It can be difficult to choose the right home security system for your home. There are multiple different factors that you should consider, and installation is also one of them.
In fact, installation can be very intimidating and tricky in certain instances. Because of that, many people have concerns about the installation process and how long it takes.
How long does it take to install a home security system? Home security systems can take between 10 minutes to upwards of 30 hours to install. Wireless home security systems with fewer sensors and cameras can be installed in 10 minutes to 6 hours, and wired home security systems can take from 1.5 hours up to several days to install.
There can be a huge difference between the time needed to install one home security system compared to another.
Below you will find more detailed information, including some real-life examples which will help you build a better picture of what you can expect.
How Long Does It Take to Install a DIY Home Security System?
DIY home security systems are increasing in popularity among homeowners and especially renters. What makes them so good is the fact that you will not need the help of qualified technicians to install the security system.
DIY home security systems are usually easy to install since they are built with that particular goal in mind. They are often wireless and can be removed and installed in a new location without that taking too much time.
DIY home security systems usually do not take a lot of time to install. Typically most DIY home security systems take between 10 minutes up to 6 hours to be installed. Some DIY systems can take even longer to install if they are composed of a high number of sensors, devices, and cameras.
How Long Does It Take to Install a Professionally Installed Home Security System?
This type of home security system is usually installed only by qualified technicians. They require more time to set up and install properly. Since you will need to have technicians come to your home, you will also need to plan your schedule a little more carefully.
Compared to DIY home security systems, professionally installed security systems are usually considered a more long-term solution. Removing them also requires a professional technician to take the system apart. This is not only time-consuming but also expensive.
Professionally installed home security systems usually take more time to be installed properly. Most professionally installed home security systems take between 1.5 hours to more than 30 hours to be installed.
Another thing worth mentioning is that usually, same-day installation is rarely offered, although it is possible to schedule a same-day installation in certain instances. This means that it may take up to several days before the technicians come to install your home security system.
What Affects the Installation Time of Home Security Systems?
Home security system installation can vary widely due to different reasons like the number of devices and sensors used, type of security system, location, and the construction of the building.
The Number of Sensors and Devices
The basic kits most home security systems come with feature few sensors and devices. This makes them easy to install. However, installing multiple sensors, devices, or cameras will naturally require more time.
Some of the most basic home security systems can be installed in as little as 10 to 90 minutes. These systems will usually be wireless and have just a few door or window sensors.
For example, installing one door or window sensor can take as little as 1 to 5 minutes, but installing multiple sensors can quickly add up. Usually, if you need to install more than 20 sensors and devices, you may need an additional 60 to 120 minutes.
The Type of Home Security System
The type of home security system you will be using, including the type of sensors and devices you need, can significantly affect the installation time. A more complicated system will naturally take longer to set up and install.
The Construction of the Building
Depending on the construction of your home and where you want to have the sensors, devices, and cameras installed, the installation time can vary significantly.
Some homes may not have enough crawl spaces or proper full attics, making running wires very time-consuming and difficult.
Pitched roofs usually make the running of cables easier compared to flat roofs, too.
The make of the property’s walls can also make the installation of cameras and devices more difficult. For example, double brick, foam, and Hebel walls can all make the installation process more difficult.
Some systems may even require some demolition work to be performed, especially if the property is not pre-wired.
The installation on multi-story and larger buildings also tends to take longer because this affects the distance between the different devices and cameras.
For example, some cameras can be particularly tricky to install depending on placement. While some cameras may not have to be mounted in hard-to-reach spots, others will prove trickier. The installation of one camera can range between 15 to 45 minutes.
The installation of smart locks, deadbolts, and video doorbells can also range between 15 to 35 minutes, depending on where they need to be installed.
Installation Support Offered
Not everybody is good with technology or particularly handy. So the amount of support the home security company offers is going to be vital. On top of that, the installation process can always be accompanied by the occasional glitch or bug.
Additionally, the different sensors, devices, and cameras may have certain requirements as to how and where they should be installed for the best results.
When it comes to DIY home security systems, some companies offer installation manuals, user guides, installation videos, and even support over the phone or chat. All of these can make the installation of your home security system more streamlined and easy to accomplish in very little time.
Some companies even offer professional installation upon request at an added fee.
Additionally, some home security systems may require you to call the company’s customer care team in order to test and activate the system. This could add an additional 20 to 45 minutes to the total installation time.
Examples of How Long It Takes to Install Home Security Systems
Before you check the numbers given below, as a little disclaimer, keep in mind that these are average numbers, which can vary drastically, as already explained. Nonetheless, these examples can give you a good idea of what you can expect.
- Ring: Installing Ring’s wireless video doorbell and cameras can take about 5 to 10 minutes each. Installing a hardwired Ring video doorbell, on the other hand, can take up to 25 minutes. (The same amount of time, on average, can be expected from other similar brands like Nest and Wyze.)
- Frontpoint: Frontpoint home security systems also tend to take little time to install—as little as 30 minutes in some cases.
- ADT: Blue by ADT, which is ADT’s DIY home security system, can be installed in as little as 20 minutes to upwards of 6 hours in some instances. On the other hand, ADT’s wired home security systems can take from several hours up to several days to install.
- SimpliSafe: Another popular brand of home security system is SimpliSafe. On average, it takes between 35 to 90 minutes to install the SimpliSafe system.
- Vivint: Vivint home security systems usually take between 3 to 4 hours to install, although the time can also vary significantly.
- Arlo: Arlo’s home security systems are completely DIY. Their home security system is camera-based, and it can be installed in as little as 10 minutes. Depending on the number of cameras and where you want them located, it may take longer to install the system.
- Swann: A fairly standard Swann security system with 4 cameras can take between 4 to 8 hours to install. More cameras and other factors can further increase the time needed to install the system.
How to Make the Installation of a Home Security System Take Less Time?
There are a few basic steps that you can take in order to ensure you will not spend more time installing your home security system than necessary.
Always start with the manual. Ensure you understand the steps outlined in it in connection to the initial setup and installation of each device, sensor, and camera.
Ensure you have the right tools handy. The right tools will depend on the type of your home security system and where everything will be installed. This can range from needing a few double-sided tapes to screwdrivers and drills.
Some people and technicians can be tempted to rush the work; however, this is not advised—it is always better to ensure everything has been installed correctly and according to code.
If you are having your home security system installed by a technician, make sure to clean and remove objects from the areas of your house where the sensors, devices, and cameras will be installed to allow easier access.
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