Consumers wanting home automation and security technology can opt for a professionally designed and installed system or go the DIY route. A DIY system looks awfully tempting on paper, especially since big tech ecosystems like Google Home and Amazon Alexa offer a large selection of plug-and-play devices. But as with anything else, there are trade-offs.
Going with something like Google Home or Amazon Alexa essentially means building a system piecemeal. It’s a fundamentally different approach compared to investing in a professionally designed, installed, and managed ecosystem.
Vivint is one of the nation’s leading names in professionally managed home security and automation. Along with their systems, they offer free installation and affordable monthly monitoring. From their point of view, there are four key reasons professionally installed security and home automation beats DIY smart hubs.
1. Professional Installation Eliminates Gaps
There is no arguing that a piecemeal setup gives you more granular control over your budget. But DIY home security and automation tends to lead to coverage gaps. Why? Because coverage relies entirely on your knowledge of how devices work.
A professionally managed system is also professionally installed. Knowledgeable and skilled technicians know exactly where to place each device. They also know how to install and mount devices for maximum protection. Essentially, professional installation eliminates the coverage gaps so common with DIY home security and automation.
2. A Purpose-Built Hardware Ecosystem
By going with a brand like Vivint, a consumer gets access to a purpose-built hardware ecosystem. Think of it this way. Vivint only does home security and automation. That’s it. The same does not apply to brands like Google and Amazon.
Google is primarily a data company. Amazon is primarily a retailer. The two have branched out into home automation because it supports their larger missions. But they are by no means home security and automation specialists. Doesn’t it make sense to work with a specialist?
3. Professional Monitoring and Push Notifications 24/7
A professionally installed and monitored system keeps watch over your home around the clock. Fully trained and competent team members staff remote monitoring centers that continually keep an eye on systems. As soon as an alert comes in, staff is immediately mobilized. The end result is a faster and more competent response.
You also get push notifications for every alert, which is something DIY home security and automation also offers. Yet there is a key difference. When you go the DIY route, you have to constantly be paying attention to your phone. When you choose a professionally monitored system, your service provider handles the alerts.
4. Commercial-Grade Redundancy and Reliability
Rounding out the list of advantages is commercial-grade redundancy and reliability. A professionally installed system should be equipped with battery backup that keeps sensors, hubs, and sirens operational even when the power goes out.
In terms of connection, most professionally installed systems can connect to the remote monitoring center via the internet (using your Wi-Fi) and cellular signals. Even if you experience a temporary internet outage, cell signals keep your system connected.
Ecosystems like Google Home and Amazon Alexa do not offer this sort of redundancy. A system will keep functioning properly as long as there is power and internet service. But if either or both are lost, every device in the system suddenly becomes useless.
Worth the Investment
DIY home security and automation can save consumers money. It is a good option if a person’s budget simply won’t support a professionally installed and monitored system. But if you can afford it, going the professional route is well worth the investment. At least that’s my take.