little bit easier.